Dental Implants: Today’s Standard of Care for Replacing Missing Teeth

Are you in search of a stable and long-lasting solution to restore one or more missing teeth? Dr. Rick and his team at Dr. Rick Dentistry are pleased to offer dental implants, today’s gold standard for tooth replacement. Unlike other tooth restoration options that only sit on the surface of your gums, implants integrate directly with your jawbone, creating a stable foundation for restorations that look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small, biocompatible titanium posts that Dr. Rick places directly into your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. As the area heals in the following few months, your implants will fuse or integrate with the bone in a process known as osseointegration. This helps create a stable foundation to support a custom crown, bridge, or denture, restoring your functional, beautifully natural smile.

What Sets Dental Implants Apart?

Dental implants offer numerous advantages, which is why they are considered today’s standard of care for tooth replacement. The following are some of the things that set them apart:

• They Look Natural: Your implant restorations are custom-crafted to match your teeth, delivering seamless, confident smiles. You’ll soon forget you’ve had teeth replaced.
• They Restore Function: With dental implants, you’ll be able to enjoy the foods you love without restriction. You’ll also find it easier to speak clearly and confidently.
• They Prevent Bone Loss: When tooth roots go missing, your jawbone loses its stimulation, leading to bone loss and shrinkage over time. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that mimics the function of your tooth roots, helping stimulate the jawbone, maintaining your bone health and preserving your facial structure.
• They Do Not Require Tooth Alteration: With dental implants, we don’t need to alter or prepare any of your adjacent teeth, as with traditional fixed bridges. This helps maintain your natural tooth structure.
• They Maintain Natural Alignment: Filling gaps in your smile with dental implants helps prevent the remaining teeth from shifting or drifting toward the gap. This helps maintain the alignment of your teeth and bite, enhancing your smile.
• They Balance Your Bite: Restoring missing dental implants redistributes the forces of your bite. This helps lower your risk of periodontal (gum) disease, tooth wear or fracture, and even TMJ pain.
• They Are Long-lasting: Dental implants have a success rate of more than 95%. With good oral hygiene practices and regular visits to Dr. Rick Dentistry for dental exams and cleanings, your implants can last for decades or even a lifetime.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Good candidates for dental implants generally include the following:

• Patients with adequate bone density in the area of the missing tooth
• Patients with healthy gums with no active periodontal disease
• Patients in good overall health, with any chronic conditions well-managed
• Patients willing to commit to regular dental care and hygiene

Dr. Rick will evaluate your tooth restoration needs and help you determine whether implant dentistry is right for you. If you have bone loss in the area, he may recommend a bone graft to create a foundation to support your implants, ensuring long-lasting results.

Dental Implants Near Me in Scottsdale, AZ

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, delivering beautiful, healthy, and functional smiles. Dr. Rick and his team at Dr. Rick Dentistry personalize every step of treatment, providing you with the best possible care at every step. We invite you to call 480-585-4244 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!