Procedures
Dental Implants
Your Guide to Dental Implants
Dental implants are medical devices surgically implanted into the jaw to replace damaged or lost teeth with artificial structures.
They are small titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a strong, stable foundation for dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, or dentures. They can help to restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently.
Dental implants are a reliable option for patients missing one or more teeth, restoring both the appearance and function of their smile. They also support jaw health by preventing bone loss, which can occur when teeth are missing, and keep neighboring teeth from shifting out of place.
At AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, our priority is always you and your oral health. If you are searching for a dental implant specialist, we can help. Call (480) 830-5866 to book a free dental implant consultation at one of our five locations: Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low and Tempe.
Key Takeaway
Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option. They improve both the look and function of restored teeth. They support jaw health by preventing bone loss, which can occur when teeth are missing, and keep neighboring teeth from shifting out of place.
Advantages of Dental Implants
With so many advantages, it is no wonder dental implants have become so popular.
- They look and feel just like natural teeth. This means you can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about damaging your dental prosthetics.
- Easy to care for. You can brush and floss them just like you would your real teeth. Your dental hygienist can assist you with any special dental care or cleaning solutions.
- Potentially more durable than natural teeth.
- Renewed confidence and smile.
Success Rate
Approximately 95%-98% of patients experience successful results when treated by an experienced team of doctors. Many implants can last for decades with proper care.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults with strong jaw bones and the ability to undergo routine oral surgery are good candidates for dental implants.
The best way to know for sure is to consult your oral surgeon. They can assess your dental health and help you determine if implants are the right option for you.
Certain factors may require special consideration, including:
- Heavy smoking
- Chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease
- Being immunocompromised
- Prior radiation therapy to the head or neck area
- Periodontal disease or severe dental issues that require tooth extractions or bone grafting to improve implant success
Patients with conditions such as osteoporosis or significant bone loss may not be candidates. The best way to determine your suitability is to schedule a consultation with your oral surgeon, who will assess your dental health and create a personalized plan.
Are They Expensive?
While dental implants may have a higher upfront cost compared to bridges or dentures, they are a long-term investment in your smile and confidence. Unlike bridges, which often need replacing every 5–7 years, dental implants are designed to last for decades with proper care.
Before any procedure, we provide a clear breakdown of all costs and discuss flexible payment options to fit your needs.
Dental Implants Vs. Dentures, What’s the Difference?
Dental implants and dentures are two popular options for replacing missing teeth. While they offer similar benefits, there are key differences to consider.
Conventional dentures are removable dental prosthetics that fit over your gums. They can help restore your ability to chew and speak, and they can also improve the appearance of your smile. However, dentures must be replaced or relined every few years because they accelerate jaw bone loss. They also require special cleaning solutions and care.
Dental implants are permanent fixtures that act like artificial tooth roots. They provide a stable, durable foundation for prosthetics like crowns and bridges. Implants are ideal for those missing multiple teeth or seeking a long-term solution. With a high success rate, they look and feel more natural while offering unmatched stability and longevity.
| Feature | Dental Implants | Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent, surgically placed fixtures | Removable prosthetics that sit over gums |
| Procedure | Requires surgery to place implants into the jawbone, followed by healing and restoration (3–6 months) | Non-surgical; impressions taken and dentures created in weeks |
| Timeline | Longer process due to healing and bone integration | Faster process, typically a few weeks |
| Durability | Long-lasting, can last decades with care | Needs replacement every 5–7 years |
| Stability | Extremely stable; functions like natural teeth | Less stable; adhesives may be needed |
| Comfort | Feels like natural teeth; no slipping | May cause discomfort or irritation over time |
| Maintenance | Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits | Requires special cleaning solutions and adhesives |
| Impact on Bone Health | Preserves jawbone by stimulating bone growth and reducing bone resorption | Bone loss can occur over time without stimulation and chewing pressure from the denture |
| Chewing Ability | Strong and efficient, similar to natural teeth | Restores some functions but is less efficient |
| Aesthetics | Natural appearance; blends seamlessly with teeth | Improves smile but may look less natural |
| Cost | Higher initial investment; long-term value | Lower upfront cost; more frequent replacements required |
| Suitability | Ideal for healthy patients with sufficient jawbone | Suitable for most patients, including those with significant bone loss |
| Cons | – Requires surgery – Higher cost – Longer healing time | – Can slip or shift – Needs frequent adjustments – May feel less natural |
Endosteal Implants
There are three main types of implants: endosteal, subperiosteal implants, and zygomatic implants.
Endosteal implants are the most common and safest type of dental implant.
They are placed directly into the jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots. Once the endosteal implants have healed, small posts are attached to them. These posts will support dental restorations like a dental crown or bridge. Endosteal implants also help promote bone growth, which helps prevent future issues like tooth loss.
The Dental Implant Procedure: Step by Step
1. Initial Consultation
Your oral surgeon will thoroughly assess your dental health. Discuss any health conditions you may have, such as diabetes or heart disease, which can impact the procedure. Diagnostic tools like X-rays or 3D scans may be used to evaluate your jawbone structure and plan the implant placement. If additional procedures are needed, such as bone grafts or tooth extractions, your surgeon will outline a tailored implant treatment plan.
2. Prepare for Surgery
Your surgeon will determine the best implant placement strategy based on your jawbone density and dental needs. If you decide to proceed, your surgeon will schedule the implant surgery. Read the preoperative instructions to make sure that you are ready for the big day.
3. Implant Placement Surgery
Sedation or anesthesia will be used to keep you comfortable. Small incisions are made in your gums to expose the jawbone. The titanium implants are carefully placed into the bone. Sometimes, a healing abutment is placed on top of the implant to help shape the gumline for your future crown. The incisions are then closed with stitches to allow proper healing.
4. Healing and Osseointegration
After surgery, your body begins the critical healing phase. Over the next 3–6 months, the implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone. This healing process, called osseointegration, creates a strong and stable foundation for your new tooth. Follow our post-operative instructions to promote healing. See also: What To Expect After Dental Implant Surgery.
5. Follow-up
Once your jawbone has healed and the implants have fused with the bone, you will return to your oral surgeon to test the implants for stability.
6. Restorations
Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to design a custom crown, bridge, or hybrid denture that perfectly matches your smile. If necessary, a temporary tooth can be placed for aesthetics until the permanent restoration is ready. Once the final prosthetic is ready, you will need to return to the dental surgeon for placement of the final crown restoration.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
MDental implants are designed to potentially last a lifetime. Successful implants require proper care to stay healthy and strong:
- Brush and floss daily, just like you would with natural teeth.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings to monitor your implants.
- Avoid habits that can damage implants, such as smoking, chewing on hard objects, or grinding your teeth.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, your implants can look and function beautifully for many years.
Risks
Dental implants are typically a safe and effective solution, but like any surgical procedure, there are some associated risks. These risks may include:
- Infection
- Dental implant failure (when the implant does not fuse with the bone)
- Gum recession
- Damage to the alveolar nerve
- Sinus complications
- Peri-implant disease
- Implant rejection
To minimize these risks, it’s crucial to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully and attend all dental and surgical appointments.
FDA Approved and Biocompatibility
All dental implants must be FDA-approved before being used in dental implant surgery. Additionally, all dental implant manufacturers must undergo biocompatibility testing to make sure that their implants are safe for use in humans.
Dental implants are made from titanium alloy, a biocompatible material well-tolerated by the human body. This means that this tiny titanium screw does not cause adverse reactions in patients and can integrate with bone tissue.
Your Dental Implant Specialists in Arizona
Are you ready to reclaim your smile?
Dental implants can restore your teeth, boost your confidence, and improve your quality of life. Whether you need a single implant, All-On-4, or full reconstruction, we are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
To book a free dental implant consultation at our oral surgery office in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low or Tempe, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.
