Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants
General Dentist & Dental Implant Provider located in Sierra Vista, AZ
Dental Implants in Sierra Vista, AZ
Restore Your Healthy Smile With Our Dentist in Sierra Vista
Tooth loss as a result of oral health issues or dental trauma can make it difficult to perform simple tasks like speaking or chewing. Missing teeth can also put your oral health at risk for complications like jawbone deterioration. Fortunately, dental implants can help restore your healthy, functional smile.
At Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants, Dr. Kent Hales, our restorative dentist in Sierra Vista, can customize your restoration to blend seamlessly with your smile. Not only will your smile’s function be restored, but so will its beauty. Read on to learn more about dental implants and how you can benefit.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts secured directly into a patient’s jawbone to mimic tooth roots. Topped with a customized dental crown, implants can help prevent jawbone deterioration and provide a permanent solution to tooth loss.
Known as the gold standard of restorative dentistry, implants can help you speak, chew, and smile with comfort and confidence. Unlike other tooth loss solutions, implants can last a lifetime with proper care. Best of all, you can receive your restoration in as few as two visits to our Sierra Vista, AZ dentist.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants come with many advantages that make them the superior tooth loss solution. Some of these benefits include:
- Natural Appearance: Only your customized dental crown will be visible above the gumline, blending seamlessly with your smile.
- Durability: Implants can last a lifetime with proper care, and are secured directly into your jawbone to eliminate shifting or loosening.
- Promotes Jawbone Health: Implant fixtures fuse to your jawbone during a process known as osseointegration. This stimulates the jawbone and prevents deterioration.
- Efficient and Effective: You can receive your customized restorations in just two appointments at our Sierra Vista office. You’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful, functional smile in no time.
When Are Dental Implants Necessary?
Our Sierra Vista restorative dentist may recommend dental implants to patients with:
- Irreparably damaged teeth
- Severely decayed teeth
- Missing teeth
- Ill-fitting dentures or bridges
While implants are a great way to permanently restore missing teeth, you must first be deemed eligible for the procedure. Ideal candidates for implants are patients with good oral health and sufficient jawbone density. To determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants, call our Sierra Vista office at (520) 458-9460.
The Dental Implant Process
Initial Consultation
You’ll first have a consultation with Dr. Hales, where he’ll determine if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants. He’ll perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. If he detects any underlying oral health issues, he’ll diagnose and treat them before your procedure.
Some patients may need to undergo supplemental procedures to be deemed eligible for dental implants. This includes procedures to improve your jawbone density and gum health, such as bone grafting and scaling & root planing.
First Appointment
Once you’ve been cleared for the procedure, our dentist will begin by administering a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain while he works. He’ll then make a small incision in your gums before placing the implant fixture directly into your jawbone.
Finally, Dr. Hales will place a temporary cap to protect the area while it heals. Typically, the healing period can last between three to six months to complete. This allows for your mouth to heal and for osseointegration to take place.
Second Appointment
After you’ve healed, you’ll return to our Sierra Vista office to receive your restoration. Your dental crown will be custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. Our dentist Dr. Hales will attach the crown to your implant, ensuring it fits securely and comfortably. You’re then ready to showcase your restored and fully-functional smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Receiving implants is a virtually painless experience. Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Hales will administer a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain. You may experience mild discomfort once the numbness subsides, but you can easily manage this pain with over-the-counter- pain medications and cold compresses.
However, if this pain persists past a few days, it may be a sign of a complication. Call our Sierra Vista office immediately at (520) 458-9460 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Hales will assess your situation and relieve you of any painful symptoms.
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. However, the dental crown may need to be replaced after 15 years. You can ensure your crown remains strong for years to come by practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing twice a day. It’s also essential that you schedule biannual appointments at our Sierra Vista office for routine cleanings and exams. This will help keep both your restoration and oral health in great condition.
To be considered an ideal candidate for dental implants, you must have sufficient jawbone density and good oral health. Any underlying health issues must be addressed before your implant procedure, or else you may experience complications or even treatment failure.
There’s no age limit for dental implants, so improving your candidacy is as simple as undergoing any necessary supplementary procedures. Contact our Sierra Vista office to learn if you’re a candidate for dental implants.
Schedule Your Appointment with Dr. Hales
Dental implants are a great way to permanently restore your smile’s look and function. The skilled dental team at Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. To schedule an appointment at our Sierra Vista office, give us a call at (520) 458-9460. You can also book an appointment with our convenient contact form.
BEFORE AND AFTER GALLERY
