Dental implants are small titanium posts that integrate with your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once placed by our dentist at Sun Lakes Family Dental, implants can support replacement teeth that restore your ability to chew and speak properly while also giving you a much more natural and comfortable smile. 

Dental implants are the most robust and most durable tooth replacement option available. They may last for the rest of your life with proper care and never need to be replaced! This makes dental implants attractive for patients who want a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth.

Caring for your implants is no different than caring for your teeth. Brush and floss regularly and maintain regular checkups and cleanings with our dentist for optimal dental health.

How Do Dental Implants Work? 

Unlike dentures, which sit on top of the gums and can be removed by the patient at any time, dental implants are implanted into the jawbone and are permanent fixtures in the mouth. The implant is made from titanium, a metal that is biocompatible with the body and will not cause issues such as the surrounding area becoming inflamed or infected.

Once the implant is surgically placed in the jaw, it will bond with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. Once this occurs, the implant can be restored with a crown, bridge, denture, etc., to replace missing teeth. This helps restore the functions of your bite and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting out of place.

Since the restorations placed on top of implants are fixed, they can only be removed by a dentist. However, oral hygiene is still essential to ensure good oral health and prevent gum disease that could cause further issues with the implants. Our dentist can teach you how to brush and floss around your new dental implant to avoid plaque buildup that can lead to infection.

The Advantages of Dental Implants 

Dental implants are incredibly versatile and are an excellent long-term option for replacing one or even more missing teeth. While bridges require support from adjacent teeth, dental implants are independent and don’t require any surrounding teeth to be modified for support or maintenance.

Other options for restoring missing teeth, like dentures, have aesthetic limitations or are not fixed. However, dental implants are secured into your jaw, so they look and feel more like natural teeth. The titanium post implanted into your jawbone fuses with your natural bone and creates a secure foundation for a restoration that will function just like your original tooth or teeth.

If you want to learn more about dental implants and their benefits, visit Sun Lakes Family Dental at 10325 E Riggs Rd Ste 109, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248, or call (480) 883-8000. We’ll answer any questions about dental implants and help you decide if they are the right solution for you!