Dental Implants in Tempe
A single implant restores a missing tooth without altering the teeth around it. Dr. Phillips places and restores implants in-house from start to finish.
What a dental implant actually is
A dental implant — sometimes called a tooth implant — is a small titanium post that takes the place of a tooth root. Once it integrates with your jawbone, it supports a custom-made crown that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. Implants don't decay, they don't require grinding down nearby teeth like a bridge does, and they help preserve the bone in your jaw.
What to expect
- Consultation & 3D scan. We use a CBCT scan to map your jaw and plan the implant position precisely.
- Implant placement. The titanium post is placed under local anesthesia (sedation available). Most single-implant cases take under an hour.
- Healing & integration. Over the next 3–6 months, your bone fuses to the implant. You go about your normal life during this time.
- Final crown. A custom crown is attached to the implant. You leave with a tooth that looks like it grew there.
Wondering whether a tooth can be removed and replaced in one visit? Read same-day extractions and implants. For what healing and long-term care look like, see our implant recovery and maintenance guide.
Who dental implants are for
Implants are an excellent option if you've lost a tooth to injury, decay, or gum disease and want a permanent replacement. They're also the standard of care when an existing bridge or partial is failing and you'd like a more stable solution.
Implants can replace one tooth, several teeth, or a whole arch:
- Single implant and crown for one missing tooth.
- Implant-supported bridge for several missing teeth in a row. See crowns & bridges.
- Implant-retained overdenture that snaps onto implants for denture wearers who want more stability. See implant-supported dentures and dentures in Tempe.
- Fixed full-arch teeth on four or more implants. See All-on-4 / All-on-X, and read am I a candidate for All-on-4?
Dental implant vs. bridge vs. removable partial
For a single missing tooth (or a few), there are three common ways to fill the gap. Here's how they compare — Dr. Phillips will help you choose what fits your mouth and budget.
| Feature | Dental implant | Fixed bridge | Removable partial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replaces the tooth root | Yes | No | No |
| Affects neighboring teeth | No — stands on its own | Yes — they're ground down to hold it | Clasps rest on them |
| Protects jawbone | Yes — preserves bone | No | No |
| Feels like | A natural tooth | Fixed, but not rooted | Removable, can move |
| Typical lifespan | Decades — often a lifetime | ~10–15 years | ~5–8 years |
| Relative cost | Higher up front, lower over time | Middle | Lowest up front |
Missing most or all of your teeth? A full arch on implants may be the better path — see All-on-4 / All-on-X full-arch implants.
What affects the cost of a dental implant
Every case is different, so we give you clear, written pricing at your consultation rather than a one-size-fits-all number. The main factors are:
- How many teeth you're replacing — a single implant vs. several.
- Whether you need an extraction or bone graft before the implant.
- Materials for the crown and abutment.
Because Dr. Phillips both places and restores implants in-house, your surgical placement and final crown happen under one roof — so you're not paying a second office to finish the work. We also offer financing — see our insurance & financing page.
New to the practice? See our new-patient special offers, including implant consultations.
Why patients choose Dr. Phillips for implants
Dr. Phillips has placed and restored implants throughout his military and civilian career, and previously served as Surgical Training Advisor at Renew Anchored Dentures, where he trained other clinicians in implant protocols. You'll get both the surgical placement and the final restoration done under one roof — no back-and-forth between offices.
Want to see examples of restorative care? Visit our before-and-after gallery. Individual results vary.
Book an implant consultation in Tempe
Start with a consultation and 3D scan to learn whether implants suit you, what the plan involves, and what it costs. Request an implant consultation online or call (480) 334-2752. We're at 2600 E Southern Ave, Suite B1, Tempe, AZ 85282.
Dental Implants FAQ
From extraction (if needed) to final crown, most cases take 3 to 6 months — the bulk of which is healing time. The actual chair time is typically just a few visits.
Most patients report less discomfort than expected. The surgery is done under local anesthesia (or sedation, if you prefer), and post-op discomfort is usually managed with over-the-counter medication for a few days.
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, dental implants can last decades — often a lifetime. The crown on top may eventually need to be replaced after 15–20+ years of normal wear.
Most adults with reasonable bone volume and healthy gums are candidates. We use 3D imaging at your consultation to check bone quality and plan the case before recommending implants.
It depends on how many teeth you're replacing, whether you need an extraction or bone graft first, and the materials used — so we give you clear, written pricing at your consultation instead of a one-size-fits-all figure. Because Dr. Phillips places and restores implants in-house, you avoid the added cost of a second office completing the work, and financing is available.
An implant replaces the tooth root and stands on its own, so it doesn't require grinding down the healthy teeth next to the gap the way a bridge does, and it preserves the jawbone. A bridge can be a good choice in some situations and is often less expensive up front. We'll walk you through the trade-offs for your specific case.
That's common, especially if the tooth has been missing for a while. A bone graft can rebuild the site so an implant can be placed, and our 3D scan tells us exactly what's needed before we recommend anything.