Dental Implants in Scottsdale, Tempe & Gilbert

Missing teeth can affect more than your smile — they change the way you eat, the way you speak, and the way you feel about yourself. Over time, the jawbone beneath a missing tooth begins to deteriorate, which can alter your facial structure and lead to further tooth loss. Dental implants solve all of these problems at once.

A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone, where it fuses naturally with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once healed, the implant supports a custom-made crown that looks and functions exactly like a natural tooth. Unlike bridges or dentures, implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support and they actively preserve your jawbone.

At Summit Ridge Dental, implant placement is led by Dr. Sarah Chen, DDS, FAGD, who has placed more than 3,000 implants over her 15-year career. Dr. Chen completed an Advanced Prosthodontics Fellowship at NYU Langone, one of the most respected programs in the country, and uses 3D CT-guided surgical planning at every step to maximize precision and minimize recovery time.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Scottsdale?

A single dental implant in the Scottsdale and Phoenix metro area typically costs between $3,000 and $5,500, including the implant post, abutment, and crown. All-on-4 full-arch implants range from $20,000 to $30,000 per arch. Exact pricing depends on your specific case and any preparatory procedures needed.

The total cost of a dental implant depends on several factors: the number of teeth being replaced, whether bone grafting is needed, the type of restoration (single crown vs. bridge vs. full arch), and the materials used. During your free consultation at Summit Ridge Dental, Dr. Chen will review your 3D CT scan, discuss your treatment options, and provide a detailed cost estimate before any work begins.

Making Implants Affordable

We believe cost should not prevent anyone from getting the care they need. Summit Ridge Dental offers several options to make implants more accessible:

Insurance: Some dental plans cover a portion of implant costs, particularly the crown. We verify your benefits and handle the paperwork.

CareCredit: Monthly payment plans with promotional interest-free periods for qualified patients.

Lending Club: Extended financing options with competitive rates.

Summit Savings Plan: Our in-house membership for uninsured patients includes 15% off all treatments, including implants — saving you hundreds.

What Does the Dental Implant Process Look Like?

The dental implant process at Summit Ridge Dental typically takes three to six months from placement to final crown. It involves a consultation with 3D imaging, surgical placement, a healing period for osseointegration, and placement of a permanent crown.

Step 1: Free Consultation and 3D Imaging

Your implant journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at any of our three offices. Dr. Chen uses a Sirona CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scanner to create a detailed 3D map of your jawbone, nerve pathways, and sinus cavities. This scan takes about 15 seconds and exposes you to far less radiation than a standard medical CT. Based on the imaging, Dr. Chen will determine whether you are a candidate for immediate implant placement or whether preparatory procedures like bone grafting are needed first.

Step 2: Treatment Planning

Using the 3D scan data, Dr. Chen plans the exact position, angle, and depth of your implant using computer-guided surgical planning software. This level of precision means smaller incisions, faster healing, and more predictable outcomes. You will receive a detailed treatment plan that includes timelines, costs, and what to expect at each stage.

Step 3: Implant Placement

On the day of surgery, the area is numbed with local anesthesia. Oral sedation or nitrous oxide are available if you prefer additional relaxation. Dr. Chen makes a small incision in the gum tissue and places the titanium implant into the prepared site in the jawbone. In most cases, the entire procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes per implant. A healing cap is placed over the implant, and in many cases a temporary tooth can be attached the same day so you do not leave with a gap.

Step 4: Osseointegration (Healing Period)

Over the next three to four months, the titanium post integrates with your jawbone. During this time, you will wear a temporary restoration and eat a modified diet for the first few weeks. You will have periodic check-in appointments so we can monitor healing progress.

Step 5: Final Crown Placement

Once osseointegration is complete, the healing cap is removed and the permanent abutment is attached. We take a digital impression using the iTero scanner — no goopy molds — and your custom porcelain crown is fabricated. The crown is then cemented or screwed onto the abutment. You leave with a finished tooth that looks and functions like the real thing.

Step 6: Follow-Up Care

We schedule follow-up visits to ensure your implant is integrating properly and your bite is comfortable. Long-term maintenance is simple: brush, floss, and visit us for regular checkups — the same care you give your natural teeth.

What Is Recovery Like After Dental Implant Surgery?

Most patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery is. Here is what to expect:

Day of surgery: You may experience mild swelling and tenderness at the surgical site. An ice pack and over-the-counter pain medication (ibuprofen is typically sufficient) manage any discomfort. Most patients do not need prescription pain medication.

Days 2 through 5: Swelling peaks around day two or three and then gradually subsides. Stick to soft foods — yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies. Avoid chewing directly on the implant site.

Week 1: Most patients return to work within one to two days. By the end of the first week, any residual soreness is usually gone.

Weeks 2 through 12: The implant is healing beneath the gum line as osseointegration takes place. You can resume your normal diet gradually, but avoid hard or crunchy foods at the implant site until your doctor gives the all-clear.

Month 3 to 6: Your final crown is placed after osseointegration is confirmed. From this point forward, you treat the implant exactly like a natural tooth.