Dental Implants Las Vegas are high-tech replacement teeth that look, feel, and act like natural teeth. Implants can replace one or more missing teeth and last a lifetime when properly cared for.
When you lose a tooth, the bone that once supported it deteriorates. This can affect the stability of surrounding teeth and cause premature wrinkles in the face. Dental implants prevent this bone loss by closely replicating a natural tooth and root.
- Looks and Feels Like a Natural Tooth
Dental implants fill in the gap left by missing or extracted teeth, blending into your mouth for an even look and natural function. People will have to take a close look at your mouth to notice the difference between a dental implant and a natural tooth, and even then it will be difficult for them to tell.
In addition, your implant can be matched in color to your other teeth, making it impossible for others to spot the difference. The implant crown is fabricated from ceramic, a durable material that reflects light like a natural tooth. This, combined with color-matching to your existing teeth, ensures the best results.
The dental implant root is also made of titanium, which fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This makes the implant an extremely stable replacement tooth that can last a lifetime with proper care.
Your dentist will create a custom plan for your implants, and the procedure itself will usually be done on an outpatient basis, meaning you won’t need to stay at a hospital. You may be offered a sedative or general anaesthetic, depending on your unique needs and the severity of the surgery.
A small portion of the jawbone must be removed to make way for the implant, and if your bone is thin or soft, your dentist may recommend a bone graft before an implant can be placed. A bone graft involves taking bone from another area of your body or using synthetic bone-substitute material, and it can take several months to grow enough bone to hold the implant.
Once the procedure is complete and your implant has healed, you will be able to use it just like any other tooth. Brushing and flossing twice a day, and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups are essential to keeping your implant healthy. Avoid habits that can put extra stress on your dental implants, such as teeth grinding or clenching and chewing on hard objects. These can cause the implant to loosen over time and lead to discomfort. If you have any concerns about the way your implant feels, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon for advice.
- Durability
Dental implants are known as the most durable tooth replacement options. They are designed to look and feel like natural teeth and can stand up to the same wear and tear as other teeth.
Implants are made of titanium, which is bio-compatible and offers strength, durability, and the unique ability to fuse directly with bone – a process called osseointegration. Other materials such as zirconium may be used in the future, but currently implants are almost exclusively made of titanium.
Before placing an implant, a dentist will use plaster models or CT scans to help simulate the final position and restoration of the missing tooth. Then the implant site is prepared by creating and then gradually enlarging (or drilling) a hole in the bone. A titanium screw is placed into the site, where it fuses with the bone. Then a crown is affixed to the top of the implant, which looks just like a natural tooth.
An implant can replace a single tooth, multiple adjacent teeth or all of the teeth in a jaw. It can also support a removable partial denture or a fixed/bolted denture (implant overdenture).
A key advantage of implants is that they don’t put extra strain on the remaining natural teeth. This can prevent additional restorative work down the road.
Like natural teeth, dental implants can be damaged by biting down on something very hard or chewing too forcefully with a molar that’s wearing down. However, unlike other alternatives for missing teeth, a damaged crown or abutment can often be repaired with minimal or no effect on the implant’s long-term performance.
Dental implants are a long-term investment, and the best way to ensure their longevity is to follow proper oral hygiene and have regular cleanings with your dentist. It’s also important to let your dentist know if you take any medications, especially blood thinners or anticoagulants, as these can affect your healing. If you choose a dentist with vast experience and the right accreditations, you can be sure they’ll always have your best interests in mind when recommending or performing any treatment.
- Protects Bone
Dental implants are the only restorative dentistry treatment that preserves and stimulates bone. This is because they function as an artificial tooth root, mimicking the natural stimulation that a healthy and strong jawbone receives from chewing. Without this stimulation, a weakened and depleted jawbone can lose its strength and density over time. The resulting void may cause surrounding teeth to shift, which can lead to other dental complications. By replacing the lost tooth root, dental implants prevent this shifting and protect the jawbone from further damage.
When you have a healthy jawbone, your teeth are tightly integrated into it through the process known as osseointegration. This integration is necessary for the stability and longevity of your dental work, as well as the overall health of your mouth. A thin and weak jawbone can interfere with the fusion process, making it difficult to secure or place dental implants, which could result in implant failure and the need for further oral surgery. Dental implants are made from titanium and zirconia, which have a high success rate when fused to the dense bone in your jaw. When placed in the proper position by a skilled dentist or oral surgeon, your implants are very likely to be a permanent part of your smile.
While other treatments, such as dental bridges or dentures, may improve your smile, they don’t offer the same benefit to your jawbone and can’t prevent further loss of alveolar ridge bone. This can have a significant impact on the shape and appearance of your face, as well as your bite, over time.
If you’ve already experienced a great deal of bone loss, you may need to undergo a dental procedure known as a bone graft before you can qualify for dental implants. The procedure involves taking healthy bone tissue from another part of your body, such as your chin, hip, or shinbone, and securing it to the area where you need dental implants. The bone graft will then allow your body to heal and create stronger bone tissue over the course of months before you can have an implant placed.
- Increases Confidence
A natural smile is an important part of a healthy self-image. It conveys trust, confidence, and happiness, and it’s the first thing people notice about you. However, if you’re missing one or more teeth, it can be difficult to smile with full confidence. You might hide your smile behind a closed mouth or avoid social situations altogether because of embarrassment. Dental implants can help eliminate these problems and restore a full, beautiful smile.
Missing teeth can also affect the way you speak. Your speech may sound strained or your words might be mispronounced. However, dental implants can fully restore your natural speech. As a result, you can express yourself more effectively and confidently.
The fact that dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth helps improve the appearance of your smile. They also restore your ability to chew and speak normally, which can improve your nutrition. As a result, you can enjoy more of the foods you love.
Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants replace the root and crown of your missing teeth. They are designed to be permanent fixtures, lasting decades if not a lifetime. This longevity and durability contribute to the stability of your bite, preventing other dental issues from developing in the area.
The implant’s titanium structure is biocompatible, so your body won’t reject it. Furthermore, it stimulates bone growth in the empty area of your jaw, avoiding bone loss in the area. In contrast, other tooth replacement solutions such as dental bridges require filing down adjacent healthy teeth. Dental implants provide a better solution for replacing missing teeth than other alternatives.
Dental implants are an investment in your health and well-being. They boost your self-esteem and give you the confidence to smile and laugh freely again. When you have a complete smile, it’s easier to interact with others and make new connections. In addition, smiling has been shown to lower stress levels, relieve pain, and increase productivity.