Dental Implants Mesa
What Is Involved in Getting a Tempe Dental Implant?
The first step in the process is the development of an individualized
treatment plan. The plan addresses your specific needs and is prepared
by a team of professionals who are specially trained and experienced
in oral surgery and restorative dentistry. This team approach provides
coordinated care based on the implant option that is best for you.
Next, the tooth root implant, which is a small post made of titanium,
is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone
heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely
in the jaw. The healing process can take from 6 to 12 weeks.
Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post - called an abutment - is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth. To make your new tooth or teeth, your dentist makes impressions of your teeth, and creates a model of your bite (which captures all of your teeth, their type, and arrangement). Your new tooth or teeth are based on this model. A replacement tooth, called a crown, is then attached to the abutment.
Instead of one or more individual crowns, some patients may have attachments placed on the implant that retain and support a removable denture.
Your dentist also will match the color of your new teeth to your natural teeth. Because the implant is secured within the jawbone, the replacement teeth look, feel, and function just like your own natural teeth.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Tempe Dental Implants?
In general, implants are not covered by dental insurance at this time. Coverage under your medical plan may be possible, depending on the insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss. Detailed questions about your individual needs and how they relate to insurance should be discussed with your dentist and your insurance provider.
Sheldon Sullivan, DDS - Providing cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers and smile makeovers to the Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Phoenix, Arizona areas.
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