The short answer
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone that acts as a new tooth root. After it fuses with the bone, it holds a crown, a bridge or a denture. At Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants in Sierra Vista, AZ, Dr. Kent Hales evaluates bone, gums and bite with 3D digital X-rays first, then recommends single implants, implant bridges or implant-supported dentures based on what your mouth can support.
What a dental implant actually is
A dental implant replaces the part of a tooth you cannot see: the root. It is a small post, usually titanium, placed into the jawbone where a tooth used to be. Over the following months the bone grows tightly around it in a process called osseointegration. Once that bond forms, the implant can hold a crown, a bridge or a denture with the kind of stability a natural tooth has.
That is the real difference between an implant and other ways of replacing teeth. A bridge leans on the teeth next to the gap. A traditional denture rests on the gums. An implant stands on its own, in bone.
Who is a good candidate
Most adults who are missing one or more teeth can be evaluated for implants. The questions Dr. Hales works through at a consultation are practical ones:
- Is there enough bone? After a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that spot slowly shrinks. 3D digital X-rays show the height and width of the bone so the plan is based on measurements, not guesses.
- Are the gums healthy? Active gum disease needs to be treated first, because it is the same infection that threatens implants long term.
- Is your general health stable? Uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking and some medications affect healing. None of these automatically rule you out, but they change the plan.
- What do you want the result to do? Replacing one front tooth is a different conversation from stabilizing a full lower denture.
If implants are not the right fit, you will hear that directly, along with the alternatives.
Implant options at Gentle Care
Single-tooth implants. One implant, one crown. The neighboring teeth are not touched, which is the main advantage over a traditional bridge.
Implant-supported bridges. When several teeth in a row are missing, two implants can support a bridge that replaces three or more teeth, so you do not need one implant per tooth.
Implant-supported dentures. Implants placed in the jaw anchor a denture so it snaps into place. For the lower jaw, where dentures tend to float and slide, this often makes the biggest everyday difference for denture wearers.
Narrow and short implants. Some patients have less bone than a standard implant needs. Dr. Hales trained at The Bicon Institute in Boston, known for short implants designed for limited bone height, and was mentored by Dr. Victor Sendax, credited as the originator of the mini dental implant. That background means more options get considered before anyone suggests bone grafting.
Why the planning matters more than the surgery
Placing an implant is a short procedure. The work that decides whether it lasts happens before and after: choosing the position so the crown lines up with your bite, making sure the gum around it can be kept clean, and building a restoration that does not overload it. Because Dr. Hales both plans and restores implants at the same office, the person who places the foundation is accountable for the tooth that sits on it.
Caring for an implant
Implants cannot get cavities, but the gum and bone around them can get infected if plaque is left behind. Brush twice a day, clean between teeth daily with floss, a water flosser or small brushes, and keep your regular cleanings. Your hygienist will check the implant at every visit.
Paying for implants
You will receive an itemized estimate before treatment starts. Gentle Care accepts many dental insurance plans, including MetLife, Delta Dental, Aetna PPO and GEHA, and the team will check what your plan covers. For the balance, CareCredit and Cherry offer monthly payment plans. Call (520) 458-9460 to book a consultation.