Dental ImplantTooth loss can affect your appearance, self-confidence, and overall health. If you have missing teeth or need a tooth extraction, the dentists at Dental Works can rebuild your smile with a restorative dental implant. Learn how Drs. Terry Lee Work and Mary Ann Work can replace and restore dental implants at their Scottsdale, AZ, practice. Dental Implants Offer a Lasting SolutionA Lifetime of SupportWhen properly cared for, dental implants can last for decades. While crowns or dentures will need to be periodically replaced, the titanium base of dental implants can provide a lifetime of benefits. A Boost to Your Oral HealthWhen we lose teeth, the jawbone begins to atrophy, giving the appearance of a sunken face. Dental implants are the only treatment in modern dentistry that has been demonstrated to prevent jawbone atrophy after tooth loss and sometimes even reverse its effects. A Smile You Can Be Proud OfMissing teeth can influence how you perceive yourself. Because implants and their restorations replace natural teeth from root to crown, they provide superior aesthetics. You can also be confident in the stability of your results. Dental Implants Can Revitalize SmilesSee the Difference that Implants Can Make
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After Thanks to dental implants, this patient no longer has to live with gaps in their smile. Versatile Options to Restore FunctionSingle ToothWhether you have lost a tooth due to trauma, infection, or decay, our cosmetic dentists can provide a custom dental crown to comfortably fill in the gap. Replacing a single tooth completes your smile and improves confidence. Multiple TeethImplants can secure a dental bridge to replace two or three adjacent teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, no modifications need to be made to your surrounding teeth, which allows you to keep your smile whole and healthy. Full ArchFor patients who are missing one or both dental arches of teeth, our dentists can design implant-supported dentures that look and feel just like natural teeth. Better yet, you can have a reliable smile without the messiness of adhesives. Are You Ready to Repair Your Smile?For patients who are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants are the gold standard when it comes to tooth replacement. Implant dentistry from Dental Works in Scottsdale, AZ, can give you natural-looking results so that you can enjoy a beautiful smile for years to come. Our cosmetic dentists can provide you with a custom made smile makeover that can include an implant-supported crown, an implant-supported bridge, or dentures anchored in place with dental implants. If you live in the Scottsdale, AZ, area and want to learn more about your dental implant options, contact our cosmetic dentist office online or call (480) 360-7529. Dental Implants Can Restore Your SmileDental Implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. Implant placement at Dental Works takes less than an hour and is virtually painless. Dr. Terry Lee Work is an expert in placing implants and has also led mentorship programs for local implant dentists. Implants Are Engineered to Stop Bone LossTooth Loss and Bone AtrophyTooth roots do not simply provide a stable base for teeth, but they also stimulate the jawbone in order to let your body know that nutrients are still needed. If you lose a tooth, however, you also lose this crucial stimulation. Without treatment, the bone around a missing tooth begins to recede and the jaw itself atrophies. This has the effect of prematurely aging facial features in patients with missing teeth. How Dental Implants HelpDental implants keep your jaw healthy and strong by halting this process. The titanium posts of implants begin fusing with the bone in your jaw immediately after surgery in a process called osseointegration. Once fully fused, the titanium posts function like the root of the missing tooth or teeth and provide the necessary stimulation required to keep your jaw strong and healthy. How to Qualify for Dental Implant SurgeryDuring your implant consultation, one of our dentists will evaluate the state of your current oral hygiene to see if you are a good candidate. They will evaluate your medical history, ask about any concerns you may have, and discuss your dental goals. It is imperative that you disclose your complete medical history, including any medications you take. If you suffer from diabetes, it is important that your disease is under control. Diabetes and other autoimmune disorders can increase the risks of surgery and have a negative impact on the healing process, lowering the implant success rate. In order to qualify for the procedure, patients should: Be in Need of an ExtractionSevere decay or periodontal disease can lead to the loss of one or more teeth. If extraction is the only way to restore your smile, dental implants can restore your oral health. Have Healthy Bone TissueTo support dental implants, you must have enough jawbone tissue. Should an initial exam reveal bone loss, a bone graft is typically required to increase the amount of bone needed to support implants. Be in Overall Good HealthYou must be in good health in order to undergo oral surgery. For example, smokers will need to stop using tobacco to enhance their ability to heal and reduce the risk of implant failure. We Use Cutting-Edge Technology for Optimal Implant PlacementWe use state-of-the-art technology to plan and position your titanium dental implants. Using 3-D CT scans and surgical guides, our dentists ensure optimal implant placement along the dental arch. Patients can experience excellent restoration stability, and an appearance that's virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. All-on-4 Dental ImplantsA Full Denture with Just Four Implants Full Arch ReplacementAll-on-4 is a treatment option for people who are missing most or all of their teeth. Tooth extraction can be performed if needed to accommodate a custom upper or lower denture. Only Four Dental ImplantsWith All-on-4, the full denture is held in place using just four dental implants. Two of these implants are positioned at an angle in the jawbone to maximize stability. Excellent Denture StabilityEven with just four dental implants, All-on-4 achieves great long-term results. It restores a person's ability to bite, chew, speak, and smile as if they had a full set of natural teeth. How Effective Is This Method?All-on-4 dental implants have a success rate of 94.8% after 10 years, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association. All-on-4 vs. Traditional Implant DenturesAll-on-4 and traditional full arch replacement are both viable options for treating extensive tooth loss. Let's consider why dentists may suggest one approach over the other. The All-on-4 TechniqueWith All-on-4, patients can have dental implants and a functional denture in just a single visit. In some cases, extractions and implant placement can be handled in the same appointment. Even patients with insufficient jawbone density for traditional implants can benefit from this fast and effective solution. Traditional Implant DentureIf a patient does not qualify for All-on-4, a traditional approach to full arch restoration is recommended. This will usually involve six to eight dental implants that support the denture. Bone grafting can be performed prior to implant placement in order to build up density along the dental arch. Invest in Yourself Implants Offer a Lifetime of BenefitsThe most common dental treatments to replace missing teeth are traditional dental bridges and removable dentures. Many patients choose these options as an affordable way to fill the gaps in their smile. However, while dental implants do cost more than traditional restorations, the long-term benefits provided far outweigh the price of the initial investment. To help patients who may require assistance in order to finance their implants, our Scottsdale, AZ, dentistry office accepts CareCredit® and Sunbit financing. The Cost of Not Seeking TreatmentDelaying Implant Surgery Can Cost More Over TimeWhen left untreated, missing and severely damaged teeth can lead to oral health and cosmetic concerns, which can require multiple treatments to correct. By seeking dental implant treatment early, you can prevent future issues like:
The Dental Implant Treatment TimelineA New Smile in Three VisitsAlthough the process may be long, your entire dental implant treatment only requires three visits to our Scottsdale practice. Once your third visit is complete, you will have a gorgeous smile that looks and functions just like natural teeth. 1. ConsultationOne of our dentists will assess your candidacy and discuss your goals to see if implants are the right choice for you. 2. First Implant SurgerySmall incisions will be made in your gum tissue and the dental implants will be placed. 3. First Healing PeriodDuring the osseointegration process, the implant will begin fusing with your jawbone. This can take four to six months. 4. Abutment PlacementAn abutment is used to connect your replacement teeth to the implant. This second surgical procedure attaches the abutment to the dental implant. 5. Second Healing PeriodThe soft tissue in your mouth will heal around the abutment during this time. 6. Attachment of RestorationOnce the gums around the abutment are healed, our cosmetic dentist will place a crown, bridge, or denture which has been custom-made to blend in with your other teeth. What to Expect After SurgeryThe first days of recovery following dental implant surgery will be uncomfortable. You can expect minor bleeding and swelling, but this is normal. Our doctors may prescribe antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwash to help fight infection. You should be able to return to work two to three days following surgery. However, you will need to avoid any strenuous physical activity until you are cleared by one of our doctors. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is important. You will need to be careful to brush slowly around the implant placement sites to avoid irritating the incisions. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and keep your mouth clean and free from food particles that might become trapped in your gums. Rinse your mouth out thoroughly after each meal to get rid of food particles. Make sure you take care to let the water fall out of your mouth rather than forcefully spitting. Stitches will be removed one to two weeks following surgery. Tips for Surgical Side EffectsWe will provide you with personalized instructions on how best to handle side effects such as: SwellingApply ice packs to your cheeks for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling, discomfort, and bruising. Sleeping with your head elevated may provide relief from swelling. PainWe may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. We take each individual case into consideration and suit treatments to the needs of our patients. BleedingWe will provide gauze to stop any bleeding in your gums. Minor bleeding is normal in the days following surgery, but if you experience any excessive bleeding, notify us immediately. Dental Implant FAQsOur Scottsdale and Phoenix-area practice answered some of the most frequently asked questions about dental implants.
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