Dental Implants
Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth
Losing a tooth changes more than your smile. It changes how you eat, how you speak, and over time, if the gap is left unfilled, it changes the structure of your jaw itself. Dental implants are the closest thing modern dentistry has to replacing a tooth the way nature built it: from the root up.
At Scottsdale Family Dentistry, we provide dental implant treatment for patients throughout Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and Phoenix. From single tooth replacements to full-arch restorations with All-on-4, our experienced team delivers precise, comfortable care with results built to last.
Why Implants Are Different From Other Options
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it no longer receives the stimulation from biting and chewing that it needs to maintain its density. Within the first year of tooth loss, the bone in that area begins to shrink. Over time, this bone loss can affect the appearance of your face, the sunken look associated with long-term denture wear comes largely from this process.
Dentures and traditional bridges sit on top of the gum or anchor to adjacent teeth. They restore appearance and some function, but they don’t address bone loss because they don’t have roots.
A dental implant is a titanium post placed directly into the jawbone. Over several months, the bone grows around and bonds to the implant in a process called osseointegration. The implant then acts as an artificial root, stimulating the bone, preserving its density, and providing a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture on top.
That’s why implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. They’re the only option that actually replaces the root.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Most adults who are missing teeth are potential candidates for implants. The key requirements are:
- Sufficient jawbone density to support the implant (if bone has been lost, grafting may be possible before implant placement)
- Healthy gums — active gum disease needs to be treated before proceeding
- Good general health — certain conditions and medications can affect healing
- Non-smokers, or willingness to stop smoking during healing, smoking significantly impairs osseointegration
Age isn’t usually a limiting factor for adults, but implants aren’t placed in younger patients whose jaws are still developing. We’ll assess your suitability thoroughly at your consultation, including a review of your bone levels with digital imaging.
Implant Options We Offer
Single tooth implants replace one missing tooth with a titanium post and a custom crown. The result looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. Unlike a bridge, no neighboring teeth need to be altered or crowned to support it.
Implant-supported bridges are used when multiple adjacent teeth are missing. Instead of crowning every tooth, implants are placed at strategic positions to support a bridge spanning the gap. It’s more stable than a traditional bridge and preserves the bone beneath the missing teeth.
All-on-4 dental implants are a full-arch restoration solution, replacing an entire upper or lower arch of teeth using just four strategically placed implants. This approach works even in patients with some degree of bone loss because the implants are angled to maximize contact with available bone. All-on-4 is often completed faster than traditional full-arch implant approaches and allows for a fixed, non-removable set of teeth to be placed at the time of surgery in many cases.
Implant-supported dentures combine the stability of implants with removable dentures. Implants act as anchors that snap the denture firmly in place, eliminating the slipping and instability that frustrates many conventional denture wearers, while still allowing removal for cleaning.
The Implant Process, Step by Step
Consultation and planning: We take detailed digital X-rays and a 3D cone beam scan to assess your bone levels, plan implant positioning precisely, and identify any preparatory work needed.
Preparatory procedures (if needed): This might include bone grafting if density is insufficient, or treatment of gum disease. These steps are completed before implant placement to give the best possible foundation.
Implant placement: The titanium post is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. The area is numbed thoroughly; you’ll feel pressure but not pain. The gum is then closed over or around the implant.
Healing and osseointegration: This is the waiting period, typically three to six months, during which the bone integrates with the implant. A temporary restoration may be worn during this time.
Abutment placement: Once osseointegration is confirmed, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant. This is the part the final crown or prosthetic attaches to.
Final restoration: Your custom crown, bridge, or denture is fitted and permanently secured. We check your bite carefully and make any fine adjustments needed.
Long-term maintenance: Implants require the same care as natural teeth, brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. With proper maintenance, a well-placed implant can genuinely last a lifetime.
A Note on Cost
Dental implant cost in Scottsdale varies depending on how many implants are needed, whether preparatory procedures are required, and what type of final restoration is placed. We provide detailed, itemized cost estimates before treatment begins and discuss financing options to make the investment manageable.
The comparison worth making isn’t between implants and cheaper options at the time of purchase, it’s over a 10 or 20 year timeline. Dentures and bridges need replacing and adjusting. Implants, when properly maintained, typically don’t.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental implants painful?
The placement procedure is done under local anesthesia and is generally very well tolerated. Post-procedure soreness is normal for a few days and manageable with over-the-counter medication. Most patients find the experience considerably less uncomfortable than they anticipated.
How long does the whole process take?
From consultation to final crown, the process typically takes four to eight months, with most of that time being the healing period rather than active treatment. All-on-4 cases can sometimes be completed faster.
Can implants fail?
Implant failure is uncommon but possible, most often related to infection, smoking, or insufficient bone integration. We monitor healing carefully throughout the process. If a rare failure occurs, the implant can typically be replaced.
What happens if I’ve already lost some bone?
Bone grafting can often restore sufficient density for implant placement. We’ll assess this on your scan and discuss whether grafting would be part of your treatment plan.
Are implants better than dentures?
For most patients, yes, they offer better stability, preserve bone, don’t affect neighboring teeth, and don’t require adhesives or nightly removal. Whether they’re the right choice for you depends on your specific situation, budget, and health factors, which we’ll walk through together.
Book a Consultation
If you’re missing one tooth or several, or you’ve been struggling with dentures that don’t stay where they should, a consultation is the first step toward a lasting solution.
Scottsdale Family Dentistry provides dental implants and All-on-4 treatment for patients throughout Scottsdale, AZ and surrounding areas including Tempe, Mesa, and Phoenix. Call us to schedule an appointment.
