According to the American Dental Association, more than 5 million dental implants are placed each year in the United States—making them one of the most reliable solutions for missing teeth. If you’re exploring East Valley dental implants, you’re likely wondering whether they’re right for you, what the process involves, and where to find an experienced implant dentist you can trust.
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots, providing a permanent foundation for natural-looking replacement teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants preserve jawbone health, function like natural teeth, and can last a lifetime with proper care. At East Valley Dental Professionals in Mesa, Dr. Nathan Smith has placed implants for patients throughout Mesa, Tempe, and Chandler for over 30 years—helping families restore both function and confidence in their smiles.
What Are Dental Implants and Why Do They Matter?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root. Your dentist surgically places it into your jawbone, where it fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once healed, a custom crown, bridge, or denture attaches to the implant—creating a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.
Why does this matter for East Valley patients? Missing teeth affect more than appearance. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate because it no longer receives stimulation from chewing. This bone loss can change your facial structure over time, making you look older and potentially affecting neighboring teeth.
The Journal of the American Dental Association notes that dental implants have a success rate exceeding 95% when placed by experienced practitioners. Unlike traditional bridges that require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth, implants preserve your remaining tooth structure. For patients considering their tooth replacement options, implants offer a long-term solution that many consider the gold standard in modern dentistry.
How East Valley Dental Professionals Approaches Dental Implants
Dr. Nathan Smith brings over 30 years of clinical experience and a DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine to every implant case he treats. As a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry, he stays current on the latest implant techniques and technologies to deliver predictable, lasting results for his Mesa patients.
Your implant journey at EVDP begins with a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Smith evaluates your oral health, takes digital imaging to assess bone density, and discusses your goals and concerns. This personalized approach ensures the treatment plan addresses your specific situation—whether you need a single tooth replaced or a full-arch restoration.
The implant process typically unfolds in phases:
- Surgical placement: Dr. Smith places the titanium post into your jawbone during a procedure that most patients describe as more comfortable than expected.
- Healing period: Over three to six months, the implant fuses with your bone, creating a stable foundation.
- Abutment and crown: Once healed, we attach an abutment connector and your custom-made crown, matched to your natural teeth.
EVDP offers dental implant services with patient comfort as a priority. For those with dental anxiety, sedation dentistry options help you relax throughout the procedure. Our early morning hours—starting at 6:30 AM Monday through Thursday—make it easier to fit appointments around work schedules, and our low-pressure environment means you’ll never feel rushed into a decision.
Ready to explore whether dental implants are right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith, or call our Mesa office at 480-838-3033 to discuss your options.
What Patients Should Know Before Getting Dental Implants
Dental implants work well for most adults with missing teeth, but certain factors affect candidacy. Good candidates typically have adequate jawbone density, healthy gums, and no uncontrolled chronic conditions that might impair healing. If bone loss has occurred, bone grafting procedures can often rebuild the foundation needed for successful implant placement.
Before your procedure, Dr. Smith reviews your medical history and may coordinate with your physician if you have conditions like diabetes or take blood-thinning medications. Smoking significantly affects implant success rates, so patients who smoke are encouraged to quit before and after surgery.
After implant placement, most patients experience mild discomfort manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Swelling typically peaks within 48 hours and subsides within a week. You’ll follow a soft-food diet initially and avoid chewing directly on the implant site during healing.
Regarding investment, dental implant costs vary based on the number of implants needed, whether bone grafting is required, and the type of restoration placed. At EVDP, we believe quality dental care should be accessible—we work within your budget and offer multiple financial options. Our dental membership plan provides an alternative for patients without traditional insurance, and we accept various insurance plans including Devoted for Medicare patients.
Patient Questions Answered
How long do dental implants last compared to other tooth replacement options?
Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, making them the most durable tooth replacement available. The titanium post itself typically remains stable for decades, while the crown may need replacement after 15 to 20 years due to normal wear. In comparison, dental bridges average 10 to 15 years, and dentures often require replacement or relining every 5 to 7 years.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
Most patients report less discomfort than expected during and after dental implant surgery. Local anesthesia numbs the area completely during placement, and sedation options provide additional relaxation for anxious patients. Post-procedure soreness is typically mild and manageable with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Dr. Smith’s experience helps ensure efficient, minimally invasive procedures for East Valley patients.
Can I get dental implants if I’ve been missing teeth for years?
Yes, you can often still receive dental implants even after years of missing teeth, though bone grafting may be necessary first. When teeth are absent, the jawbone naturally shrinks over time. During your consultation at EVDP, Dr. Smith assesses your bone density and determines whether preparatory procedures are needed before implant placement. Many long-term tooth loss patients successfully receive implants after bone augmentation.
Why East Valley Patients Choose EVDP for Dental Implants
Choosing where to receive dental implants matters. The procedure requires precision, experience, and ongoing care—qualities that define East Valley Dental Professionals. Our Mesa practice has served Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and the greater Phoenix area for over three decades, earning a 4.8+ star Google rating and an A+ BBB accreditation along the way.
Dr. Smith takes time to explain every step of your treatment, answer your questions thoroughly, and ensure you feel confident in your decision. Whether you’re comparing dentures versus implants or exploring partial dentures versus implants, our team provides honest guidance tailored to your needs and goals.
If a missing tooth or failing dental work has you considering your options, dental implants may offer the permanent, natural-looking solution you’ve been seeking. Contact East Valley Dental Professionals at 480-838-3033 or schedule your consultation online to take the first step toward restoring your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About East Valley Dental Implants
Where can I get dental implants in Mesa or the East Valley?
East Valley Dental Professionals offers dental implant services at our Mesa office, conveniently located at 2058 S Dobson Rd, Suite 12. We serve patients from Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert with experienced implant care from Dr. Nathan Smith.
Does EVDP offer financing for dental implants?
Yes, EVDP provides multiple payment options including insurance acceptance, a membership plan for uninsured patients, and financing arrangements. We work within your budget to make implant treatment accessible.
How many appointments does the dental implant process require?
Most patients require three to four appointments over several months: consultation, implant placement surgery, a follow-up check, and crown placement after healing. Complex cases may need additional visits for bone grafting or multiple implants.
What’s the difference between dental implants and mini implants?
Standard implants have a larger diameter and support individual crowns or bridges, while mini implants are narrower and often stabilize dentures. Dr. Smith recommends the appropriate type based on your bone structure and restoration needs.
Can dental implants fail, and what happens if they do?
While implant failure is uncommon—occurring in less than 5% of cases—factors like infection, smoking, or insufficient bone can contribute. If an implant fails to integrate, Dr. Smith removes it, allows healing, and typically replaces it successfully after addressing underlying issues.