Dental Implants in Las Vegas, NV

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth. A fixed implant utilizes a sturdy post that acts as a substitute tooth root, and a unique crown, bridge, or denture fills in for the erupted part of the missing tooth (or teeth). If you suffer from tooth loss or require a tooth removal, set up a dental exam with Dr. Ryan Martz at Gardens Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Las Vegas, NV, and learn about your dental implant alternatives.

There are a number of reasons why you should consider a dental implant:

• Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink. This shrinkage will make your face look older than it is.
• There are no loose parts to worry about losing.
• The dental implant is stable and comfortable.
• No adjustment is needed after placement.
• Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
• Improved appearance: When you lose the entire tooth – crown and root – shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn’t.
• Preserve natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
• Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you. 

Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate dental implant treatment. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.

Today, state-of-the-art guided surgical techniques are convenient alternatives to place dental implants and allow you to have the dental implant placed in a single session using keyhole surgery. This new method has significantly simplified the procedure for both patients and dentists.

The major advantage of the guided surgical technique is the minimal amount of manipulation of the soft tissue due to keyhole surgery. This significantly reduces the healing time and the discomfort normally associated with traditional dental implant surgical techniques.

The conventional process can take from 3 – 6 months. First, the dentist places the dental implant, which is left for 3 – 6 months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, you are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place.

The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved, and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.

It is normal to have some bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually, the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day. Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. See your dentist in six months, or more frequently if so advised.

How will dental implants affect my life?
Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel, and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve the quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.

Will my dental implants look natural?
When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort, and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Often they are hard to tell apart from your natural teeth. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.

Is a dental implant treatment painful?
With any surgery, there can be some discomfort, but it is easily manageable. Anesthesia and patient sedation are commonly administered to help reduce any discomfort during the dental implant process. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Your doctor will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur. Ask your dentist to recommend another patient who has already had tooth replacement therapy to assess their personal experience.

Due to the innovations in current dental technology, there is a range of methods to address the loss of teeth with the seamless appearance and function of fixed implants. Dr. Martz is happy to offer implant denture, crown, and bridge alternatives as efficient tooth replacements to Las Vegas, NV patients. To learn about your opportunities for replacing extremely compromised or missing teeth, arrange your dental exam at Gardens Cosmetic and Family Dentistry when you can!