Dental Implants FAQs in Phoenix & Gilbert AZ

Implant Dentistry Phoenix & Gilbert

Dental implants are the only permanent, fixed solution for missing teeth. At XO Dentistry, we offer implant dentistry in Phoenix and Gilbert for anyone missing one or more of their teeth. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about dental implants to help you better understand how they work and decide if they are right for you.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants consist of a titanium implant, an abutment, and a crown. The implant is placed in the jawbone to replace the missing tooth’s root. After the implant has fused with the surrounding bone (a process called osseointegration), an abutment is attached to join the implant to the crown. The crown is a replacement for the visible part of the tooth. When your dental implants are healed and complete, they function like your natural teeth and stabilize your jawbone. Dental implants are the only permanent solution for lost or damaged teeth. They are the first choice for millions of individuals.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

  • They are permanent and can last a lifetime
  • They look and feel like your natural teeth
  • You can replace one, several, or all of your teeth with dental implants
  • You care for implants the same way you care for your natural teeth
  • Implants help preserve your jawbone
  • You never have to worry about them slipping or clicking
  • You do not have to avoid foods that need to be avoided with dentures and bridges
  • Single implants do not require altering the adjacent teeth

What is the dental implant process like?

Your first appointment is a consultation with one of the XO dentistry oral surgeons. During this appointment, your overall health, oral health, and medical history will be reviewed during a complete dental exam. We take 3D images of your teeth and jaw and review the best options for your treatment. Once we have developed an appropriate treatment plan, we discuss the best anesthesia options and choose which one you prefer.

Dental implant placement is an in-office procedure. If bone grafts are needed, these will be done a few months before the implants are placed to ensure sufficient healing time. Once the implants are placed, you will need a few months to heal but will follow up with us so we can ensure healing is progressing. When the area is fully healed, a final procedure at our office exposes the implants so the abutments and crowns can be attached. At OX Dentistry, we can do the entire process, from initial consultation to securing the permanent crown, avoiding the need to visit an oral surgeon for the implants and a separate prosthodontist for the crowns.

How long does it take to get dental implants?

It can take anywhere from six to nine months to get dental implants. This is because healing time is required between the implant procedure and attaching the permanent crowns. If you need bone grafts, this adds several months to the time required. We can usually provide temporary crowns during the healing process to preserve your appearance.

What do dental implants cost?

The cost varies depending on many factors, including how many teeth are replaced, whether bone grafts are needed, the type of implant and crown used, your overall health, and more. It is best to schedule a consultation to get an accurate quote for your implants. One of our oral surgeons will evaluate your teeth and gums and review possible solutions, including various pricing options. We work closely with you and your insurance carrier to find the best possible solution for your missing teeth. Please visit our page regarding the Cost of Dental  Implants for a more detailed explanation.

Will I need bone grafts?

It is impossible to say whether you need bone grafts until we do a complete dental examination, including 3D digital imaging of your jawbone and teeth. If you have lost your teeth recently or had them extracted, you may not need any grafts. A robust and healthy jawbone can have multiple implants without any grafting. The longer you wait after losing a tooth, the more the bone around the site degrades, increasing the likelihood you may need bone grafts.

If you need bone grafts because the jawbone ridge has deteriorated, additional surgery is required, adding to the initial cost. For most people, this is covered by dental insurance. We always inform you of the cost before proceeding.

Are dental implants painful?

The surgery is done under some form of anesthesia and numbed with an anesthetic, so you will not feel anything while the implants are placed. Later the same day, the anesthetic will wear off, and you may feel some discomfort. Ice packs, pain medication, and appropriate aftercare minimize any pain, typically lasting only a few days.

Once the area is healed and the permanent crowns are in place, most people report not being so comfortable in years. Dentures are often uncomfortable and painful when they shift or get food caught under them. These issues are never a problem with dental implants, which feel just like your natural teeth.

Does XO Dentistry Have Dental Implants Experience?

Drs. Abedi, Ardalan, and Lamb are all experienced in dental implant procedures. They have performed hundreds of implant procedures and pursue continuing education to ensure they provide their patients with the latest in surgical care and dental implants.

Interested in dental implants? Please call our Gilbert dental office at 480-900-0001 or our Phoenix dental office at 623-463-2222 to schedule a consultation.