Dental Implants in Las Vegas
Dental implants have revolutionized dentistry and tooth replacement, offering a reliable and long-lasting solution for individuals with missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or several, dental implants provide a natural-looking and functional replacement. If you are self-conscious about missing teeth or have difficulty speaking, eating, and enjoying life because of missing teeth, dental implants are an excellent long-term solution.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials like titanium. Dr. Martin surgically places the implants into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or dental prosthesis. The implant fuses with the bone over time, providing a sturdy foundation for various dental restorations, including crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Advantages of Dental Implants
As the only permanent solution for missing teeth, dental implants offer multiple benefits not found with other teeth replacement options such as dentures or dental bridges. Dental implants are an excellent solution that can last a lifetime with proper care if you are unhappy with how your dentures look, feel, or perform.
Natural Appearance
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing smile. Unlike dentures, dental implants support the cheeks and facial features to preserve facial contours and prevent the sunken appearance that often results from long-term wearing of dentures.
Improved Function
They restore total chewing capacity, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions. You do not have to worry about seeds, crunchy foods, or other debris that can get caught under dentures and dental bridges.
Preserves Jawbone Health
Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that commonly occurs after tooth loss. Jawbone deterioration contributes to additional tooth loss, shifting of remaining teeth, and the potential for infection.
Enhanced Oral Health
Unlike traditional bridges, implants don’t require adjacent teeth to be altered, preserving the integrity of surrounding teeth. The stability and strength of dental implants and restorations help maintain the integrity of your smile and provide full bite force for healthy eating.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants. Ideal candidates typically:
- Have sufficient bone density and volume in the jaw to support the implant.
- Maintain good oral hygiene practices.
- Are in good overall health.
- Do not smoke, as smoking can hinder the healing process.
- Do not suffer from autoimmune disease, bleeding disorders, or active periodontal disease.
Not all the restrictions above automatically eliminate an individual as a candidate. If you have insufficient bone density or volume to support dental implants, bone grafting may improve volume. Patients with active, mild to moderate periodontal disease may be candidates after appropriate periodontal treatment and proper periodontal maintenance. Dr. Martin evaluates each patient’s situation and discusses whether dental implants are a suitable restoration solution for them.
Risks Associated with Dental Implants
While dental implants are generally safe, there are potential risks and complications, including infection, implant failure, nerve damage, and sinus issues. When performed by a skilled oral surgeon such as Dr. Martin, these risks are relatively low.
Dental Implant Placement
Dr. Martin assesses your oral health and creates a personalized treatment plan at your initial consultation. At this appointment, he assesses your oral health, the condition of the jawbone, and surrounding structures, and takes 3D digital images to guide him in precisely placing the implants.
Dr. Martin performs implant surgery in our office. Usually, it takes 1-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure, the number of implants placed, and the type of implants used. Dr. Martin uses precision technology and his years of experience to place each implant in the jawbone in the optimal location for stability and comfort. After placing the implants, the gums are sutured around them.
After placement, it takes 3-6 months for the implants to fuse with the surrounding jawbone. This fusion, called osseointegration, creates a strong foundation for crowns or dental prosthetics. After sufficient healing and osseointegration, the patient returns to Delicate Oral Surgery to have the abutments (fastening devices) attached to the implants. Once these are in place and the surrounding tissue is healed, your dentist or prosthodontist can attach custom-crafted dental prosthetics or crowns to replace the visible portion of missing teeth.
Aftercare for Dental Implants
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to the success of dental implants. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also aid in the healing process and long-term success of your implants.
Costs and Insurance Coverage
The cost of dental implants varies widely depending on factors like location, the number of implants needed, and the type of restoration. On average, a single implant can range from $1,000 to $3,000, excluding additional costs for abutments and restorations.
Dental insurance may partially cover the cost of implants, but it often depends on the plan and the reason for tooth loss (e.g., accident vs. natural causes). Please get in touch with your insurance provider to determine whether your dental implants are fully or partially covered.
Dental Implants Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implant surgery has a success rate of 95-98%, one of the highest for oral surgery. After receiving dental implants, patients often discover a renewed interest in eating, speaking, and interacting with others.
Do dental implants ever fail?
On rare occasions, an implant may fail to fuse with the jawbone. The most common reason is untreated or active periodontal disease. Dr. Martin will evaluate your teeth and gum health before scheduling surgery to minimize the chance of failure. If you have periodontal disease, he will recommend treatment before surgery. The failure rate for dental implants hovers around 5%.
Is it painful to get dental implants?
You do not feel any pain during dental implant surgery. Dr. Martin numbs the area with a local anesthetic and may offer oral or IV sedation to alleviate pain and dental anxiety. After surgery, you experience some minor to moderate pain and swelling lasting up to a week. Most patients find this discomfort easy to control with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs on the cheeks. Dr. Martin may prescribe a non-opioid pain reliever if needed.
Do I need to take time off work for dental implants?
Dr. Martin recommends scheduling 2-3 days off work or school following dental implant placement. Minimal activity, rest, hydration, and sleeping with your head elevated for the first few days help reduce bleeding, swelling, and pain and encourage quick healing. This is the time to focus on relaxing and catching up on your rest!
How long does it take for the implants to heal?
Healing rates vary depending on the number of implants, the invasiveness of the implant surgery, and the patient’s overall health. In some situations, implants fuse quickly and can support dental restoration within 8 weeks, while it can take up to six months for others. Bone grafting adds additional months to the treatment process and recovery. However, once fully healed, you will have complete, natural-looking, comfortable teeth with full function and easy care.
Will my dental implants look realistic?
Absolutely! Your prosthodontist or dentist designs and fabricates dental prosthetics or crowns that look just like your natural teeth but better. There is no other tooth replacement system that looks natural.
If you are interested in dental implants to replace missing teeth or damaged teeth, please have your dentist contact us using our referral form or contact us directly at Delicate Oral Surgery Phone Number (702) 552-8000.
“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
Experience the Benefits of Dental Implants for a Lasting Smile
Discover why dental implants are the superior choice for replacing missing teeth, providing a natural look and feel while ensuring a seamless and efficient implant process.