Mesa Implant Dentistry

If you have extensive bone loss, tooth decay, or gum disease, a dental implant may be the solution for you. A dental implant is a long term solution for a missing tooth that does not stress the surrounding teeth. This is one of the advantages that an implant has over a traditional bridge. In addition, they can be replaced easily if the implanted tooth were to somehow break or wear out.

In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set.   The bone then grows around it, forming a tight connection. This connection will additionally slow or stop the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing.   Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, Dr. Guffey will attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the shaft.

Dentures can be a tempting option when a patient is missing most or all of their teeth, due primarily to their inexpensiveness.   But the long term consequences of choosing dentures over implants to complete your smile can be quite serious. For instance, complete facial collapse can occur in as little as 10 years.   You also have the inconvenience and embarrassment of removing and replacing the dentures for any number of reasons, including heavy chewing, going to sleep, and brushing your natural teeth.

Implants can also be used as part of an implant bridge, an alternative to partial dentures. An implant bridge has several advantages, including:

• No adjustment period—once the work is done you only feel teeth, not metal supports in your mouth

• Slowing of the bone loss that occurs with missing teeth

• No discomfort or difficulty in eating

• Permanence—they never have to be removed for eating or cleaning

Mountain View Family Dentistry of Mesa, Arizona also offers mini dental implants. About half the diameter of traditional implants, these are mainly used to stabilize lower dentures. You can get mini dental implants in one appointment for just 50-70% the cost of standard dental implants.

Call for 480-830-0262 for a free dental implant consultation at Mountain View Family Dentistry of Mesa, Arizona.