What is a Dental Implant?

If you are looking for replacement teeth to replace a missing tooth or several missing permanent teeth that feel, look, and function like natural teeth, dental implants are the very best option. In a dental implant procedure, Dr. Harman and his team replace missing teeth by having artificial tooth roots inserted into your jawbone. Unlike dentures, these artificial teeth, called dental implants, bond with your jawbone, allowing Dr. Harman to place replacement teeth, which are called crowns.

What is a Dental Implant Procedure?

The dental implant procedure is an outpatient surgical procedure involving several appointments. The entire procedure includes initial consultation, followed by another appointment dental implant surgery. There are different materials available for dental implants, such as titanium. The dental implants will fuse to your jawbone and gain the functions of natural tooth roots. The artificial tooth root will help the Dr. Harman secure the replacement tooth to make them stable and blend with the adjacent teeth.

The Purpose of Dental Implants

There are several options to replace missing teeth lost to gum disease, injury, tooth decay, or infection, such as a removable denture and bridges. However, if you want permanent replacement for teeth that approach the feel and function of regular teeth, dental implants are unquestionably the best option. Dr. Harman will present these options to you upon your visit. He will check whether you have enough space in your bone in the area of the to allow a procedure with a CBCT (Xray that goes around your head which is in 3 dimensions). Dental implant cost is higher than other options per tooth. However, it is the longest-lasting and dental implants feel and function like regular teeth.

Who Can’t Have Dental Implant Surgery?

Before considering dental implant replacement surgery, you must talk to your Dr. Harman about your medical history. People with serious diseases such as leukemia and diabetes may not be candidates for dental implant surgery because dental implant surgery and dental implant therapy may impede their healing process. Growing children won’t be good candidates either because their jaw growth and development are not yet complete. Smokers are cautioned about undergoing dental implant procedures because smoking can disturb the healing process.

Preparing for Dental Implants

Your Dr. Harman and Dr. Adams will perform a comprehensive examination to determine if the implant site can take on dental implants. They will take x-rays and discuss the plan for the dental implant surgery. Once they determine that you are a good candidate for dental implant surgery, they will schedule the surgery appointment for placing implants and the primary dental implant surgery.

The Dental Implant Procedure Details

The dental implant procedure for single teeth comes in three main phases. Sometimes when a tooth comes out a bone graft and the implant can be placed at the same time.  Other situations require a tooth to come out, the bone graft going into the space the root or roots of the teeth were in and then waiting for months for the bone to grow into your bone followed by the placement of the implant. 

If the tooth has already been missing Dr. Adams places the implant right away. He will cut over the gum’s soft tissue to reach the jawbone where the missing tooth is located to place the dental implant. Once placed, Dr. Adams will close the gum tissue to allow healing and osseointegration. Osseointegration is the process that results in bone growth around the implant to make it stable enough to stay in place. The next step will take place in a few months.

The next step is when the dentist places a connecting piece called an abutment. These connecting pieces will hold the new tooth which is called a crown.

In the case where all teeth need to come out or if someone has a denture and is ready for a much better quality of life a procedure called All-on-4 or teeth-in-a-day.

The process begins with Dr. Harman and his team taking a digital scan of your mouth.  The dental lab will then fabricate an appliance that spans the full arch and gets screwed into the implants at the time of implant placement surgery.  It has been truly life-changing for many of our patients.

How to Prevent Implant Failure?

Like natural teeth, dental implants can be prone to periodontal disease. Practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth, flossing regularly and using a dental implant’s “best friend”, a water pick. Regular dental visits are recommended to ensure proper care of your dental implants and the remaining natural teeth. After the dental implant surgery, expect some swelling, bruising, and mild pain that is typically managed with ibuprophen. Bad dental implants are rare.  Implant failures most common culprit is smoking after implant surgery.

Takeaways: For the Best Dental Implants in Phoenix, Call Dr. Harman

Chew and smile with confidence, just like having natural teeth! Whether for small diameter implants or for a complete arch of teeth with just four dental implants, Dr. Harman Dental Care’s team are practitioners of this remarkable technique. If you are tired of removable dentures and placing glues regularly for removable replacement teeth, this procedure can solve your dental problems for the rest of your life. Not only is it long-lasting, but this procedure is also cost-effective in the long run. To know more about the ALL-On-4 Dental Implant Treatment in Phoenix, call us at (602) 840-5300. 

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