Questions about Implant Dentistry

    PHOENIX, AZ, July 31, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dental implants are one of the most effective and popular options for replacing a missing tooth. They offer you several significant benefits over other alternatives such as dentures or dental bridges. However, it is important to learn as much as possible about the procedure before deciding if it is the right option for you.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a restoration used to replace a missing tooth. Your dental implant is comprised of three parts:

- A titanium screw embedded into your jawbone to function as a root
- An abutment, or post, which attaches to the titanium screw
- A dental crown which is placed on the abutment to function as a prosthetic tooth

How long will the dental implant procedure take?

A traditional dental implant procedure may take as long as six months to complete. Your implant dentist must first insert the implant into your jawbone. Before the abutment can be attached, your jawbone will need to fuse with the implant, a process called osseointegration. This may take several months. Once osseointegration is complete, your implant dentist can attach the abutment and place the crown on top, providing you with a fully functional, aesthetically pleasing tooth.

However, advances in implant dentistry technology have also enabled dentists to perform this procedure in one office visit. Systems such as Teeth in an Hour by Nobel Biocare can be carried out in one day, eliminating the long wait associated with the osseointegration process.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Most people missing one or more teeth are candidates for dental implants. However, there are several factors which must be evaluated to ensure the procedure will be successful:

- You must have sufficient jawbone density to support the implant
- Your gums must be healthy
- You must not have another oral health condition which may adversely impact the healing process
- You must be willing to commit to a process that takes several months to complete

How much do dental implants cost?

There are a variety of factors which may affect the cost of your procedure, including:

- Number of teeth being replaced
- The number of implants required to support the replacement teeth
- The need for additional procedures prior to the placement of your implants to ensure the long-term success of your implants

At your initial consultation, your implant dentist will review these factors with you and give you a more concrete estimate of the price of your dental implant procedure.

Will my new teeth look natural?

Yes. Most likely, you will not be able to differentiate between your natural teeth and your new prosthetic tooth. Tooth crowns can look very lifelike, mirroring the appearance of your natural teeth. Furthermore, since your dental implant is permanently embedded in your jawbone, it will function just like your natural teeth.

For additional information on dental implants, please visit the website of Winterholler Dentistry today at www.azdentalcare.net, serving patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Payson, Arizona.

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