The first thing an implant dentist will do is determine if a Scottsdale patient is even a good candidate to receive dental implants. In order to be a good candidate, the patient must be in good overall health, especially regarding his or her teeth and gums. If there is a health concern, or the gums and surrounding teeth are in need of attention, they must be addressed before moving forward with the procedure. Additionally, if there is not sufficient jaw bone to support an implanted root, the Scottsdale implant dentist will recommend that the patient receive a bone graft before continuing. This will supplement the existing bone, providing a strong foundation for the restoration.

Next, the surgery will be performed to install one or more titanium “roots” which will support the final restoration(s). Titanium is used not only for its strength and durability, but because of its unique ability to fuse with bone. These roots will act like the roots of your natural teeth, anchoring an artificial tooth to the jaw and making it a permanent part of your smile.

Once the roots are in place and sufficient healing has taken place, the restorations can be placed. These are carefully crafted to match your existing teeth in both color and shape, which ensures that they look as natural as possible. Whether you receive an individual restoration or a bridge (several artificial teeth attached to one another), your Scottsdale implant dentist will ensure that it is a flawless fit and that you are completely satisfied with the results.

Dentures are removable, and that poses a couple potential problems. They can easily get lost, which can be frustrating and costly if they need to be replaces. They can come loose and slip around (or out!) at inopportune moments, which can be embarrassing. Dental implants, on the other hand, are permanent oral fixtures. They won’t come out, so the chance of misplacing them or accidentally spitting them out mid-sentence is extremely small.

Because dentures have the capacity to shift around if they are not perfectly fitted and effectively adhered to the gums, chewing ability is diminished. Biting down on your favorite foods can force dentures to slide around, making chewing difficult if not downright impossible. Dental implants, on the other hand, do not have this problem. They are attached firmly to your jaw bone, just like natural teeth are. With strongly anchored restorations that can chew just as well as your original teeth, you are not limited to eating only liquids and soft foods.

One problem with dentures that people in Phoenix aren’t always aware of is that they can contribute to bone loss in the jaw. The roots of your natural teeth require a stable foundation. Once these are gone, your body senses that there is no longer a need for that foundation, and your jaw may begin to atrophy. Having dental implants secured to the bone like the roots of natural teeth signals to your body that the bone mass is still necessary.

So why deal with the hassle of dentures? Contact Harris Dental in Phoenix to schedule an appointment to begin the dental implant process.

The first thing an implant dentist will do is determine if a Scottsdale patient is even a good candidate to receive dental implants. In order to be a good candidate, the patient must be in good overall health, especially regarding his or her teeth and gums. If there is a health concern, or the gums and surrounding teeth are in need of attention, they must be addressed before moving forward with the procedure. Additionally, if there is not sufficient jaw bone to support an implanted root, the Scottsdale implant dentist will recommend that the patient receive a bone graft before continuing. This will supplement the existing bone, providing a strong foundation for the restoration.

Next, the surgery will be performed to install one or more titanium “roots” which will support the final restoration(s). Titanium is used not only for its strength and durability, but because of its unique ability to fuse with bone. These roots will act like the roots of your natural teeth, anchoring an artificial tooth to the jaw and making it a permanent part of your smile.

Once the roots are in place and sufficient healing has taken place, the restorations can be placed. These are carefully crafted to match your existing teeth in both color and shape, which ensures that they look as natural as possible. Whether you receive an individual restoration or a bridge (several artificial teeth attached to one another), Harris Dental, your Scottsdale implant dentist will ensure that it is a flawless fit and that you are completely satisfied with the results.

Bridge: A bridge is a group of several artificial teeth that are connected to one another. If a Phoenix patient wants to replace or restore a group of teeth, the use of a bridge is usually recommended. This way several teeth can be attached to a smaller number of implanted roots.

Bone Graft: Occasionally a patient will not have enough healthy bone in his or her jaw to support dental implants. When this happens, the patient will need to receive a bone graft. It is a type of transplant, where additional bone (synthetic or natural) is surgically connected to the existing bone to create a more stable foundation for the implant.

Osseointegration: The prefix “osseo” means “bone,” so when we talk about osseointegration, we are referring to something—in this case a titanium screw—being integrated or included into a bone. Bone can grow so closely around titanium that they actually merge together. This is what makes your dental implants permanent.

Restoration: Sometimes when we talk about artificial teeth, we call them restorations. And that is essentially what they are: something to restore your teeth to their most beautiful state.

Titanium: Most metals do not fuse well with living bone tissue. Titanium does. In fact, it fuses so well that it effectively becomes a part of the bone that would be extremely difficult to remove. Titanium is an excellent material to use to create strong roots for individual restorations and bridges.

Harris Dental is proud of the quality implant dentistry work we have done for our patients in the Phoenix area, but don’t take our word for it, read what our patients have to say by visiting our testimonials page. Find out more about dental implants by calling Harris Dental in Phoenix today!

At Harris Dental in Phoenix, patients still benefit from Dr. Brånemark’s research. When you receive new dental implants, your dentist will first take an x-ray to determine whether there is enough bone in the area to act as a foundation for the artificial root. This root is essentially a titanium screw which serves as an anchor for the restoration tooth, much like the roots of natural teeth do. Once the new root has had some time to heal and integrate with the bone, your dentist will attach a permanent replacement tooth or bridge of teeth to the titanium. Because the titanium root fuses with your existing bone, the replacement tooth will then be a permanent part of your smile.

Circumstances must be just right for dental implants to work. First, there must be sufficient bone in the jaw where the implant will be placed, and that bone must be fairly strong since it needs to both hold and support the implant. If the area is not strong or large enough, a bone graft could be used to supplement the existing bone. Next, the surrounding teeth, gums, and other tissues should be healthy in order to prevent complications. Finally, your Phoenix dentist will need to know if you ever grind or clench your teeth. Because these habits cause undue stress on your teeth and jaws, they could have a negative impact on your dental implants. If this could be a concern for you, be sure to discuss it with your dentist when you come to Harris Dental in Phoenix for a consultation.

The most common and least invasive procedure in the field of cosmetic dentistry is tooth whitening. This covers everything from cleaning stains off tooth enamel to lightening teeth by several shades. With several options to choose from, you can brighten your smile in whatever manner is most convenient for you. Some patients choose a take-home tooth whitening product, while others opt for a whitening procedure done at the dentist’s office. Either way, you can get exceptional results.

Veneers are another staple of cosmetic dentistry. Custom made veneers can be used to mask extreme discoloration, close gaps, and cover broken or chipped teeth. While some people choose to have veneers bonded to every tooth to completely change their appearance, most people get one or two veneers at a time to correct a minor misalignment or restore teeth that have been damaged.

Phoenix residents with serious dental concerns may be interested in another area of cosmetic dentistry: dental implants. These are an option for people with severely damaged, disfigured, lost or broken teeth, as well as for anyone who wants to dramatically change the look of their smile.

Regardless of the procedure used, cosmetic dentistry gives many people in Phoenix something to smile about!

Even a small change can make a big difference in the appearance of your teeth. You might consider getting a veneer for a chipped tooth or replacing a broken crown. Maybe you want to straighten your teeth with braces or replace amalgam fillings with clear ones that blend with your natural teeth. Tooth whitening is quick and easy and benefits even the most attractive smiles.

Perhaps aesthetic dentistry is not your first priority. Maybe you have a more pressing dental need such as a cavity that is bothering you or swollen gums. Don’t let these problems get worse and possibly more expensive to treat.

Call 602-955-8600 to book a consultation at Harris Dental in Phoenix. We are located at 4444 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, Arizona.

Drs. Joseph, Brian, Scott & Eric Harris are some of the most sought-after Arizona dentists and they stay at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry techniques and technology. A radiant smile is possible for anyone in the Phoenix area, regardless of issues such as tetracycline stains, periodontal disease, or missing teeth.

If you are planning to use flex account funds for dentistry, make sure you check your employer’s guidelines for eligible cosmetic or restorative dental procedures.

With a smile makeover at Harris Dental, what will your ‘after’ photo look like?

Some Phoenix dental problems are more extensive and require a combination of procedures. Crown restoration combined with soft tissue grafts can restore a severely decayed tooth with the root exposed. A bone graft and dental implant can restore a missing tooth in an area where the jaw bone has receded. Orthodontia followed by tooth bleaching totally transforms a smile by straightening and whitening.

What is the difference between tooth bleaching and whitening? Whitening is the term for procedures which remove surface stains to restore the degree of natural lightness. Bleaching goes even further by lightening teeth beyond their natural shade. That’s right: you don’t have to resign yourself to yellow teeth even if they have been that way your whole life! The natural shade of your teeth, by the way, like your skin and hair color, is determined by genetics.

Some Phoenix smiles have been gleaming for years by regular whitening. You can maintain the whiteness of your teeth just as you maintain your fitness level. (Of course it is a lot easier to make a quick visit to your Phoenix dentist once a year for whitening touch-ups than sweating in a gym several times a week!)

We live in an age where severe dental problems can be permanently corrected. You don’t have to participate in a TV makeover show in Hollywood to access these premium cosmetic dental procedures. They are available right here in Phoenix, Glendale and Scottsdale. Drs. Joseph, Brian, Eric & Scott Harris has the same advanced training and extensive experience as the dentists who keep the smiles of famous actors and musicians camera-ready.

Schedule a consultation at Harris Dental to discover the perfect combination of procedures to achieve your ultimate smile.  Our phone number is 602-955-8600.

As you read this, does your heart start to race? Are your palms sweaty?

If so, you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Oral sedation benefits nervous dental patients in Phoenix every day. Moderate sedation is used for all types of dental procedures such as root canals, dental implants, and wisdom teeth removal. If you are considering extensive restorative or cosmetic dental work, conscious sedation may allow your dentist to complete multiple procedures in a single visit.

Don’t let fear prevent you from getting the dental treatment you need. Schedule a visit with Harris Dental to learn about conscious sedation dentistry.

Dr. Joseph, Brian, Scott & Eric Harris DDS

Harris Dental
http://www.HarrisDental.com
We Absolutely Love What We Do and You’ll Feel It Every Time You Visit!