Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a solution for missing or extracted permanent teeth. They are artificial, titanium tooth roots Dr. Ruiz and Dr. Williams can implant into your jaw to support new, custom-made artificial teeth and perfect your smile. Dental implants look and function just like natural teeth.

Are dental implants right for me?

To find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, Dr. Ruiz and/or Dr. Williams review your dental and medical history. They examine your teeth and gums and use dental X-rays to determine the if you have adequate bone to support an implant. You must be in good overall health and willing to commit to a process that takes several months.

What happens during dental implant placement?

If you require bone grafting because your jaw isn’t strong enough to support implants or you dont have enough bone, the doctor completes bone grafting and allows the graft to heal prior to implant placement. They may also extract severely decayed teeth prior to getting implants.

During the next step in the process of dental implants, Dr. Ruiz and/or Dr. Williams surgically place metal posts within your jawbone. They numb the treatment area and offer you sedation, so you feel comfortable and relaxed – with no pain. 

After several months of healing, an abutment is placed on each implant to serve as the base of your new tooth. We take impressions or digital scans to serve as blueprints for the new, custom-made teeth.

When your new crowns, bridges, or dentures are ready, Dr Ruiz and Dr. Williams ensure they fit properly and secure them to the abutments to perfect your new, permanent set of teeth and beautiful smile.

How should I care for my new dental implants?

If you care for your new dental implants properly, they can last a lifetime. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Floss every day. See your friends at Ideal Dental of Tucson every six months (or more often in some cases) for routine dental cleanings and exams.

Eat a nutritious diet low in added sugar to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay in your remaining natural teeth. Don’t open packages with your teeth or chew on hard objects. Call Ideal Dental of Tucson right away if your implants become loose or damaged. 

Don’t live with missing teeth when you don’t have to. Book an appointment with Ideal Dental of Tucson by phone or online today.