What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant consists of three main parts that work together to replace a missing tooth. The titanium post acts as an artificial root, anchoring into your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once the post fuses with your bone over several months, we attach a connector piece called an abutment. Finally, we place a custom-designed crown on top that matches your surrounding teeth perfectly.
This three-part system creates a restoration strong enough to handle normal chewing forces. You won’t need to avoid certain foods or worry about your replacement tooth shifting when you talk or laugh.
Why Choose Implants Over Other Options?
Preserve Your Jawbone
When you lose a tooth, the bone that once supported it begins to deteriorate. Dental implants in Yuma stimulate your jawbone just like natural tooth roots, preventing this bone loss and maintaining your facial contours.
No Impact on Adjacent Teeth
Traditional bridges require grinding down healthy neighboring teeth to serve as anchors. Implants stand independently, so your other teeth remain untouched and intact.
Long-Term Value
While implants require a higher initial investment than other replacement options, they can last 25 years or more with good oral hygiene. Bridges typically need replacement every 7-10 years, and dentures require adjustments as your mouth changes shape.
The Implant Process at Avenue B Dentistry
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation where we examine your oral health, take detailed images, and discuss your goals. Dr. Ryan Kent will determine if you have sufficient bone density to support an implant or if you’ll need a bone graft first.
During the surgical phase, we place the titanium post into your jawbone using precise techniques. Most patients report that this procedure feels much easier than they expected. We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable, and many people return to normal activities within a day or two.
The healing period typically takes 3-6 months as your bone grows around the implant. This fusion creates the solid foundation that makes implants so stable and long-lasting. Once healing completes, we attach the abutment and take impressions for your custom crown.
Who Makes a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for dental implants have healthy gums and adequate bone structure to support the implant. You should be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits since implants require the same care as natural teeth.
Certain health conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or active gum disease, may affect your candidacy, but these issues can often be managed before treatment. Smokers face higher risks of implant failure, though many successfully receive implants after quitting or significantly reducing tobacco use.
Age isn’t necessarily a barrier—what matters most is your overall health and bone quality. We’ve successfully placed implants for patients ranging from young adults who lost teeth due to injury to seniors looking to improve their quality of life.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Implants don’t get cavities, but the gum tissue surrounding them needs attention. Brush twice daily and floss around your implant just as you would with natural teeth. Plaque buildup can lead to peri-implantitis, an infection that threatens the implant’s stability.
Regular cleanings and checkups allow us to monitor your implant and catch any potential issues early. We’ll examine the tissue around your implant, check the stability of your crown, and make sure everything looks healthy.
Avoid chewing on extremely hard items like ice or hard candy that could damage your crown. While implant crowns are remarkably durable, they’re not indestructible. If you grind your teeth at night, we may recommend a nightguard to protect your investment.
Dental Implants in Yuma
Missing teeth don’t have to hold you back from eating the foods you love or feeling confident in social situations. Dental implants offer a reliable, natural-looking solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing teeth. Contact Avenue B Dentistry in Yuma, AZ, to schedule your consultation and find out if implants are right for you. Our team will answer your questions, explain your options, and create a treatment approach tailored to your specific needs.