Arcadia Dental Arts • Phoenix, AZ
Dental Implants in Phoenix, AZ
Implants replace missing teeth from the root up—restoring comfortable chewing, clear speech, and confidence with a natural-looking result. If you’re missing one tooth or many, implants can be truly life-changing.
The Solution To Missing Teeth
Why Replacing a Missing Tooth Matters
A gap created by a missing tooth can make everyday life more challenging—eating and speaking can become difficult, and many people feel self-conscious when an empty space shows. Even if the gap isn’t visible, tooth loss can still affect bite stability over time.
When a tooth is lost, neighboring teeth can drift toward the space. Bite changes may lead to uneven wear and jaw discomfort for some patients. A consultation helps determine your best replacement option—implants, bridges, or other restorative approaches.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a modern way to replace missing teeth from the foundation. A post is placed where the root once was and, after healing, a crown is secured on top to replicate a natural-looking tooth. Implants can replace a single tooth, stabilize dentures, or support restorations for multiple missing teeth.
At Arcadia Dental Arts, screening, planning, and implant placement are performed in-office. Advanced imaging allows us to plan ideal positioning before treatment begins.
Are There Different Types of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are commonly categorized by how and where they’re anchored. The most common category is endosteal implants; other types may be considered for patients with unique anatomy or bone limitations.
Most common
Endosteal
Placed into the jawbone. Commonly used with a strong track record and predictable outcomes for many candidates.
Bone-limited cases
Subperiosteal
Placed on top of the jawbone under the gum tissue. Considered in select situations when jawbone is inadequate and grafting isn’t desired or appropriate.
Highly specialized
Zygomatic
Anchored to the cheekbone (zygoma). Used in complex cases with significant jawbone deficiency—less common and more advanced.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Not everyone can place an implant immediately—when a tooth has been missing for a long time, bone may resorb and a bone graft may be recommended first. For many patients, the process follows these steps:
- Implant placementWe numb the area, prepare the site, and place the implant.
- OsseointegrationThe bone bonds to the implant (often ~3–6 months).
- Attach the abutmentA connector is placed and gums heal around it (often ~2 weeks).
- Attach the crownA porcelain/ceramic crown is secured for a natural match and function.
Is the Process Painful?
Most patients are surprised by how manageable implant placement feels. You’ll typically eat a soft diet briefly as gums heal, and soreness can often be managed with appropriate OTC options. Placing the crown itself isn’t painful.
Dental Implant Options
Implants can replace single teeth, support bridges, stabilize partial dentures, or anchor full-arch restorations. We’ll recommend the most effective and cost-conscious plan for your needs.
Dental Implants vs. Natural Teeth
Once integrated, an implant can be very stable. The crown portion is typically made of porcelain/ceramic—durable and stain-resistant. Unlike natural teeth, the crown itself cannot get cavities, but healthy gums and routine care still matter for long-term success.
“Metal-Free” Dental Implants (Zirconia)
Zirconia implants are sometimes marketed as “metal-free.” Titanium implants are widely used and are generally biocompatible, while true titanium allergy appears to be rare. Zirconia can be an option in select cases, but each material has tradeoffs.
If you’re concerned about materials, we’ll review your history and discuss the option that best fits your anatomy and restorative plan.
Questions? Contact UsAm I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Many healthy adults can be candidates. Key factors include gum health, overall health, oral hygiene, and having enough jawbone to anchor the implant (or willingness to consider grafting when appropriate). We confirm candidacy with an exam and imaging.
Success Rate & Longevity
Dental implants are associated with high long-term success rates in many studies, often reported around the mid-to-high 90% range in appropriate candidates. With good maintenance, implants can last for decades; if the crown is damaged, it can typically be replaced.
Dental Implant FAQs
Quick answers—schedule a consultation for a personalized plan.
Many implants can last for decades with good maintenance. The crown may need replacement over time due to wear, but the implant itself is designed for long-term function once it integrates successfully.
Osseointegration is the process where bone bonds to the implant surface, helping stabilize it like a natural tooth root. Healing time often ranges from about 3 to 6 months, depending on the case.
Yes. Multiple implants can replace multiple teeth, and implants can also support bridges or full-arch restorations. The number of implants depends on the type of prosthesis and your anatomy.
Implants are designed to look and function like natural teeth. Crowns are shade-matched so your restoration blends seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Not necessarily—each material has pros/cons. Titanium is widely used and generally biocompatible; zirconia may be an option in select cases. The best choice depends on your bite, anatomy, restorative plan, and clinical considerations.
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