Las Vegas Dental Implants are a versatile solution for replacing missing teeth. A titanium screw-shaped post is surgically placed in the jawbone, and as it heals, it integrates with the bone to support a custom prosthesis.

They are the most natural-looking and functioning option for replacing missing teeth. However, they can be challenging for smokers and those with uncontrolled chronic conditions.

While most other tooth replacement options focus on the top of the tooth or the crown, dental implants replace the entire tooth including the root. They also look and feel like your natural teeth.

A missing tooth creates a gap that shows when you smile or speak. Besides restoring your natural appearance, dental implants will give you back full chewing power so you can eat a wide variety of foods with confidence. Unlike dentures, which can slip and rub against your gums or get lost when you eat, dental implants remain in place.

Dental implants are anchored in the jaw bone, just like your natural teeth, and will help preserve the remaining healthy tissue and reduce bone resorption. In addition, implant restorations don’t require the reduction of surrounding healthy teeth to support a bridge, thereby protecting neighboring teeth and preserving their enamel.

The implant is made of titanium and is infused into the bone, where it will heal and become an integral part of your oral structure. The implant will then be capped with an artificial tooth (crown). During this healing process, it is important to follow good oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly for routine checkups and cleanings.

Your dentist will perform a thorough exam before performing an implant, using 3D imaging to ensure the jawbone is thick enough for an implant. This is a much more accurate way to assess the health of your mouth than traditional two-dimensional X-rays. If the bone is too thin, a bone graft can be used to increase its thickness.

When a patient gets an implant, they can expect to have a slightly different eating experience at first, since the implant will be somewhat new. This sensation will lessen over time as the implant settles in and becomes a natural part of the tooth.

It is important to know that dental implants are not right for everyone. The procedure isn’t recommended for children because their facial bones are still growing, and it may be less successful for people who smoke, have uncontrolled chronic conditions, or grind their teeth at night (a condition called bruxism). The implant will need to fuse with the bone, and these factors can impact how quickly that happens.

If you’re missing one or more of your teeth, you probably want replacements that look and feel like real teeth. Unlike conventional bridges or dentures, dental implants are fused to your jawbone and function as your natural teeth, allowing you to bite and chew as before. Plus, you won’t have to worry about them shifting around or falling out.

During the healing process, which takes a few months or longer, the implant is fused with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This makes the dental implant incredibly strong and durable and enables it to support your replacement tooth or teeth. The final crown, which is designed to match your surrounding natural teeth, is then attached to the abutment.

Another big benefit of dental implants is that they prevent bone loss in the jawbone where a natural tooth has been lost. Without stimulation from the full force of chewing, the jawbone in that area gradually deteriorates over time, which can cause problems with adjacent teeth and your bite. The titanium material of the dental implant is bio-compatible and integrates with your bone, stimulating it to continue growing. The abutment that connects the implant to your replacement tooth or teeth also helps preserve this healthy bone.

Because of these and other factors, dental implants can last a lifetime when properly cared for. But you’ll need to follow your dentist’s guidelines, including good home oral hygiene and routine visits to make sure the implant is healthy and secure.

The first step is a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. This includes a visual examination, x-rays, and possibly a CT scan. You may need other procedures, such as tooth extraction or bone grafting, before the implant posts are placed. After adequate healing, the abutments are attached to the posts, and the restorations (the replacement teeth) are attached. For a single-stage procedure, this may all be done in one visit.

A tooth replacement that slides around or falls out during a meal will not do if you want a strong, natural-feeling, and long-lasting solution. That’s why many people who are disappointed by bridges or dentures choose dental implants instead. They fuse into or onto your jawbone under the gums and function just like real teeth.

Traditionally, a dental implant consists of a titanium implant post and a dental crown that has been custom-made to match the appearance and color of your other teeth. Zirconia implants, made from a hard white ceramic, are also becoming popular. The implant post is placed in the jaw bone where your missing tooth used to be, and then a connector piece called an abutment attaches the implant to the dental crown.

Once the abutment is attached, the abutment and crown are both screwed into place and the dental implant becomes one strong, sturdy tooth. The implant looks so much like your other teeth that only you and your dentist will know it’s a replacement.

The implant will not only look and feel great, but it will also prevent your jawbone from deteriorating. When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area will start to deteriorate because it no longer receives stimulation from chewing and biting. This can lead to a sunken appearance of the face and can even cause other nearby teeth to fall out. The implant will prevent this deterioration because it offers the same stimulation as your other teeth.

Bridges, on the other hand, rely on the surrounding teeth for support and can put them at risk of decay or needing future replacements. In addition, they don’t offer the same level of comfort and functionality as dental implants.

Implants fuse into your jawbone, a process called osseointegration. Once this happens, they become a permanent part of your teeth and function as well as real teeth. In fact, they even stop the natural bone loss that would otherwise occur in the area where your tooth was lost. With proper dental care and regular visits, you can expect your implants to last for decades or more.

In addition to the implant itself, there are two other components that comprise a dental implant: the crown and the abutment. While the titanium screw used to anchor an implant is designed to last a lifetime, there are some cases where it might need to be replaced. This can happen if it becomes damaged or dislocated, or if the surrounding tissue gets infected with peri-implantitis, which is similar to gum disease.

Preexisting medical conditions like diabetes or a compromised immune system can also affect the success of implant surgery and impact longevity. Other factors that can impact implant durability include poor oral hygiene, such as infrequent brushing and flossing or a lack of use of alcohol-free mouthwash, which help kill bacteria, and lifestyle habits that put the implants at risk of premature failure, such as smoking or chewing on objects not meant for teeth (like fingernails).

It’s important to choose an experienced dentist with a high success rate when getting dental implants. Cheaper rates might mean less training, lower quality products or a surgeon with a higher complication rate.

Similarly, patients who neglect to follow aftercare advice or avoid routine visits may be putting their implants at risk of early failure. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, known as bruxism, we can often help mitigate these issues with custom nighttime guards to protect the implants from excessive wear.

Implants are a safe and effective solution for those with missing teeth of any age. They’re more than a cosmetic option: they provide you with restored confidence, improved health and a better quality of life. To learn more, contact us today!