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Open: Mon & Wed 8:00 - 5:00, Tue & Thu 9:00-6:00
Phone: 480-755-1661
2425 S Stearman Dr., Suite 111
Chandler, AZ 85286
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Chandler Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root, made of biocompatible titanium. Dental implants can restore your smile and confidence if you are missing one or many teeth. A single implant can replace an individual tooth. An implant-supported bridge can replace multiple teeth in a row. We can also use implants to anchor a complete denture. Implant overdentures can be life-changing.

Implants Replacing a Single Tooth

A complete dental implant has three parts:

  • The crown, which mimics the visible part of the tooth
  • The root form, a titanium post that is implanted into the jaw
  • The abutment, which connects the root form to the crown

How Does a Dental Bridge Compare to Dental Implants?

A dental bridge will give you good bite strength and aesthetics. However, the dentist must file down adjacent teeth to place a bridge. Though implants are costlier than bridges, they are best for your long-term oral health. If you take care of your teeth, your implant will likely last the rest of your life. That’s why implants are the gold standard for replacing teeth. diagram of the components of a dental implant

What to Expect When You Get Implants

At your first appointment, we will take x-rays of your mouth. Dr. Walden will examine your teeth and look at the x-rays. He’ll also ask you questions about your general and oral health. He will use all this information to determine if you’re a candidate for implants. Most people are, though sometimes a patient needs a bone graft before their jawbone is strong enough for an implant.

If you’re healthy enough for implants, we will take digital impressions of your mouth using a small handheld scanning device. These digital impressions will help the lab create an implant that’s a perfect complement to your other teeth.

At your next appointment, Dr. Walden will

  • Make a small incision through your gums
  • Make a precise opening in the jawbone
  • Insert a thin titanium rod into the bone at the site of your missing tooth.

If necessary, sedation is available to help you relax during the procedure. Over the next three to six months, the titanium rod will bond with your jawbone to create a stable base for a dental crown.

During the healing period, the root form integrates with the bone in your jaw. That means when the abutment and crown are placed a few months later, the original bite strength of that tooth will be fully restored.

Advantages of Custom Implant Abutments

Most dentists use prefabricated stock abutmentsdiagram of dental implant with stock versus custom abutment when placing implants, but Dr. Walden prefers custom abutments because of key advantages.

  • A stock abutment has a uniform shape and size, but each person’s mouth is unique.
  • A custom abutment is made to fit the tooth socket exactly.
  • The crown will emerge from your gum at the right angle, which is important for proper hygiene.

This image from Glidewell Labs illustrates the advantage of a custom abutment. Notice how the custom abutment, which is on the right side, perfectly fits the gumline. The stock abutment on the left leaves a gap at the gumline. Debris can build up in that gap which can be annoying to clean out and which can contribute to gum disease.

Custom abutments are particularly important on front teeth because they provide a more natural appearance.

Implants Versus Dentures

Implants are better for your health and your smile than other ways of replacing missing teeth, such as full or partial dentures. When you lose teeth, your body will begin to resorb your jawbone. Dentures put pressure on your jawbone, accelerating the resorption process. Long-term denture wearers are at risk of facial collapse, a disabling condition in which the jaw will no longer support a denture. Sufferers’ faces look pinched or shriveled, as illustrated in the drawing.facial collapse is preventable with dental implants

Dental implants protect and fortify your jawbone. They also restore your bite strength so you can chew food thoroughly.

 

Dr. Walden has been placing implants for almost 20 years, completing hundreds of successful dental restorations each year. To request an appointment, please complete our appointment request form or call our office at 480-755-1661. You can also schedule a brief complimentary consultation to learn more.

2425 S Stearman Dr.
Suite 111
Chandler, AZ 85286
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