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Las Vegas, NV 89117 | 702 734 0776
Dental Implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are comprised of 3 components.
The Implant
An Abutment
New Teeth
Think of the actual implant as a root to replace your root that was lost, it will support the new teeth. It is placed in the bone below the gums.
The abutment connects to the implant and supports the new teeth. This piece emerges through the gums.
A crown is a common way a tooth is restored on a dental implant. The crown is cemented on the abutment. Crowns are not the only way that teeth are added to implants, if there are several implants used it is possible to fabricate a fixed bridge framework to connect the implants together. It is also possible to attach a denture or a removable partial denture to the implant providing greater stability and comfort.
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1. Dental Implant
Dental Implants are replacements for your tooth roots. A Titanium post is placed in the bone and a crown is attached to the new root to replace the missing teeth.
For more information, read a Simple Explanation of Dental Implants
2. A Bridge
A fixed bridge uses the adjacent teeth around the space to support a false tooth to replace the missing teeth.
3. Removable partial denture-metal framework
This is an appliance that is removable, has a metal framework with plastic teeth added to the framework and this uses the other teeth and gums for support.
4. Removable partial denture-plastic framework
This appliance is removable also, but the whole appliance is made of plastic and primarily uses the gums for support.
5. Dentures
This is replacement of all the teeth on either the top or bottom, or both.
6. Live without it or them.
It’s not the best choice but millions of people live with missing teeth.
It’s always best to try to hang onto a tooth as long as possible, but sometimes it’s not possible, thankfully you have options to replace the missing teeth.
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January 18, the Las Vegas Review Journal had an interesting article about Dental Implants…
“Dental implants also offer a means of replacing multiple lost teeth. Individual implants can be placed where the missing teeth used to be, or implants can be used as anchors for full or partial dentures.”
Read the Entire article
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What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the upper or lower jaw. It will bond with the bone over time and thus serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
How successful are dental implants?
Success rates vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 97%. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
There are no relative health contraindications to dental implants. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for an implant procedure. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders - such as diabetes or heart disease - or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you are considering implants, talk to your dentist to see if they are right for you.
What are the advantages of Dental Implants?
-Implants restore proper chewing function so you can enjoy foods previously too “difficult” to eat.
-You feel confident that your replacement teeth won’t move or loosen.
-You regain the closest thing to the look, feel and function of your natural teeth.
-Forget about unsightly partial denture clasps which place damaging pressure on remaining natural teeth.
-Chew comfortably and efficiently.
-Eliminate irritated and painful gums.
-Improve your speech by eliminating or reducing the “fullness” of full or partial dentures.
-Replace missing teeth with the look and feel of natural teeth without having to “cut down” healthy teeth.
How are dental implants maintained?
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 every sixth months, or more frequently if so advised.
How much time is involved with dental implants from start to finish?
Traditionally, the procedure has been performed in two steps. The dentist began by installing the implant, which was left for from three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, the patient was given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown could be put in place.
Today, there is an alternative to the two-step method that allows you to have the implant installed in one whole piece in one single session. This new method has simplified the procedure a lot, both for patients and dentists.
The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as the patient’s 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.
What is the difference between a bridge and a dental implant?
–Improved appearance: When you lose an 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 bridge doesn’t.
–Maintained natural teeth: With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
–Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about. The implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is need after installation. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
Is the treatment painful?
Just as with any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Anesthesia and patient sedation are used to eliminate any discomfort at the time of the procedure. 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.
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