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Dental implants are changing the way people live! They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. If you would like more information on dental implants, please call us at our Scottsdale, AZ location at 480-657-7065 or our Avondale, AZ location at 623-512-4050.
What are Dental Implants?
Implants are small titanium posts which are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. Bone bonds with the titanium surface of the implant, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Extensions (abutments) are then screwed into the implant. These abutments protrude through the gums and provide a stable structure for supporting replacement teeth
Implants help preserve facial structures by preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are lost and not replaced, and stops unwanted movement of adjacent and opposing teeth which occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental Implant Presentation
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To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
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Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download.
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Are you a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or shrinks. Over time, this may leave a condition in which there is insufficient quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants unless existing bone can be augmented.
We now have the ability to graft bone where needed. This not only gives us the ability to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives patients who have been without teeth for some time a chance to restore function and appearance. In order to perform these oral surgical procedures with the highest quality and safety, Dr. Guyette has built two state-of-the-art surgical facilities; one in Scottsdale and the other in the West Valley
The Dental Implant Surgical Procedure
For some patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within the jawbone. For the first 3-5 months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually integrating with the surrounding bone in a process called osteointegration. After initial healing, the patient is able to wear temporary replacement teeth and eat a regular diet.
After the dental implant has integrated with the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Guyette will uncover the implants and attach temporary posts which protrude through the gums. Your general dentist will then place the final posts and teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire implant process usually takes 4 - 6 months. In some cases with newer techniques, the implant process can be completed in as little as 2 - 3 months with a single surgical procedure. At that point, your dentist will begin making the final tooth. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life during the implant process.
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