Jay R. Lopez, DDS, PC Blog

On the top ten list of questions my patients ask me, “How long do dental implants last?” is near the top. And it completely makes sense—they’re about to undergo an investment-heavy process, both in terms of finances and emotional commitment. So, it follows that the longevity aspect would be front and center.

That said, the answer isn’t a single number I can quote to you—it’s somewhere in the range of decades. What I can tell you is the average range and how to make sure they stay strong as long as possible.

Patients hear “surgery,” and their minds go straight to worst-case scenarios that rarely reflect reality. Having placed implants for years now, I want to walk through what the process looks like. Trust me, everything your imagination can dream up is almost always scarier than what actually happens!

All of your natural teeth have been replaced with a full set of dentures. Since your smile is inorganic, you don’t have to visit the dentist anymore, right?

Not quite.

This is actually a common misconception. Just because you don’t have any natural teeth doesn’t mean you don’t need checkups and cleanings. Plus, there are other oral issues a dentist can screen for and treat. Keep reading to learn why you should still schedule at least two appointments per year.

Nowadays, finding a dentist near you is as simple as using Google or another search engine of your choice. But when you have hundreds of results to scroll through, narrowing down the practice that’s right for you can be a daunting task.

To make things easier, here is a list of several top-rated dental practices near Tucson that have helped thousands of patients enjoy healthier, brighter smiles. Take a look at what each practice has to offer and determine for yourself which one is the best option for you.

Dentures are an excellent way to restore your smile, making it easier to eat, speak, and feel confident again. Like natural teeth, however, dentures require daily care to stay clean, comfortable, and in good condition. Proper maintenance not only helps your dentures last longer but also supports the health of your gums and the rest of your mouth.

Whether you’re new to wearing dentures or have had them for years, these simple care tips can help you get the most out of your smile.

Having metal sensitivities can create frustration when trying to do many of the things that allergy-free people take for granted. In fact, you may have been led to believe that one of those activities is restoring your smile with durable, lifelike dental implants. But don’t despair! While it’s true that the most common type of post used in this treatment is made of titanium, many patients don’t realize that these life-changing prosthetics are also available in metal free zirconia options, too! Here’s a closer look at some of their incredible benefits.

You want to find a dentist who listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and recommends treatment based on your needs, preferences, and comfort level. The search can be an arduous one, but when you find a few worthy options, you may begin to wonder how you will narrow down your choices and ultimately find your best-fit dentist.

As a dentist, I know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair, which is why I am here to share a few tips to consider.

If you have suffered extensive tooth loss, or your remaining natural teeth are in poor condition, your dentist might recommend that you undergo All-on-X treatment. This innovative method uses as few dental implant posts as possible to support a full arch of prosthetic teeth. It offers some major benefits… but just like anything else, it comes with potential downsides as well. What should you know about the pros and cons of All-on-X? This blog post explains.

If you’re considering replacing missing teeth with durable, lifelike dental implants, you might be wondering exactly which type you should choose. After all, these permanent, natural-looking restorations come in a variety of options that can be completely customized to your smile. Here’s a closer look at the different materials used to make dental implants, titanium and zirconia, and which one could be right for you!

With Easter quickly approaching, you might be excited to use the holiday as an excuse to indulge in your favorite seasonal snacks. While you may enjoy the sugary goodness, there are several that can pose a serious risk to your smile. To make sure you don’t end up with any problems after this holiday, here are some treats you should avoid and which ones can be safer for your teeth.

Wintertime has a lot of high points; it can be a wonderful opportunity to rest, reset, and enjoy cozy indoor activities. But it also has its challenges, not the least of which is the chilly weather and how it can affect your smile. What are some of the most common winter mouth issues, and how can you cope with them? This blog post provides helpful advice.

Every January, many people resolve to improve their oral health, and flossing is often at the top of the list. While brushing twice a day is a great habit, flossing is what truly cleans between teeth and along the gumline. The challenge isn’t knowing why to floss more; it’s sticking with it. These simple strategies can help turn your New Year’s resolution into a lasting routine.

If you have dental anxiety, you aren’t alone. Millions of patients would rather be somewhere else than in their dentist’s chair. However, you deserve to get the treatment you need, so sedation dentistry is an option that many people elect to get. It helps you relax while you get the oral care you need, but will insurance pay a portion of it? Here’s a bit more about dental sedation and whether it’s covered.

As the end of the year approaches, dental practices seem to fill up fast. The reason? Everyone is in a rush to use their dental insurance benefits before time runs out. If you still have some leftover coverage, now’s the time to think about getting any dental fillings you need. They’re one of the most cost-effective treatments in dentistry, and acting now can save you time, money, and discomfort later on. Here’s how.

Many people start their mornings with a cup of their favorite coffee. It can give you the energy you need to get through the day! However, if you just had a tooth extracted, you should avoid this beverage for a bit. It can cause some complications with your healing after your procedure. Continue reading to learn how and when you can have this liquid gold once again.

When it comes to your teeth, no pain is considered ‘normal’. If you’ve developed a persistent or severe ache, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible so they can identify and treat the underlying cause.

For instance, your troublesome tooth might require a root canal to alleviate the ache and address the infection. But you might wonder if you can cancel your appointment if your pearly white suddenly stops hurting. Continue reading to learn why you shouldn’t cancel your upcoming appointment!

If you have been dealing with an infected tooth, you may be well aware of the persistent discomfort that you want to find relief from. You may be wondering whether it’s worth getting a root canal or having it completely removed, but is there a better choice? Each one has its own scenario where one is a clear winner, but it just depends on your situation. Keep reading to learn more about when one option would be picked over the other.

Once you’re through with Invisalign, you’ll take another step on your orthodontic journey. That move is to wear a retainer and preserve the results of your time with clear aligners. Of course, you may wonder: How long will you need this device going forward? Such a point is vital to your post-treatment care, so your local Tucson dentist is here to address it. Just keep reading to learn how long you’ll wear a retainer after Invisalign.

Dental Implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Unlike dentures and dental implants, dental implants replace the roots of the missing teeth, allowing for a wife range of additional benefits. With all of the talk about dental implants, you may be wondering – how do dental implants compare to natural teeth? Should healthy teeth be replaced with dental implants? Here’s what you should know.

If you’re looking into Invisalign, you may already know some ways it’d change your daily life. That’s only natural – many patients report that their trays alter their eating and oral hygiene habits. However, perhaps you have one lingering question: Will Invisalign affect how you speak? That matter isn’t often discussed, so your Tucson dentist is here to address it. Just keep reading to learn how Invisalign affects speech (if at all) and some tips on talking with your trays.

Sleep apnea and gum disease may seem like two entirely separate health issues; one affects your sleep, and the other your mouth. However, growing research suggests that these two conditions are more closely connected than you might think. Understanding the relationship between sleep apnea and gum disease (periodontal disease) can help you take better care of both your oral and overall health.

Many people who want a straighter smile are eager to avoid the frustration of having metal brackets bonded to their teeth. If you want to avoid braces, you might consider Invisalign instead.

This treatment relies on a series of plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth to move them to their ideal places. They’re typically worn for 20 to 22 hours daily for a week or two before switching to the next pair in your plan. However, if your teeth aren’t shifting as intended, you might require refinements. Continue reading to learn more about what this involves!

The benefits that come with Invisalign aligners cannot be overlooked. Their discreet appearance, flexibility, comfort, and efficiency make them a preferred option for anyone who might be considering orthodontic treatment. If you have already started the process of wearing these aligners to straighten your smile, you understand just how convenient they are, but you might also recognize how difficult they can be to remove. Instead of continuing to struggle with your Invisalign trays, check out these helpful tips that are sure to improve your overall experience.

Is your smile not as dazzling as it used to be? It’s a sad fact that the appearance of your teeth can change as you grow older, and many of these changes can leave you feeling rather self-conscious. If you’re concerned about maintaining a smile that you can show off with confidence in any situation, it’s worth learning more about how aging can affect the way your teeth look – as well as the solutions that cosmetic dentistry can provide.

You’re determined to achieve the smile of your dreams, and a teeth whitening treatment seems to be your ticket for getting there. But as you sat down to take a look at your budget, you realized you have a very important question: how many treatment sessions will you need?

It’s true that some patients have exceptionally stubborn stains and require more than one whitening, but to know if you’ll be one of them, you’ll ultimately have to ask your dentist! Keep reading for more details.

You’ve just gotten your teeth professionally whitened – congratulations! It’s exciting to have bright, pearly teeth to smile with. Maybe it’s so exciting that you’re looking for ways to help make sure your treatment results last as long as possible.

Look no further than this post! Below, you’ll find some prime examples of foods and drinks to avoid after a teeth whitening treatment. Check them out so you can mitigate foodborne dental staining.

Gum disease often starts as a silent issue but can quickly get out of hand, leading to periodontitis. Once the disease reaches this point, it can be difficult, or even impossible, to manage without professional treatment. Scaling and root planing is a two-in-one deep cleaning treatment that can restore your oral health. But what is it, and what does it cost? Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about scaling and root planing, so you’ll know what to expect.

Did you know that an estimated 38.4 million Americans had diabetes in 2021? This chronic medical condition can impact your well-being in many ways, and your mouth is no exception. In fact, according to the CDC, about 58% of adults with diabetes in the United States also have gum disease– yikes!

Unfortunately, periodontal problems are also the #1 leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Therefore, diabetic patients may need to take extra precautions to keep their smiles happy and healthy. Continue reading to learn more about the relationship between diabetes and gum disease and how to protect and preserve your grin!

You watched high school peers get their wisdom teeth extracted and post mildly entertaining videos about their reaction to the anesthetic. After yours didn’t show for a year or two, a quick internet search revealed that third molars might not grow in until you’re 21. So you waited, mildly concerned that you’d wake up to find a painful surprise towards the back of your mouth any day now.

But you’ve past the 21-year mark, and your wisdom teeth are still nowhere to be found – or felt, for that matter. Is that a bad sign? Keep reading – wisdom tooth development might be more nuanced than you thought! 

Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life because gaps in your grin make it hard to eat, speak, and smile as easily as you used to. Thankfully, your dentist can provide lifelike dentures to act as artificial teeth. Once in place, you can enunciate words and sufficiently chew your food to be more easily swallowed and digested.

However, your prosthetics can also interfere with your sense of taste, making meals less enjoyable. Continue reading to learn four potential reasons for this and how it can be addressed!

Dental implants are considered by many to be the ideal way to replace missing teeth. They’re the restorations that are embedded into your jawbone, so they both look and function like your missing pearly whites.

The first step toward rebuilding your grin is to schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine if you’re a good candidate. This appointment is also the perfect time to ask questions to ensure you make an informed decision about your smile.

If you’re unsure what you need to know, continue reading for 3 helpful suggestions!

After months of anticipation, meticulous planning, booking accommodations, and saving up for some well-deserved time off, your summer vacation is finally here! Whether you’re heading to a nearby spot or a far-off destination, the last thing you want is to deal with a dental emergency. But emergencies can strike without warning. If you find yourself facing a dental issue while on vacation, follow these essential steps to handle the situation effectively.

People have fretted over their missing teeth ever since cavemen figured out how to recognize their own reflections. Luckily, dental implants offer a modern tooth replacement solution that looks, feels, and works just like the real thing. These wonderful artificial teeth are designed to be surgically implanted into the jawbone, allowing patients to smile naturally and enjoy all sorts of foods that traditional restorations have difficulty chewing. Here’s a brief list of commonly asked questions about the dental implant recovery process as well as their answers.

Pregnancy is a time of significant changes and careful decision-making, especially when it comes to your health. Suddenly, every choice you make has another life to consider and it can be difficult to navigate previously easy decisions. For instance, if you’re missing teeth and need replacements, is getting dental implants still safe? Continue reading to learn what you need to know about dental implants while expecting.

Most patients choose Invisalign orthodontic treatment over traditional metal braces due to the flexibility and freedom it offers. The removable trays make eating what you want, when you want, possible, and they’re ideal for patients who play instruments. They also make it much easier to maintain good dental health throughout the process. However, if you’re worried about forgetting to put your trays back in, losing them, or any other issues that could prevent you from meeting the ideal wear time, there could be consequences. Read on to learn why wearing your trays for the proper amount of time is so important.

One of the reasons why Invisalign has become so incredibly popular is because its clear aligners, unlike traditional braces, are virtually invisible and require no dietary restrictions. However, patients still need to observe certain rules to prevent complications and make sure their treatment stays on schedule. It’s important to keep your Invisalign treatment in mind if you’re planning on taking a special someone out for a night on the town this Valentine’s Day. Here are a few tips to help you comply with your treatment plan when you’re out on a date.

The weekday grind is a ritual that many Americans hold dear. So, if you’re recovering from dental implant surgery, you may be wondering when you can safely return to work. While the recovery timeline varies from person to person based on various factors, there are some general guidelines to consider.

Read on if you want to plan so you can get back to your personal hustle after getting dental implants.

What’s your favorite part of the holiday season? For many, it’s the seasonal treats. As the holidays approach, many people look forward to enjoying sweet and carb-filled drinks. However, it’s important to recognize the potential harm these beverages can cause to dental health. This guide highlights five holiday drinks that should be enjoyed in moderation to protect your teeth during the festive season.

Everyone looks forward to the Thanksgiving feast every year. During this annual banquet, friends and family gather together to appreciate each other and everything they have to be grateful for. When you sit down to this delicious dinner this year, take a few moments to appreciate all the things that your teeth do for you that can be a little too easy to take for granted. Here are a few reasons your teeth deserve a little credit and some ways you can help keep your smile happy and healthy this Thanksgiving.

Invisalign is a virtually invisible orthodontic method that requires no dietary restrictions, but it requires certain considerations during the annual Halloween festivities. Without the proper precautions, one candy-filled day can set the stage for major complications over the course of your treatment. Here’s how to celebrate Halloween while keeping your Invisalign treatment going smoothly.

Whether it be due to anxiety, poor oral hygiene, or something totally beyond your control, you may have to replace missing teeth and feel self-conscious about it. Dental implants are the best treatment for this, but your embarrassment could be stopping you from getting started.

Continue reading to discover three common concerns about dental implants that might make you feel embarrassed, and why they should be put to rest.

Finding a good dentist can be a little bit difficult, and things get even more stressful when you’re in the midst of a dental emergency. Scrambling to find someone to take care of your issue may make you wary, but so long as you take things one step at a time, you should be able to get help quickly.

If you’re in the midst of an ongoing dental emergency, here’s what you should know about finding a decent dentist nearby, particularly when you’re in pain.

Looking for a lasting and natural solution to replace missing teeth? Dental implants are the answer, restoring both the look and function of your smile. They are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials that are surgically placed in the jawbone. If you’re considering getting them, the summer is a great time to start. Read on to learn about the advantages of getting dental implants during this season.

Sun’s out, fun’s out! It’s finally time for that long-earned rest and relaxation in the summer sun. Having to deal with tooth trouble is not on the vacation itinerary. To maintain your beautiful grin and keep the good times rolling, here are 4 ways you can prevent a dental emergency that might derail your summer fun.

Whether you’re getting ready for your wedding or just family portraits, choosing a photographer can feel like a colossal task. How can you make sure the one you pick is the right choice for you? Here are some things you need to do as you search for the perfect photographer in Tucson to capture your beautiful smile.