Every question you have about dental implants — answered.

Aria Dental Implant Center is a locally owned, full-mouth dental implant center in Phoenix, Arizona, founded in 2020. We specialize exclusively in dental implant treatment — from single-tooth implants to full-arch All-on-4® cases. Our office is located at 12320 N. 32nd Street, Suite 3, Phoenix, AZ 85032. We are open Monday through Thursday 9am–4pm and Friday 8am–2pm. Consultations outside business hours can be arranged by phone.

No. Aria Dental Implant Center is independently owned and operated — not affiliated with any dental service organization (DSO), corporate chain, or franchise. This matters because every decision made at Aria is made in the interest of the patient, not a distant investor or shareholder. Dr. Joe Mehranfar and Scott Lauer co-own the practice and are directly involved in its operations every day. The same doctor who plans your treatment is the same doctor who places your implants and follows your case long-term.

Dr. Joe Mehranfar, DMD, is Aria's lead implant dentist and one of the most experienced full-arch implant specialists in the Phoenix area. He has completed more than 3,000 full-mouth implant cases, trained extensively with Nobel Biocare and SprintRay®, and lectures internationally on the All-on-4® treatment concept. He earned his dental degree from Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, completed advanced fellowship training, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry — one of the most rigorous credentials in implant dentistry — and holds membership in the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics. Learn more about Dr. Joe →

Several things set Aria apart. First, we are entirely focused on dental implants — it is the only thing we do. Second, we have an in-house digital dental laboratory where our expert digital lab team designs every restoration. This eliminates the delays and errors of third-party labs. Third, our digital workflow — intra-oral scanning, photogrammetry, SprintRay® 3D printing, and NobelProcera® manufacturing — compresses a process that takes months elsewhere into as little as 21 days. Fourth, we are locally owned and accountable to our community, not a corporate management structure.

Yes, completely. Aria offers a complimentary 3D CT scan and consultation to every new patient — no charge, no obligation. The 3D CT scan alone is valued at several hundred dollars. We offer it at no cost because we believe every patient deserves to understand their options with real diagnostic data before making any decisions. You will leave your consultation with a clear picture of your bone structure, your treatment options, and what the process looks like for your specific anatomy.

All-on-4® is a full-arch dental implant treatment concept developed by Nobel Biocare. Four dental implants — two placed straight at the front of the jaw and two tilted at the back — support a complete fixed arch of replacement teeth. The tilted posterior implants avoid areas of reduced bone density and achieve excellent stability without bone grafting in most cases. A complete set of fixed teeth is attached the same day as surgery. The final restoration — a custom NobelProcera® zirconia bridge — is delivered in as little as 21 days at Aria. Learn more about All-on-4® →

All-on-4® uses four implants to permanently support a fixed arch of teeth that does not come out. Snap-on implant dentures use two to four implants as anchors for a removable appliance — it still comes out for cleaning and can move during use. All-on-4® functions like natural teeth: no removal, no adhesive, no slipping during meals. For patients seeking a true fixed, permanent solution, All-on-4® provides a significantly better long-term outcome than implant-supported overdentures.

Most adults with missing, failing, or painful teeth — or those struggling with dentures — are candidates for All-on-4® treatment. The key requirement is adequate bone in the jaw to support four implants, which the vast majority of patients have even with some bone loss. Patients with reduced bone who were told they need grafting elsewhere often qualify for the tilted implant technique at Aria without grafting. A complimentary 3D CT scan is the only accurate way to evaluate your specific bone anatomy and confirm candidacy.

The surgical procedure itself — including any necessary extractions, implant placement, and same-day provisional teeth attachment — typically takes 2–4 hours per arch. Most patients are resting at home the same afternoon. The process is performed under local anesthesia with sedation available for comfort.

The titanium implants themselves are designed to be a lifetime solution. Long-term studies on All-on-4® show implant survival rates above 95–98% at 10 years. The zirconia bridge restoration is highly durable — typically lasting 15–25+ years before any maintenance is needed, and often much longer. Proper home care and regular check-ups at Aria are the most important factors in long-term success. Learn about implant maintenance →

Yes — that is one of the primary reasons patients choose All-on-4® over dentures. You follow a soft diet in the weeks immediately following surgery while implants integrate, then progress to regular foods after your final zirconia bridge is placed. Most patients tell us that eating the foods they love again — steak, apples, corn on the cob — is one of the most emotional and life-changing parts of treatment. There are no adhesives, no plates covering the roof of the mouth, and no slipping during meals.

In the majority of cases, no. The All-on-4® concept was specifically designed to work with the bone most patients have available — even those who have experienced significant bone loss from missing teeth or long-term denture use. The tilted posterior implants take advantage of denser bone at the back of the jaw, typically without the need for sinus lifts or bone augmentation. In some cases where bone loss is severe, additional implants or minor augmentation may be recommended — this is determined at your 3D CT scan consultation.

Implant failure is rare — below 2–5% in properly selected candidates at experienced practices. If an implant does not integrate, it is typically detected early during the healing process and can be replaced after a healing period, usually without starting the entire process over. At Aria, your care is managed by the same team long-term, so any concerns are addressed promptly by the people who placed your implants and know your case. This continuity of care is one of the critical advantages of choosing a locally owned, specialist practice over a corporate chain.

A single dental implant replaces one missing tooth with three components: a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone (the implant itself), an abutment that connects the post to the visible restoration, and a crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Unlike a bridge, a single implant does not require modifying adjacent healthy teeth. It stands independently and integrates with the jawbone — stimulating bone and preserving the structure of your jaw just as a natural tooth root does. Learn more about single implants →

For most patients, yes. A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by crowning the two adjacent teeth and suspending an artificial tooth between them — meaning two healthy teeth are ground down and permanently altered to support the bridge. A single implant replaces the missing tooth without touching adjacent teeth, preserves jawbone by providing root stimulation, and typically lasts significantly longer than a bridge. The upfront cost of an implant is higher, but over a 20–30 year period, the total cost of bridge maintenance, replacement, and potential damage to adjacent teeth often exceeds the cost of a single implant done correctly the first time.

Leaving a gap where a tooth was lost starts a chain of events that accelerates over time. Without a tooth root stimulating the jawbone, bone begins to resorb — shrinking in height and width. Adjacent teeth begin to shift into the gap. The opposing tooth (above or below) over-erupts into the space. These changes affect your bite, your ability to chew, and the appearance of your face. Over years, significant bone loss changes the facial structure — a sunken, aged appearance around the mouth. A dental implant placed promptly stops bone loss immediately. Learn about bone loss →

The full process for a single implant typically takes 3–6 months, with most of that time being the healing period while the implant integrates with the bone (osseointegration). The surgical procedure itself is relatively brief — typically 30–60 minutes. Once integration is confirmed, the abutment and crown are placed, which usually takes one to two appointments. Your Aria team will give you a specific timeline based on your bone density and the location of the implant.

Single implant placement is performed under local anesthesia and is typically well-tolerated. Many patients compare it to having a tooth extracted — some pressure and sensation, but not pain during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Swelling and tenderness in the first 24–72 hours are normal. Most patients return to regular activity within a day or two.

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The titanium post that fuses with the jawbone has no theoretical lifespan limit. The crown restoration on top typically lasts 15–25 years. Studies show single implant survival rates above 95% at 10 years and above 90% at 20 years in healthy patients with good oral hygiene. The most important factors in longevity are good home care, regular professional maintenance, not smoking, and addressing any bite problems promptly.

Yes. For full-arch implant patients at Aria, a custom set of fixed 3D-printed provisional teeth is prepared in advance and attached to your implants the same day as surgery. You leave the office with a complete set of fixed teeth. The following day, you return for a refined provisional set. Your final NobelProcera® zirconia teeth are delivered in as little as 21 days. You are never without a complete, fixed smile at any point during the process. Learn more about Teeth-In-A-Day →

The provisional teeth you receive on surgery day — and the refined set the next day — are precision 3D-printed from high-quality dental resin using SprintRay® technology. They are fixed, functional, and look like real teeth. Their purpose is to protect your implants and maintain your bite alignment while integration occurs. Your final NobelProcera® zirconia teeth are a permanent ceramic restoration precision-milled from the strongest dental material available. They are significantly harder, more stain-resistant, more durable, and more lifelike than the provisionals.

The second-day appointment is part of Aria's precision protocol. After surgery, minor tissue changes and swelling are assessed, and a refined provisional set is delivered based on fresh digital data. This ensures your provisional teeth fit as accurately and comfortably as possible throughout the healing period — rather than waiting weeks to address any issues that arise. It is part of what makes Aria's digital workflow different from standard implant protocols.

Most practices depend on external labs and physical impression-based workflows, each of which adds days or weeks to the process. Aria's fully digital workflow eliminates those delays at every step: intra-oral scanning replaces physical impressions, photogrammetry captures exact implant positions digitally the day of surgery, and our expert digital lab team's in-house CAD/CAM design is transmitted directly to Nobel Biocare's manufacturing facility the same day approval is given. The result is a final restoration timeline measured in days, not months.

Photogrammetry is a technology that captures the exact three-dimensional positions of your implants in the jaw with a level of accuracy that scanning alone cannot match at full-arch scale. After implant placement, small scan bodies are placed on each implant, and the photogrammetry system builds a precise spatial map of every implant position and angle. This data is critical for fabricating a bridge that fits perfectly — even a fraction of a millimeter of error across four or more implants compounds into a bridge that doesn't fit. Photogrammetry eliminates that risk.

Teeth-In-A-Day — meaning same-day fixed provisional teeth with a rapid final restoration — is most commonly associated with full-arch implant treatment. Single-tooth implant cases follow a different timeline determined by osseointegration requirements specific to that implant's location and bone quality. Your Aria team will explain the expected process and realistic timeline for your specific situation at your complimentary consultation.

Zirconia is a ceramic material derived from zirconium dioxide, used in dentistry for its exceptional combination of strength, durability, biocompatibility, and aesthetics. It is one of the hardest materials used in restorative dentistry, does not corrode, does not stain, and is well-tolerated by the body. Its translucency and color can be matched closely to natural tooth appearance, making it the material of choice for high-quality, permanent implant restorations. Learn more about zirconia teeth →

NobelProcera® is Nobel Biocare's precision CAD/CAM manufacturing platform — the industry's gold standard for custom implant restorations. Aria's final zirconia bridges are manufactured at Nobel Biocare's facility in Mahwah, New Jersey, using industrial-grade milling machines operating to micron-level tolerances. The bridge begins as a digital design by our expert digital lab team and is transmitted directly to the Mahwah facility for fabrication. The result is a custom-designed, precision-milled zirconia bridge that fits with a level of accuracy that conventional lab methods cannot achieve.

Acrylic (PMMA) is the material most commonly used for provisional implant teeth and for lower-cost permanent restorations at some practices. Compared to zirconia, acrylic is softer, more prone to wear and staining, more porous (which can harbor bacteria), and less aesthetically refined. Zirconia's hardness and density give it dramatically superior longevity, and its optical properties produce a more natural-looking tooth. At Aria, acrylic is used only for provisionals during healing — never for the final, permanent restoration.

Yes. One of zirconia's significant advantages over other dental materials is its ability to be fabricated with translucency, color gradients, and surface texture that closely mimic natural tooth enamel. Our expert digital lab team shapes every restoration to match your facial structure, bite relationship, and aesthetic preferences before fabrication. Patients routinely tell us their new smile looks better than their original teeth. Individual results vary.

Zirconia is among the most fracture-resistant dental materials available and is far more durable than porcelain-fused-to-metal or acrylic restorations. In normal use, properly designed and fitted zirconia bridges very rarely chip or fracture. Extreme forces — grinding (bruxism), trauma, or biting very hard objects — can damage any dental material. Aria's team addresses bite-related concerns and protective strategies as part of your ongoing implant maintenance. If a zirconia bridge does need repair, Aria manages this as part of your long-term care.

Cleaning a full-arch zirconia bridge is different from cleaning natural teeth. Because the bridge spans the full arch and sits above the gumline, food and bacteria can accumulate underneath. Aria recommends a water flosser (oral irrigator) used under the bridge, a soft-bristle toothbrush along the gumline, and interdental brushes for specific areas as directed by your hygienist. Regular professional maintenance appointments at Aria — typically every 4–6 months — are essential for long-term implant health. Learn about implant maintenance →

Implant surgery is performed under local anesthesia, with sedation available for patient comfort at Aria. During the procedure, most patients feel pressure and movement rather than pain. Post-surgical discomfort typically peaks in the first 24–48 hours and is managed well with over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) in most cases. Many patients are surprised at how manageable the experience is compared to their expectations going in. Your Aria surgical team will discuss specific pain management strategies at your pre-operative appointment.

Most patients feel well enough to return to light activity within a few days after full-arch surgery. The first week involves swelling, some soreness, and dietary restrictions (soft foods). By week two, most patients are comfortable and managing well. The deeper biological process — osseointegration, where the implants fuse with the jawbone — takes 8–16 weeks on average, during which patients wear their provisional teeth normally. Aria schedules follow-up appointments at key milestones throughout this process.

In the first 24–48 hours after surgery, a liquid or very soft diet is recommended — smoothies, yogurt, mashed foods, soup. During the first two to four weeks, patients follow a soft diet avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could place stress on healing implants. After your final zirconia bridge is placed — typically within 21 days at Aria — you can gradually return to a regular diet. Your team will guide you through each stage with specific recommendations based on your healing progress.

Osseointegration is the biological process by which the titanium surface of a dental implant fuses directly with the surrounding jawbone. It is the foundation of why dental implants work as a permanent solution. Over 8–16 weeks after placement, bone cells attach to the microscopic surface texture of the titanium post and grow into it — creating a bond as stable as a natural tooth root. Until osseointegration is confirmed (typically via imaging and clinical assessment), patients wear their provisional teeth, which are designed to protect the implants during this phase.

Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure and complications. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the healing tissues and bone, impairing osseointegration and increasing the risk of infection. Aria strongly recommends stopping smoking before implant surgery and throughout the healing period. Smokers who cannot quit can still receive implants, but should be aware of the elevated risk and discuss strategies for risk reduction with Dr. Joe at their consultation. Even reducing smoking substantially improves outcomes.

Long-term implant success depends primarily on oral hygiene and regular professional maintenance. At home: use a water flosser under the bridge, brush along the gumline with a soft brush, and follow any specific instructions your Aria hygienist provides. At Aria: professional implant maintenance appointments (typically every 4–6 months) involve specialized cleaning around and under the bridge, imaging to monitor bone levels, and assessment of the implant and restoration for any early concerns. Catching issues early is far easier and less costly than addressing advanced complications. Learn about maintenance →

Aria schedules follow-up appointments at key milestones: the day after surgery (for your refined provisional set), at 1–2 weeks (to assess initial healing), at key osseointegration milestones (typically 8–12 weeks), and at final delivery of your zirconia bridge. After delivery, regular maintenance appointments are scheduled every 4–6 months. Your Aria team manages your case from start to long-term follow-up — the same people who know your case, your imaging, and your history.

Full-arch implant treatment across the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, and Maricopa County area (All-on-4® or similar) commonly ranges from approximately $10,000 to $25,000 per arch, depending on the center. At Aria Dental Implant Center, our pricing starts at $12,500 per arch for All-on-4® and $14,999 per arch for All-on-6 — cash or check pricing that includes a custom zirconia prosthesis and general anesthesia. It is important to research what is actually provided by each center and who is performing the surgery; extremely low advertised prices often exclude the zirconia final, anesthesia, or other components. Single-tooth implants are priced separately and vary depending on whether an extraction or bone graft is required. A consultation and 3D CT scan are required before a treatment plan is finalized; for All-on-6, some patients may not have enough bone to support all six implants. See full pricing → · Learn about financing →

Dental implant pricing varies based on the implant brand and system used, the quality of the final restoration material, whether an in-house or external lab fabricates the restoration, the number of implants placed, whether extractions or bone grafting are included, the experience level of the surgical team, and practice overhead. Extremely low advertised prices often reflect lower-quality implant components, PMMA (acrylic) restorations rather than zirconia, or treatment plans that exclude necessary components shown in fine print. Aria's pricing is transparent and inclusive — what we quote is what you pay for the treatment we describe.

Most traditional dental insurance plans do not cover dental implants, or cover only a minor portion — sometimes the crown only, not the implant or surgery. Some newer insurance plans offer partial implant benefits. Medical insurance may cover implant treatment if tooth loss was caused by a medical condition or trauma — this is worth investigating with your provider. The Aria team can assist you in understanding your specific insurance benefits and how they apply to your treatment plan.

Aria works with multiple financing partners to offer flexible monthly payment plans: Cherry, Proceed Financial, Onederful Financial, and CareCredit. Explore financing →

In our view, yes — and the data supports it. Full-arch implant treatment is a surgical procedure that you will live with for decades. The quality of the implant system, the precision of the placement, the material of the final restoration, and the experience of the surgical team all directly affect outcomes. Patients who choose low-cost providers and experience complications — implant failure, ill-fitting bridges, poor aesthetics — often spend significantly more on revision treatment than the original price difference. Choosing quality from the start is the lower-risk, lower-long-term-cost path for most patients.

Yes, in most cases. Dental implants are considered a qualified medical expense under IRS guidelines, making them eligible for payment with Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds. Using pre-tax dollars from an HSA or FSA effectively reduces your out-of-pocket cost by your marginal tax rate. Confirm with your plan administrator before treatment, as plan rules can vary. This is one of the most overlooked ways to reduce the effective cost of implant treatment.

Aria typically has monthly specials available. The most reliable way to learn about current offers is to call us at 602-877-0429 or ask at your complimentary consultation. We never use high-pressure sales tactics or artificially inflate prices to create a "discount" — when we have a promotion, it is a genuine reduction applied to straightforward, inclusive pricing.

Most adults with missing, failing, or painful teeth are candidates for dental implants. The key factors are sufficient bone volume to support the implants, healthy gum tissue, and general health adequate for a surgical procedure. Patients with controlled systemic conditions like diabetes, those who are older, and those with some bone loss are frequently good candidates. The only accurate way to determine candidacy is a 3D CT scan and clinical evaluation — Aria provides both at no charge.

True absolute disqualifiers are rare. They include active radiation therapy to the jaw, certain bisphosphonate medications used for osteoporosis or cancer-related bone conditions (which impair healing), and severely uncontrolled systemic disease. Heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease, and insufficient bone are significant risk factors that need to be addressed before treatment — but most can be managed. Many patients who were told "no" elsewhere have qualified at Aria. The consultation will clarify your specific situation.

Frequently, yes. Bone volume concerns are the most common reason patients are told they don't qualify — and the most frequently overcome. The tilted implant technique used in All-on-4® is specifically designed to take advantage of available bone in different jaw positions, bypassing areas of deficiency without grafting in many cases. Patients who have been wearing dentures for years (and have experienced significant bone resorption as a result) are often still candidates. A 3D CT scan at Aria will determine this definitively.

Yes, in most cases. Controlled diabetes is not a contraindication for dental implants. Research shows that patients with well-managed blood sugar levels achieve implant survival rates comparable to non-diabetic patients. Uncontrolled diabetes does impair healing and increases infection risk — so blood sugar management is important both before and after surgery. Dr. Joe works with patients' physicians when appropriate to optimize health parameters before proceeding with implant treatment.

There is no upper age limit for dental implants. Bone growth must be complete (typically by the late teens), but there is no maximum age. Many of Aria's patients are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, and achieve excellent outcomes. Age-related health considerations may affect anesthesia planning or healing timeline, but are assessed individually. The ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile with confidence is just as important at 75 as at 45 — and implants make that possible.

Yes — and transitioning from dentures to dental implants is one of the most common and most life-changing treatments Aria provides. Dentures do not stop bone loss — they actually accelerate it over time by putting pressure on the ridge. Patients who have been in dentures for years often have significant bone loss, but as noted above, the All-on-4® technique is designed specifically for cases like this. Your 3D CT scan will reveal exactly what bone remains and what your options are.

Active gum disease (periodontitis) must be treated and controlled before dental implant placement, as the bacteria responsible for gum disease can directly attack the bone and tissue surrounding new implants. However, a history of gum disease, once treated and controlled, is not a permanent disqualifier. Aria will assess your gum health as part of the consultation and can coordinate treatment or referral as needed to prepare you for successful implant placement.

Bone grafting involves adding bone material (from your own body, a donor, or a synthetic source) to an area where bone volume is insufficient for implant placement. In the context of full-arch implant treatment at Aria, bone grafting is often avoided entirely through the use of tilted implant techniques. For single-tooth implants, a small socket graft is sometimes placed at the time of extraction to preserve bone for future implant placement. Whether you need any grafting — and what type — is determined entirely by your 3D CT scan results, not by a general protocol.

A cone-beam 3D CT scan (CBCT) produces a detailed three-dimensional image of your jaw, bone, and anatomy — far more informative than a conventional dental X-ray. It shows the exact volume and density of bone available, the location of nerves and sinuses, and the optimal positions for implant placement. Aria includes this scan at no charge because accurate diagnosis is the foundation of every successful treatment plan. Patients who receive implant consultations without 3D imaging are being given estimates, not diagnoses.

An intra-oral scanner is a handheld device that captures a precise, full-color 3D digital model of your teeth, gums, and bite relationship in minutes — replacing the traditional experience of biting into putty impression material. The resulting digital model is immediately usable for treatment planning, prosthetic design, and fabrication. No physical transport, no distortion, no remakes. At Aria, intra-oral scan data feeds directly into the CAD/CAM design workflow and SprintRay® 3D printing process.

CAD/CAM stands for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. In dentistry, it refers to the process of digitally designing a restoration (crown, bridge, or full arch) on specialized software and then manufacturing it using precision milling or 3D printing equipment. At Aria, our expert digital lab team designs every restoration digitally using patient scan data, photogrammetry output, and aesthetic parameters. The approved design is sent directly to production — either our SprintRay® printer or Nobel Biocare's manufacturing facility — without any physical handoffs or delays.

SprintRay® is the dental industry's leading 3D printing platform, capable of producing high-resolution dental resin restorations — including full-arch provisional bridges — with speed and precision that conventional fabrication methods cannot match. At Aria, SprintRay® produces the fixed provisional teeth patients receive on surgery day and the refined provisionals the following day. This is what makes Teeth-In-A-Day physically possible: provisional bridges are designed and printed before or during surgery rather than waiting days for an external lab.

Your complimentary consultation at Aria includes a 3D CT scan, a full review of your scan with Dr. Joe, a discussion of your treatment options and what each involves, a review of the timeline and process, and an overview of financing options. It is a conversation — not a sales appointment. You will leave with a clear understanding of your bone anatomy, what treatment is possible, what it involves, and what it costs. There is no obligation to proceed, and no pressure to decide on the day.

The typical full-arch implant patient at Aria has: a consultation and 3D CT scan (1 appointment), surgery day with same-day provisional teeth (1 appointment), the next-day refined provisional delivery (1 appointment), 1–2 follow-up healing assessments during osseointegration, and the final zirconia delivery appointment. After that, maintenance appointments every 4–6 months. Compared to traditional implant protocols that may involve 8–12+ appointments over 12–18 months, Aria's digital workflow significantly reduces the total number of visits required.

Every implant restoration we fabricate is digitally designed by our expert digital lab team — right here in our building. Working directly alongside Dr. Joe and the clinical team, they use advanced design software to shape each patient's provisional and final zirconia bridge from the ground up, customized to that patient's anatomy, bite, and aesthetic goals. Having an in-house design team rather than relying on an external lab is one of the key reasons Aria can achieve its 21-day timeline and the precision fit of every restoration it delivers.

Yes. Aria uses sonrie.ai — a smile simulation tool that gives patients a digital preview of what their new smile could look like before any treatment begins. This is available as part of the treatment planning process. Additionally, patients can take an online candidacy quiz at candidate.ariadentalimplantcenter.com to get a preliminary sense of their options before their consultation.

Call or text us at 602-877-0429, or use the form below to request your complimentary 3D CT scan and consultation. Our team will find a time that works for your schedule. The consultation is completely free, carries no obligation, and is the only way to know with certainty what your options are. We look forward to meeting you.