Dental implants are a popular solution for missing teeth. They offer a permanent and natural-looking alternative to traditional bridges and removable dentures. Dr. Jennifer Mohr is dedicated to helping patients find the best tooth replacement solution. She recommends dental implants in Tucson, AZ, because of their many key benefits for your oral health and lifestyle.
Tooth implants are part of our restorative dentistry services. We provide one or more implants to support a crown, dental bridge, or denture.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts inserted into the jawbone. These serve as a foundation for replacement teeth. They mimic the function of natural tooth roots. Over time, they bond with the bone, creating a sturdy base, which makes them a durable and reliable option.
Because implant posts are biocompatible, they will become a part of your mouth without any negative effects. The same materials used for medical limb replacement are used to create implants.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
For many patients, implants are a preferred choice. With the right routine, they can last a lifetime. The many benefits of this tooth replacement include:
Natural Look
Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. They are designed to fuse with the bone in your jaw, making them a permanent solution. This fusion gives them the strength and stability to function just like your real teeth.
With implants, you can smile confidently again, knowing that your new teeth blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. They not only restore your teeth but also improve your overall appearance.
Better Dental Health
When you lose a tooth, you can also lose part of your natural jaw bone. Healthy tooth roots support your jaw bone health. Without that support, you can lose natural jaw bone, which leads to problems biting and chewing.
Unlike other restorations, implant restorations do not lay on the gums. Instead, they replace the natural tooth roots. Implant-supported restorations support better bite function.
Better Oral Health
One of the biggest benefits of implants is that they don’t require altering nearby teeth. Unlike bridges or dentures, which may need to shave down or adjust surrounding teeth, implants stand alone. This means that your other teeth stay intact, helping to preserve your natural smile.
Because they are individual units, implants make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. You can brush and floss around them just like you would with your natural teeth. They make it easier to keep your gums and teeth healthy over time.
Increased Self-Confidence
Missing teeth can affect your self-esteem and make you feel self-conscious about speaking or smiling. Implants can help boost your confidence by restoring the function and appearance of your teeth.
They allow you to eat, talk, and laugh without the worry of your teeth shifting or falling out, which can happen with dentures. With implants, you get the stability and comfort you need to feel confident in social situations again.
Am I a Good Implant Candidate?
If you have tooth loss and are interested in dental implants in Tucson, AZ, we will work with you to see if they are right for you. In general, we recommend implants for you if you have:
- Healthy Gums and Bone: To support an implant, you need healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw. The implant has to fuse with your jawbone, so a strong foundation is important. If you don’t have enough bone, you might need a bone graft to build it up first.
- Good Overall Health: Dental implant surgery requires you to be in good general health because it’s a minor surgical procedure. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or smoking can make it harder for your implant to heal and work correctly.
- A Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Teeth implants need care just like natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to keep your implant healthy and long-lasting.
Dental Implant Treatment
The first step in getting a tooth implant is an initial consultation with Dr. Jennifer Mohr. During this visit, Dr. Mohr will assess your oral health to see if dental implants in Tucson, AZ, suit you. She will check your teeth, gums, and the condition of your jawbone.
Pretreatments
You may need a bone graft if your jawbone is not thick enough to support an implant. Bone grafting uses healthy bone tissue from a donor or different part of the mouth. If you have gum disease or tooth decay, we will treat these problems. Once you are in good oral health, we will begin treatment.
Implant Placement
If you are a good candidate for a dental implant, the next step is placing the implant itself. This process is done in two main phases: the surgical and restorative phases. During the surgical phase, Dr. Mohr will place a titanium post (the implant) into your jawbone under local anesthetic. This post acts as a replacement root for your missing tooth.
Healing Process
After the implant is placed, it will need time to heal and bond with the surrounding bone. This process, called osseointegration, is essential for the implant to become stable and secure.
Once healing is complete, Dr. Mohr will attach a small connector called an abutment to the implant. This small piece links the post and your replacement tooth or teeth. You will need more time to heal until we provide your final restoration. We will take dental impressions for your crown, bridge, or denture at this time.
Final Restoration
We send impressions of your mouth to a local dental lab. They will create your new teeth based on our measurements and shade matches. After several weeks, your final implant restoration will be complete. You will return to our office so we securely attach it to your healed implants.
How to Care for Your New Implants
Taking care of your dental implants after treatment in our Tucson, AZ, dental office will keep your smile healthy and strong. Just like natural teeth, your implants need regular attention so they stay in good condition.
To maintain your implants:
Brush and Floss
Start by brushing your new teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This will help remove plaque and food particles, keeping your implants and gums clean.
Be sure to floss around your implants. You can use a floss threader or water flosser to get between the implant and surrounding teeth. Flossing helps prevent gum disease and keeps the area around your implants free of plaque.
Schedule Regular Visits
Regular visits to our Tucson dental office are also important for keeping your implants in good shape. These check-ups allow us to check the health of your implants and surrounding tissues. If you have any issues, we can catch them early and take care of them before they become bigger problems.
Quit Smoking
During the implant process and as you heal, you should avoid tobacco products. Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection around your implants. If you stop smoking, even for a short time, it can decrease the risk of implant failure.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read answers to common questions patients have about dental implants in our Tucson, AZ, dental office:
Are dental implants for everyone?
Not everyone can get dental implants. First, you must be in good general health to undergo the implant procedure. Certain medical conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease, can increase the risk of complications.
Dental implants rely on your jawbone for support. If you have low bone density or have experienced bone loss, it might be challenging for the implant to integrate correctly.
Getting dental implants requires multiple visits to the dentist and a commitment to good oral hygiene. You’ll need to care for the implants just like your natural teeth.
Are dental implants permanent?
Yes, dental implants are meant to be permanent. They are securely placed into your jawbone and, over time, fuse with the bone, making them strong and stable. With proper care, like brushing and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last for many years, even a lifetime. However, the crown, bridge, or denture might need to be replaced after 10–15 years because it can wear down over time.
How much jawbone do you need for implants?
For dental implants to succeed, you need enough jawbone to support them. The amount of jawbone required can vary depending on the specific case and the implant type.
Generally, dental implants need a certain depth, width, and density of jawbone to be securely placed. If there isn’t enough jawbone, we recommend bone grafting.
Am I too old for dental implants?
Age alone doesn’t determine whether someone is a good candidate for dental implants. Many people, including older adults, can successfully receive dental implants and enjoy the benefits of restored teeth. As long as you are healthy and can get grafting if needed, you can get implants.
Does dental implant treatment hurt?
Dental implant treatment usually isn’t painful. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. After the procedure, you might experience some discomfort, swelling, or soreness around the implant site. However, you can manage this with pain medication. Most people find the pain is mild and goes away in a few days.
Can dental implants fail?
Yes, implants can fail for several reasons:
- Infection at the implant site
- Poor bone quality
- Overloading
- Poor oral hygiene
We will ensure that you are in good health and have enough bone to ensure successful treatment. Our team will also advise you to stop smoking or using tobacco during the implant process. As long as you care for your implants and keep them healthy, you won’t have to worry about implant failure.
Can implants change my face shape?
When you get dental implants, they act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth. This can help restore the natural contour of your jawline and facial structure.
Jaw Support: Implants help maintain the bone density in your jaw, which is essential for supporting your facial features. Without teeth, the jawbone can shrink, leading to a sunken or aged appearance. Implants prevent this bone loss.
Implants can also add volume to your face, especially in the cheek and chin areas. This can give you a more youthful and vibrant look.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants can vary based on:
- Pretreatments
- Number of implants
- Type of restoration
- Sedation
- Follow-up care
While implants can add to the cost of restorations, they ensure your new teeth last. Dr. Mohr will review the estimated cost with you before treatment.
Replace Missing Teeth
Do you need a full smile? Tucson dental implants can restore your teeth. Call 520-660-5666 or schedule an appointment with Dr. Mohr online. If you have questions about getting new teeth, please let us know and we can help.