Dental Implants

Installing implants is a complex procedure that requires us to replace their missing teeth in a safe and natural way. We know that there are multiple dental providers to choose from, so the team at Casas Adobes Dentistry are constantly looking for ways to improve the overall experience of our patients. Our office is located in Tucson and we offer patients the opportunity to restore missing teeth in a way that looks natural and beautiful.

Facts from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (aaid.com)

• More than 30 million Americans are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws
• 15 million people in the U.S. have crown and bridge replacements for missing teeth
• 3 million have implants and that number is growing by 500,000 a year
• 10% of all U.S. dentists place implants but that is increasing
• The success rate of implants has been reported in scientific literature as 98%
• Implants performed by U.S. dentists 5,505,720 (2006)
• Implants performed by U.S. general dentists 3,103,930 (2006)
• The dental implant market in the U.S. is projected to reach $5 billion by 2018

Questions to Ask When Selecting an Implant Dentist

• What treatment options do you use to restore missing teeth?
• How many implant procedures have you performed?
• What’s your success rate?
• What’s your education and training in implant treatment?
• Which technique* and type of replacement teeth or appliance do you recommend for me, and why?
• What steps are involved in the process and where and by whom are they performed?
• What should I expect throughout the process in terms of pain, recovery time, eating, etc.?
• Will I have teeth throughout the process?
• What type of anesthesia do you use?
• What are the risks of the treatment option you’re recommending?
• What are the benefits?
• Can you share before-and-after pictures of other patients you have treated?

The Process of Installing Implants

If one or more of your teeth fall out, you may qualify for dental implants as a way to permanently replace the missing teeth. In order to find out, schedule an appointment with our Tucson dentist office by calling (520) 365-0559. We will examine your mouth and jawbone to determine if the procedure is right for you. Before we begin the procedure, your gums need to be healthy, and your jawbone needs to be strong. If we identify any cavities or signs of gum disease, we will need to treat it prior to the dental implant procedure.

Once you are cleared for the procedure, the staff at Casas Adobes Dentistry will take an impression of your mouth to create a new tooth in a dental lab. Each synthetic tooth will match the size and shape of the surrounding teeth, along with having a perfect color match. This way your smile will appear completely natural once we complete the procedure. Many patients are satisfied with the results since no one can tell the difference between which teeth are real and which ones are synthetic.

Teeth restored with implants will not get cavities. A replacement tooth, or crown, does not decay like a natural tooth. However, you still need to brush, floss and care for it and your surrounding natural teeth in the same manner as natural teeth. Regular professional cleanings and dental checkups are also essential.

Tucson Dental Implants

The next step in the procedure is to implant a metal post under the gum line. This aspect of the procedure is what sets an implant apart from other forms of cosmetic dentistry. The metal post is secured to the jawbone in order to create a durable, synthetic root system that rivals the strength of natural roots; with one exception that the metal cannot face infection. Over the course of a couple of months, the metal post and jawbone will fuse together. This creates a level of durability that cannot be replicated in other types of procedures.

Afterward, we will secure the new synthetic tooth to the metal post at the surface of the gums. The new tooth is attached so securely, that patients can eat their favorite foods, maintain an active lifestyle, play sports, and more, without fear of their tooth becoming loose or falling out. Patients can enjoy the benefits that come from never having to worry about their tooth again.

The team at Casas Adobes Dentistry provide dental implants in a way that is comfortable and functional. We take the time to make sure that every aspect of the procedure is completed correctly – the first time.

Once implants have been installed, they are extremely easy to care for. We hear patients throughout Tucson ask questions that range from "Do implants come out" to "How do I brush my teeth". Fortunately, the answers are not as complex as some people might believe. Since we install dental implants by creating a synthetic root system, they are durable and secure. The dental implants will not fall out or become loose. This means you can go play basketball, run in a 10k marathon, and wrestle with your kids – without worrying about your tooth coming out.

In order to care for your implants, we advise patients to brush and floss their teeth throughout the day like normal. Additionally, it is important to schedule dental exams and cleanings with Christopher Chin at least twice a year. The staff at Casas Adobes Dentistry will help to clean your teeth and ensure that they stay healthy. While dental implants cannot become infected themselves, the teeth around them can. If, in the future, you suffer from a severe case of gum disease or a dental abscess, the infection can spread into your jawbone. This puts your implants in jeopardy because in order to stay secure, the jawbone must be in good health. If it becomes infected, your dental implants and all of your teeth will be in jeopardy.

If you currently have implants and your teeth start to hurt, call (520) 365-0559 to schedule an appointment immediately. This way we can identify any infection and treat it before it can spread into the jawbone. As long as you follow these simple preventative care steps, your implants and natural teeth should remain in good health. There is 40 years of data behind dental implants, with success rates of about 98 percent.

Why Tuscon Patients Continue To Choose Us

Our staff understands the importance of listening to patients, helping them to feel comfortable and relaxed. This personal approach is evident in everything we do. From making an appointment, filling out paperwork, conducting an examination, and providing dental treatments, the staff at Casas Adobes Dentistry take the time to connect with patients and give them the thoughtful attention they deserve.