Dental Implant Restoration & Oral Health

Tooth loss, regardless of the cause, creates a variety of problems for dental patients. One challenging issue is maintaining self-confidence when missing teeth change a patient’s appearance. In the past, there were limited options for dealing with missing teeth, and patients often complained of problems with those solutions.

Today, dental implants provide a far better solution for patients who’ve lost teeth. However, not everyone understands all the benefits of implants and how the replacement process works. If someone is exploring ways to deal with missing teeth, it’s important to learn more about the implant process.

Rincon Family Dentistry is serving families across Tucson and nearby areas by providing high quality dental implants that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Our team makes sure the process is comfortable and the results are long-lasting.

What are Dental Implants?

Patients facing tooth loss routinely suffer stress when they don’t understand the various replacement options and how those choices impact their day-to-day lives. Dental implants, while relatively new to the dental world, are proven to provide patients with the best solution for dealing with one or more missing teeth.

An implant includes a titanium screw-like device that’s inserted in a patient’s jaw. Once the jaw heals, dental professionals complete the installation process by adding a single tooth, partial plate, or complete set of new teeth. The replacement crown, bridge, or denture is designed to fit the patient’s mouth and provide a natural, long-lasting dental solution. However, it is also important to note that even implants will require routine care and repairs by the Rincon Dentistry experts.

Our Dental Implants and Services

We provide complete implant solutions designed around your needs. From a single missing tooth to full-mouth restoration, our team delivers reliable treatment with natural-looking results.

Single Tooth Implants

A single implant replaces one missing tooth with a titanium post anchored in the jawbone. Once healed, a custom crown is placed that matches the surrounding teeth. This restores normal chewing and blends into your smile.

Multiple Tooth Implants / Implant Bridges

For patients missing several teeth, implants can support a bridge without relying on neighboring healthy teeth. This option provides strong support and allows you to chew and speak with confidence.

Full-Mouth Dental Implants / All-on-4

All-on-4 implants replace an entire arch of teeth using just four implants. In this treatment, we attach a fixed denture, giving you a stable, functional replacement that looks natural and feels secure.

Implant Restoration & Replacement

When an implant or restoration fails, we can restore or replace it. Our experienced local dentists assess the cause, remove damaged parts if needed, and rebuild the area with grafting or a new implant. The goal is to return full comfort and function.

Specialized Procedures

Sometimes additional treatments are needed to prepare the mouth for implants or make the process easier. We offer:

• Bone Graft: Adds bone to the jaw to support an implant.
• Sinus Lift: Creates space in the upper jaw for secure implant placement.
• Mini Dental Implants: A smaller, less invasive option often used to hold dentures.
• Immediate Implants: Tooth removal, implant placement, and restoration completed in a single visit.

Minimally Invasive Implants

For patients who cannot undergo traditional surgery, we offer minimally invasive implants. These require only a small incision, heal more quickly, and reduce post-treatment discomfort.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are secured to implants in the jawbone. They remain stable while chewing or speaking but can still be removed for cleaning. This option offers the look of natural teeth with greater comfort than traditional dentures.

What Steps are Involved in the Installation Process?

Before beginning the installation process, the dental professional will evaluate each patient to determine whether implants are the best tooth-replacement option. There are times and situations when implants are the optimal choice, but not all patients will qualify for the procedure. Some basic requirements for implants include:

• A patient’s willingness to commit to the process. It can take some time to complete the installation.
• Healthy oral tissues. Patients with gum disease will need to resolve that issue before the implant process can begin.
• Having sufficient jawbone material. In some cases, a patient’s jawbone will not support an implant. The dental professional may recommend bone grafts or other solutions.
• An ability to recover from the process. Patients may have underlying health conditions that limit their ability to heal properly.
• Not smoking. Smoking reduces the odds of an implant healing properly. Most dental experts will require smokers to quit smoking prior to beginning the implant process.

The dental team at Rincon Family Dentistry carefully evaluates each patient prior to recommending any procedure. While most patients are viable candidates for dental implants, the staff will recommend alternative treatment options for patients who may not qualify for implants.

Remember that Rincon Family Dentistry is not currently equipped to provide initial implant procedures, but will always be ready to provide aftercare as needed.

Once a patient is determined to be a viable candidate for implants, the dental team providing the initial implant services will explain the procedure. The installation steps include:

• Inserting the implant into the jawbone. Remember, these steps only include the post that supports the tooth, bridge, or crown.
• Allowing time for proper healing. The bone around the implant, as well as the surrounding tissues, will take time to heal. During the healing process, the bone grows around the implant, making it strong enough to handle normal use for years to come. Healing can take several weeks, or even months, which means it’s important to have patience during this period.
• Placement of the tooth or teeth. The dental experts design each tooth (or teeth) to meet a patient’s unique needs. Each tooth will be color-matched to blend seamlessly with the patient’s other teeth. In cases where multiple teeth are being replaced, they will be carefully shaped to function properly when eating and eliminate speech issues related to missing or damaged teeth.

It is important to remember that implants are designed to last for years. That means patients rarely have to worry about replacing their implants, unlike with dentures.

What Post-Op Care Is Needed?

During the healing process, patients are encouraged to take steps designed to minimize the potential for any problems to develop. Here are just a few of the steps dental professionals routinely recommend following an implant procedure.

• Watch on the diet. Avoid solid foods and temperature extremes. Stick to soft food for a few days and avoid chewing with the teeth near the implant site.
• Keep the mouth clean. Beginning the day following a procedure, brush the teeth after every meal and before going to bed. If bleeding occurs and doesn’t stop quickly, call the dentist who inserted the implant for advice.
• Rest for at least two days. Avoid any physical activity for at least two days following an implant procedure. After two days, slowly resume the daily activities as tolerated.
• Take the medications. Antibiotics are routinely prescribed following a procedure. Please take them as directed, and don’t skip any doses.

Do Patients Experience Problems with Implants?

As a rule, the implant team will explain that most implants function exactly as designed and last for years. However, in rare instances, patients may encounter issues that need to be addressed by a dental professional. Potential downsides include:

• Infections. Generally, the antibiotics prescribed will reduce or eliminate any infections. However, should swelling, redness, or fever be experienced, call the office for advice.
• Loose Implants. If an implant becomes loose in the months following a procedure, it’s important to contact our dental team for advice.
• Gum Recession. While rare, it’s possible to experience gum recession following an implant procedure. If one experiences receding gums, one should contact the office as soon as possible so the situation can be evaluated and monitored.
• If the implant is inserted too close to a nerve, problems may develop. If one experiences tingling, pain, or numbness, contact Rincon Family Dentistry.

Although problems following implant procedures are rare, it’s always important to contact the implant dentist’s office immediately should an issue develop.

Getting Started

Oral health is always important, but the Rincon Family Dentistry team also understands how important it is to have a bright, white smile. When reviewing the options for dental care, trust the care to the best dental professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dental implants cost?

Most implants range from $3,000 to $5,000 per tooth. Cost depends on your treatment plan and any additional procedures.

How long do implants last?

With good care, implants can last for decades. Crowns may need replacement after 10 to 15 years.

Are dental implants painful?

Implant placement is done under anesthesia. Patients usually report mild soreness afterward that fades in a few days.

What makes implants different from dentures?

Implants stay fixed in the jaw, restore natural chewing ability, and prevent bone loss. Dentures rest on the gums and may shift, while implants remain stable.

Am I a candidate for implants?

Healthy gums and sufficient bone support are important. During consultation we evaluate your oral health and recommend the best option.

Can a full set of implants be placed in one day?

Yes. With immediate implant techniques, extractions, placement, and restoration can be completed in a single appointment.

Why Patients Choose Rincon Family Dentistry?

Patients from across Tucson trust us for implant treatment that restores health and confidence. Our experienced team provides care that is professional, comfortable, and focused on results that last.