Your Confident Smile Starts Here: Discover Dental Implants In Mesa
Imagine biting a crisp apple without a second thought, or speaking clearly and confidently during a conversation. Dental implants in Mesa make these everyday joys possible again. At Arizona Dental Heights, under the dedicated care of Dr. Alok Ahlawat, one of the best dentists in Mesa, AZ, we understand the profound impact a complete smile has on your daily life.
If you’re ready to explore how dental implants can transform your life, we invite you to connect with us. Call Arizona Dental Heights at 480-525-6000 to schedule your personalized consultation. Our local dentist welcomes patients from Scottsdale, Chandler, and Gilbert.
Find out if you may be eligible
Why Choose Our Local Arizona Dentist for Dental Implants in Mesa?
Opting for a local dentist near you means more than just geographical proximity. It signifies a genuine connection to the community we serve. We’re part of the fabric of the junction of Mesa and Gilbert just like the beloved Mesa Arts Center or the bustling downtown district. We see our patients not just as individuals seeking dental care, but as fellow community members, whether you’re exploring the shops at Dana Park or enjoying a picnic at Riverview Park. This local presence fosters trust and accessibility that is hard to find elsewhere.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Ahlawat and discuss your dental implant options, please call our Mesa, AZ, office today at 480-525-6000.
What Are Dental Implants in Mesa?
Dental implants in Mesa are modern dental prostheses designed to replace missing tooth roots and provide a strong, stable foundation for artificial teeth. Their primary use is to support dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. Imagine them as small, biocompatible posts, most commonly made of titanium, that are surgically placed into your jawbone.
Unlike traditional dentures or dental bridges that rest on the gums or rely on neighboring teeth, dental implants are integrated directly into your bone, replicating the natural support and stability of a tooth root. The main part placed in the jawbone is called the implant body. Attached to the implant body is the implant abutment, which connects the implant to the artificial tooth. Single tooth implants are a common type used to replace a single missing tooth, providing excellent stability and function.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
The functionality of dental implants hinges on a remarkable biological process called osseointegration. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
- Implant Placement: A small, titanium post (the implant itself) is carefully placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia.
- Osseointegration: This is the critical healing phase. Over several weeks to months, your jawbone naturally grows around and fuses with the titanium implant. During this period, bone healing and bone growth occur as the natural bone integrates with the implant, ensuring stability and long-term success. Titanium is highly biocompatible, meaning your body accepts it readily without rejection. This fusion creates an incredibly strong and durable bond, anchoring the implant firmly in place, much like a natural tooth root.
- Abutment Attachment: Once osseointegration is complete and the implant is fully stable, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the top of the implant. This abutment extends just above the gum line.
- Crown/Restoration Placement: Finally, a custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture is securely attached to the abutment. These restorations are meticulously crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.
Preparing for Your Dental Implant Procedure
Getting ready for your dental implant procedure is an important step toward restoring your smile and oral health. The journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with a dental implant specialist, who will assess your unique needs and help determine if dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you.
During this visit, your dentist serving Mesa and Gilbert will evaluate your oral health, including the condition of your gums, the presence of any missing teeth or a damaged tooth, and the density of your jawbone.
Our Dental Implant Restoration Options
Single Dental Implant
For patients missing a single tooth, a dental implant topped with a custom-made crown is the ideal solution. After the implant post is securely in place and has integrated with the jawbone, a connector piece called an abutment is attached. A beautiful, porcelain or ceramic crown is then meticulously crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding natural teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures (Overdentures)
For individuals missing most or all of their teeth in an arch, implant-supported dentures, often called overdentures, offer a dramatically improved experience compared to conventional removable dentures. Instead of simply resting on the gums, these dentures are securely clipped or fastened onto a small number of strategically placed dental implants (typically two to six implants per arch).
Full Arch Restoration (All-on-4® or Similar Concepts)
For patients who have lost an entire arch of teeth (either upper or lower), full arch restoration concepts like All-on-4® provide a revolutionary solution. This technique involves placing typically four (sometimes more) dental implants in specific positions in the jawbone to support a complete, fixed arch of new teeth. All-on-4® is especially beneficial for patients with limited bone in the upper jaw, as it can often avoid the need for extensive bone grafting procedures.
Meet Dr. Alok Ahlawat: A Top Implant Surgeon
in Arizona
Dr. Ahlawat completed his Doctorate in Dental Medicine ( DMD) from the prestigious Boston University School of Dental Medicine in 2006 and Post Doctoral Advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) training at the world renowned Eastman Dental Center, Rochester , NY . He has received extensive training in the field of implant dentistry and holds a fellowship award from the internationally acclaimed Misch Resnik Implant Institute. Dr. Ahlawat is committed to lifelong learning as a way to offer the highest standard of care to his patients and keeps up with the latest advances in dental technology through hundreds of continuing education credits he has amassed over his career. He has received extensive training in the field of implant dentistry and holds a fellowship award from the internationally acclaimed Misch Resnik Implant Institute. He is also a certified provider for Invisalign®. Dr. Ahlawat has received recognition as America’s Best Dentists in 2021 for his commitment to continuing education and excellence in patient care. With his advanced training and attention to detail, Dr. Ahlawat is able to offer a wide and comprehensive range of dental treatment options to his patients, from routine fillings, dental crowns, and root canals to more complex dental procedures, including wisdom teeth removal, implants, sedation dentistry, and complete smile makeovers. If you are looking for a doctor who can address all of your dental needs under one roof in a friendly, warm, and caring atmosphere, then Dr. Ahlawat is the right dentist for you. Dr. Ahlawat takes immense pride and joy in helping transform patients’ lives one smile at a time.
Candidacy for Dental Implant Surgery
While dental implants in Mesa and Gilbert are a widely successful and transformative solution, determining your suitability for the procedure requires a thorough evaluation by a dental professional. The first step in the dental implant procedure is a thorough examination and treatment plan development. Here are the primary factors considered for dental implant candidacy:
- Good General Health: Your overall health plays a significant role in the success of dental implant surgery and healing. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or certain medications (e.g., some bisphosphonates for osteoporosis) can affect healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Sufficient Jawbone Density: A fundamental requirement for dental implants is adequate jawbone to support the implant post. If you’ve had missing teeth for an extended period, bone loss may have occurred.
- Healthy Gums: Active gum disease (periodontitis) or other oral infections must be treated and resolved before dental implant placement. Healthy gum tissue is essential for the long-term success and stability of the implant.
- History of Periodontal Disease: A history of periodontal disease can affect the success of dental implant therapy and must be carefully managed before proceeding with treatment.
- Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity of your dental implants. This includes diligent brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is essential for the long-term success of dental implant therapy.
- Non-Smoker or Willingness to Quit: Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure by reducing blood flow to the gums and bone, hindering the healing process, and compromising the integration of the implant with the bone.
- Jawbone Maturity: For younger patients, dental implant surgery is typically performed after the jawbone has fully developed, usually in late adolescence or early adulthood
A comprehensive consultation with a qualified dental professional, which often includes a detailed oral examination, medical history review, X-rays, and potentially 3D scans, is necessary to determine if dental implants are the right treatment option for your specific needs and circumstances. Call 480-525-6000 to learn more from our dental office in Mesa serving Gilbert and beyond.
Recovery and Aftercare: Ensuring Your Best Results
After your dental implant surgery, following your oral surgeon’s recovery and aftercare instructions is key to achieving the best possible results. In the days following implant surgery, you’ll want to eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soup to avoid putting pressure on the implant site. It’s also important to keep the area clean by gently brushing and flossing and to avoid strenuous activities that could disrupt the healing process.
Benefits of Dental Implants Vs. Other Restorative Dentistry Treatments
Here are the key benefits of dental implants:
- Enhanced Aesthetics and Natural Appearance: Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like your own teeth. The custom-made crowns, bridges, or dentures attached to the implants are meticulously crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth.
- Improved Chewing Ability: One of the most significant advantages of dental implants is the restoration of full chewing power. Because implants are securely anchored in your jaw bone, they provide stability that traditional dentures cannot match.
- Clearer Speech: Missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures can often lead to difficulties with speech, causing lisping or mumbling. Dental implants eliminate these issues by providing stable, natural-feeling teeth.
- Prevention of Jawbone Loss: Dental implants are unique in that they replace the tooth root, stimulating the jaw bone and preventing bone loss. This helps to preserve your facial contours and maintain a youthful appearance.
- Durability and Longevity: With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental implants are an incredibly long-lasting solution. The implant, the titanium post integrated into your jaw bone, can last a lifetime.
- Highly Effective and Reliable: Modern dental implant procedures are comprehensive and utilize advanced technology, resulting in a high rate of successful implants. This strong track record demonstrates the safety, effectiveness, and long-term benefits of dental implants.
What Can You Expect From a
Dental Implant Procedure?
The dental implant procedure involves several stages, each designed to ensure a successful and comfortable outcome. At Arizona Dental Heights, Dr. Alok Ahlawat uses advanced techniques to minimize discomfort and promote healing.
Initial Consultation and Planning
Your journey begins with a consultation, where Dr. Alok Ahlawat assesses your candidacy and develops a personalized treatment plan.
Implant Placement
The implant post is surgically placed into your jawbone. Dr. Alok Ahlawat uses precise techniques to minimize discomfort.
Osseointegration (Healing Period)
The implant fuses with your jawbone, creating a stable foundation. This process typically takes several months.
Abutment Placement
Once the implant is secure, an abutment is attached, which connects the implant to the final restoration to replace missing teeth.
Artificial Tooth Placement
A custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment, completing your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care and good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups with Mesa and Gilbert dentist Dr. Alok Ahlawat, dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime. Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth, including brushing and flossing. The crown or restoration attached to the implant may need to be replaced periodically, but the implant post is incredibly durable.
No, getting dental implants isn’t painful. Dr. Ahlawat and his team prioritize your comfort during the dental implant procedure. We offer various anesthetics to ensure a comfortable and anxiety-free experience.
We encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahlawat at Arizona Dental Heights. Our dentist will perform a thorough evaluation using our precise imaging technology to determine your bone health and discuss all available options, including potential bone augmentation procedures, to achieve a stable foundation for your dental implants.
At Arizona Dental Heights at the junction of Mesa and Gilbert, Dr. Ahlawat combines extensive experience with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. Our team prioritizes patient education, ensuring you fully understand every step of your implant journey and feel confident in your decision. After the surgery, careful follow-up visits are necessary to monitor healing and ensure implant success.