Dental Implants

Dental Implants Q & A

To give you better clarity on dental implants and what to expect, we’re answering some of the most common questions:

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are replacements for your natural teeth that are both durable and natural-feeling. They’re comprised of three parts: an artificial tooth or crown, a medical-grade metal post that we implant in your jawbone, and an abutment to attach the two. Once implanted, the post and jawbone will fuse together, making the implant look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.

What Should I Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure?

It takes three visits to place an implant. While the work to put in dental implants is more than just getting a crown or bridge, the results are long-lasting and work just like your natural teeth.

• On the first visit, Dr. Ngo securely places the implant in your jawbone. A stable implant post requires a certain amount of bone tissue. You might require a graft to augment the existing if the bone has been weakened by infection, trauma, or decay. We can often perform a bone graft when we place the post.
• After several weeks to let the post fuse with the jawbone, a second appointment will attach the abutment to the post, then we’ll create an impression and send it to the lab for making the crown.
• On the third visit, Dr. Ngo will attach the crown and make adjustments for a comfortable fit. With the crown attached and correctly adjusted, the implant is immediately usable and blends in with the rest of your teeth in both look and function.

What Benefits Do Dental Implants Offer Compared to Bridges and Dentures?

Because they’re attached to the jawbone, you don’t have to worry about painful sore spots, embarrassing slippage, or infections. They fit perfectly and stay in place without the concern of the crown getting loose. The implant post also helps to stimulate the natural replacement cycle of the bone and prevents bone atrophy and possible additional tooth loss. Bridges and dentures sit right on your gums and don’t offer any stimulation, so the bone tissue will wear away and thin over time. Additional benefits of dental implants include their natural look, feel, and function to restore your confidence when chewing, talking, and smiling. They’re also built to last for a lifetime of responsible use.

What Advantages Are There to Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a more permanent solution to tooth loss. They fit, look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, and they’re built to last for a lifetime of use. You care for them just like your natural teeth with a dental hygiene regimen and oral exams at the dentist. One of the best parts is you don’t have to worry about them developing cavities. If a crown breaks, it can be replaced, and you’re back to normal.

Do Implant Dentures Require Special Care?

While the crown won’t decay, it can become damaged, and the gum tissue can still become diseased, so you want to care for them with a healthy dental hygiene regimen and routine dental cleanings with Dr. Ngo. You should also avoid chewing on ice or hard foods, so you don’t risk damaging them. For questions or to make an appointment, contact S&L Dental today for dental implants and more in Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, AZ!