Compassion, Integrity, Exellence
Dental Implants in San Tan Valley & Queen Creek
San Tan Valley (480) 457-1977
Gilbert (480) 963-9900
Mesa (480) 830-3344
What Are Dental Implants
Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures.
How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?
You can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all your teeth with implants. You don’t even need one implant for every missing tooth. As few as two Implants can support a removable lower denture, while as few as four implants can provide a full, permanent set of top or bottom teeth.
Replace Multiple Teeth — When you have more than one tooth missing, implants provide an ideal replacement mechanism. You don’t even need one implant for every missing tooth. Instead, implant teeth can act as supports for fixed bridgework. For example, if you are missing three teeth in a row, we can place two implants, one on either side of the gap, and a crown in between that has no implant underneath. That way, you won’t need to use any of your remaining natural teeth as bridge supports, which could weaken them and make them more susceptible to decay.
Replace All Teeth Permanently— Implants can support an entire arch of upper or lower replacement teeth that are fixed into the mouth and are never removed. Sometimes the new teeth can be supported by as few as 4 implants. It’s comparable to the structure of a table, which only needs 4 legs to hold it up. In cases where jawbone density and volume have deteriorated, 5 or 6 implants might be needed to support a row of 10 to 12 teeth. Dental implant replacement teeth protect your jawbone, won’t slip, and should last a lifetime.
Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?
Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant, however. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene.
Implants are so well designed that they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible material like metal or ceramic.
Implant Dentistry Surgery
Surgery is necessary to prepare the area for an implant and place the implant in the mouth. Following the procedure, a period of time is required for the implant to take hold and for bone tissue to build up and anchor the device. In some cases, metal posts are inserted into the implant during a follow-up procedure to connect the tooth.
Because implants require surgery, patients are administered anesthesia and, if necessary, antibiotics to stave off infection following the procedure.
Like any restoration, implants require diligent oral hygiene and proper care to ensure they last a long time.
Call our office to find out how you can achieve your whitest smile.
Kind words from our patients
Best service ever! From the front desk staff to being in the chair with Dr. Matt Roper, the care & consideration is stellar! Thank you!
Dr. Roper and his staff are amazing! The environment they’ve created is top notch! The nicest people on the planet! I highly recommend Ocotillo Trails Dentistry LLC.
Would you like to fill a smile gap with the perfect tooth replacement? Then, come to Ocotillo Trails Family Dentistry in San Tan Valley, AZ, for a dental implant consultation. Your Queen Creek area dentist is Dr. Matthew Roper, and he surgically places titanium implants to support realistic dental crowns, bridgework and dentures. Have a great smile and excellent oral health, too.
What is a dental implant?
It’s titanium metal cylinder or screw surgically placed into the jaw bone where a natural tooth once stood. The implant integrates with the alveolar ridge over subsequent weeks to months, forming a solid base for the addition of a post and porcelain crown.
This bonding action between the bone and the implant is called osseointegration. Other tooth replacements don’t feature it or have the stability, balance and longevity of dental implants.
In effect, the in-office implant treatment recreates a natural tooth in looks, function and durability. The Institute for Dental Implant Awareness (IDIA) says dental implants last the rest of a patient’s life given good in-office and at-home oral hygiene practices.
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The dental implant treatment
Dr. Roper fully evaluates prospective implant patients with a review of medical history, a complete oral examination and specialized three-dimensional X-rays. Good bone health, size and density are essential to dental implant success and long-term retention.
If you have larger smile gaps or are missing all your teeth, Dr. Roper may advise implant-supported bridgework or full/partial dentures. Usually, these implants are placed in multiples–from two to six depending on your unique needs.
Your new smile
If you are conscientious about brushing and flossing and see your dentist in his Sun Valley, AZ, office twice a year for an exam and cleaning, you can keep your implants for life. If you smoke, now is the time to stop because tobacco undermines the health of supporting jaw bone and gum tissue. See your primary care physician about a smoking cessation program.
Consult with us
At Ocotillo Trails Family Dentistry, Dr. Roper and his team provide the finest dental care in the Queen Creek area. Phone us for a one-on-one consultation, and learn if dental implants could complete your smile. Phone our San Tan Valley, AZ, office at (480) 457-1977.
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