Dental implant surgery can significantly improve a patient’s health and quality of life. However, before getting dental implants, you’ll need to undergo a thorough evaluation to make sure that you are an ideal candidate for dental implants.
Getting the best results from your dental implants starts with choosing the right surgeon. Dr. Bebeau at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Phoenix is an accomplished oral surgeon. He’s the surgeon you want to turn to when you need dental implants in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona.
What Happens During a Dental Implant Procedure?
No matter the reason, when you need tooth replacement, dental implants are the number one choice for restoring the natural brilliance of your smile. Knowing what happens during the dental implant procedure will help you understand why some patients are good candidates for dental implants. Other patients may need to take further steps, such as bone grafting, before they are able to get dental implants.
The dental implant itself is a small titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone to act as your new tooth root. Once placed into the bone, it is not visible, because it rests beneath the gum tissue. The middle part of the implant system, called the abutment, connects the titanium implant to the crown. The crown is the portion of the tooth that you will see.
In order to place the implant successfully, your jaw needs to have sufficient bone density to hold the screw. If the surrounding bone has been damaged by infection (which dissolves bone) or trauma (which breaks bone), you may need bone grafting. Therefore, it is not uncommon to need to add some bone to your jaw before or during an implant placement.
During the procedure, a surgeon will place the implant in the appropriate position and ensure that the implant heals completely. Then, a dentist will complete the process by fabricating the abutment and crown.
What Makes a Good Dental Implant Candidate?
Your teeth and gums are healthy and in good condition.
You have good oral health habits (twice-daily brushing and flossing, no smoking or tobacco use, limited sugary and acidic foods, regular dental check ups).
You have patience and are willing to undergo a process that could take multiple months before you are fully healed.
You have ample bone density in your jawbones to offer support for the implants.
You have no underlying health problems, such as gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes, pregnancy, poor general health, smoking, radiation therapy, or medication dependency).
Dental Implants in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona
If you’re considering getting dental implants, one of the most important things you can do is find a Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who specializes in this procedure. Contact us to learn more about All-on-4 dental implants for patients in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area, and give yourself a reason to smile.