Dental science, research, materials, technology, and procedures evolve constantly. The evolution produces dentistry that’s more comfortable, efficient, effective, and lasting. Today, dental implants are the premier option for replacing lost teeth. They are the most life-like dental prosthetic available. However, implants aren’t a great option for every patient. In today’s blog post, you’ll learn:
- Who is and isn’t a good candidate for dental implants
- Why patients choose implants
- The dental implant process
As implant dentists in northwest Las Vegas, Drs. AnnTran and Halan Pham can evaluate your oral health, determine whether dental implants are an option for you, and perform the entire procedure in our office. We focus on clinical accuracy and lasting results, but also on patient comfort during every step of the process. The only way to truly know if you’re a dental implant candidate is to schedule a consultation at Miracle Dental by calling (702) 456-0056.
What Are Dental Implants?
Like bridges, partials, and dentures, dental implants replace lost teeth. They are a prosthetic, and just like a prosthetic arm or leg, implants replace a body part. This group of treatments falls under “prosthetic dentistry.”
Each implant features a small titanium or ceramic post anchored into the empty socket left by a lost tooth. One dental implant can support a single crown to replace one lost tooth. A few implants can anchor a bridge or partial, or even a full denture. Furthermore, implant restorations may be permanently affixed to the implant posts, or made to snap on and off the posts, for easy cleaning.
Who Is A Candidate for Implants?
Patients who make great dental implant candidates are missing one or more teeth and have good overall and oral health. Also, a strong jawbone is required for bone to adhere to the posts and form a solid foundation. We prefer that a patient who smokes or uses tobacco quit the lifestyle habit before implant surgery, because smoking hinders good oral health and bone growth. (It also stains teeth and restorations.)
If you want a reliable, long-term dental prosthetic that feels natural, it’s time for a dental implant consultation at Miracle Dental.
Who May Not Be A Good Candidate?
Patients with poor oral or overall health are not good implant candidates. Issues like these can impair eligibility for dental implants:
- Advanced gum disease
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Certain medical conditions like diabetes, for instance
- Smoking or using tobacco
- Taking certain medications that hinder healing
Fortunately, many of these prohibiting factors are easily corrected. Even if you are not currently eligible for dental implants, talk with Dr. Pham or Tran about becoming eligible. We will gladly help you create a plan to improve your candidacy for dental implants.
Why Patients Choose Implants over Other Options
Implants vs Traditional Bridges
If you’d like a single implant or a dental bridge secured to implants, we will not need to alter any of your healthy teeth. With a traditional bridge, neighboring teeth are altered to support crowns. This places stress on healthy teeth as they distribute the workload pressure from the pontics (false teeth) in the bridge. In contrast, an implant-supported bridge is independently anchored and functional, without help from other teeth. Also, implant bridges last longer than traditional bridges.
Implants vs Traditional Partials or Dentures
Partials and dentures may be anchored to a few dental implants for a completely stable, immobile prosthetic. This means no more slipping, wobbling, or loose dentures. You’ll feel totally confident biting, chewing, and eating in front of others.
Additionally, dental implant-retained partials and dentures last longer, feel more natural, and have increased chewing power over traditional options. And here’s a bonus: dental implants reduce the risk of jawbone degeneration, which is a common problem among conventional denture wearers.
The Dental Implant Process
Briefly, here’s what you can expect with eligibility, implant case planning, and treatment:
- Consultation & Planning: We will provide a comprehensive examination with X-rays, bone and health evaluation, and a custom treatment plan, which we will explain in detail.
- Implant Placement: Implant posts will be secured into the jawbone in a precise location for optimal support. The implant will become an artificial tooth root. In some cases, we can secure a temporary restoration for appearance and function during the healing process.
- Healing & Osseointegration: This phase requires 3 to 9 months. Jawbone tissue, or osseous tissue, naturally grows in and around the implant posts. We call this osseointegration. In some cases, patients need bone grafting to strengthen the jaw prior to implant surgery. Proper healing is critical for long-term stability and strength.
- Abutment Reveal: In this minor procedure, we uncover the top of the implant posts from gum tissue and secure abutments to each post head. Final prosthetics will attach to the abutments. Healing takes only a few weeks.
- Final Restoration: This is it! Your final prosthetic will be attached, giving you a gorgeous, unified, and natural-looking smile, as well as optimal oral function. You’ll chew better, feel more comfortable eating in public, and like our previous dental implant patients, you’ll enjoy a heightened self confidence!
Is the Time Investment Worth It?
In short, absolutely. Dental implant procedures take up to a year to complete, but implants can last the rest of your life if you maintain good oral health.
Call Miracle Dental in northwest Las Vegas now at (702) 456-0056 to reserve your dental implant consultation with one of our compassionate, gentle female dentists. Our team looks forward to partnering with you for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles!
