Dental Implants Las Vegas replace both the root and tooth, making them the most lifelike restorative solution for missing teeth. They are long-lasting, highly durable and look and feel like natural teeth.
Unlike bridges that require grinding away healthy adjacent teeth, dental implants do not impact nearby teeth. They also prevent the crooked shift of neighbouring teeth into the gap, which can affect your bite, chewing and appearance.
Dental implants are a great choice for those who want to replace one or more missing teeth. They are durable and look so similar to natural teeth that they are indistinguishable to the untrained eye. However, many people who have never had implants are concerned about how they will feel once they are healed and in place. They want to know if they will feel like foreign objects in their mouth, or if they will simply be able to adjust to having them.
The most important thing to remember is that implants are constructed from artificial materials and do not have nerves. This means that they will not feel like your natural teeth, which have nerves and are sensitive to temperature and pressure. While you will initially experience some soreness and swelling, these symptoms will subside over time, and the implant will feel like part of your mouth.
Once the dental implant has fully healed, you will be able to use it just as you would your natural teeth. While you may be able to eat virtually anything, it is recommended that you avoid chewy or hard foods to give the implant time to heal. You will also need to brush and floss your new teeth as you normally would to keep them clean and prevent bacteria from forming in the soft tissues around the implant site.
In some cases, you may notice a little bit of difference when you are speaking, but it will go away quickly as you become more comfortable with your implants. It is also possible that you will need a few days to get used to the sensation of having implants in your mouth, especially if you were previously completely edentulous.
Choosing an experienced dentist to perform your dental implant will make all the difference in how you adjust to having them in your mouth. A dentist who has extensive training in the area of replacing missing teeth will know how to shape and fit your replacement tooth to blend seamlessly with the rest of your mouth, and they will be able to provide you with a restoration that matches the size, color, and texture of your natural teeth.
They Prevent Shifting of Adjacent Teeth
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that replaces both the root and crown of your missing tooth. This allows them to preserve the structure of adjacent teeth and prevent them from shifting crookedly toward the empty socket. This can interfere with your bite, cause a painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and affect the appearance of your smile.
Dental implant surgery is not without risk, but most implants are successful and have a complication rate that is lower than other teeth replacement options. The primary risk associated with implants is that the bone tissue will not fuse to the metal implant, a condition called osseointegration failure. This can happen if the patient has chronic health conditions that slow healing or engages in behaviors like smoking that damage the natural bond between the bone and the implant.
A thorough oral examination and medical history are conducted to ensure that patients are healthy enough for implant surgery and are able to heal afterward. These tests, along with a comprehensive treatment plan, are designed to give the patient the best chance of success.
The success of your dental implants also depends on your commitment to proper home care and regular visits to the dentist to make sure that the crown is stable and in good shape. A dental team that includes a general dentist and oral surgeon will work with you to create an appropriate home care routine that keeps your dental implants in good condition.
It is important to call your dentist right away if you notice any signs of trouble. Pain, swollen gums or bleeding may indicate that your implant is not healing correctly or has an infection. Infections that develop around the implant, called peri-implantitis, can spread quickly and destroy the roots of surrounding teeth and the jaw bone that supports them. This can cause teeth to shift crookedly and put undue stress on the TMJ and other natural teeth.
A dental implant can last a lifetime with regular brushing and flossing, as well as visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups. It is essential to practice these habits to prevent bacteria buildup that can lead to gum disease and loosen or fall out your replacement tooth.
They Prevent Bone Loss
Dental implants replace the root of a tooth, and the implant post fuses with the bone structure to create a permanent replacement tooth. This stimulates the jawbone and prevents the bone loss that occurs in the area of a missing tooth. Bone loss causes the adjacent teeth to shift and loosen, which can damage more teeth and cause the facial bones to shrink. Dental implants prevent this bone loss and protect the surrounding teeth and the overall oral health.
The process of replacing a tooth with a dental implant is done over 3-6 months, and during this time, the titanium post fuses with the jawbone in a procedure called osseointegration. This process is not painful because the bone will grow over the implant to form a new, solid base.
Implants are also a good choice for people with severe bone loss. In these cases, the surgeon may need to perform a surgical procedure known as a bone graft in order to strengthen the area before the implant can be placed. The bone graft is accomplished by taking healthy sections of the jawbone from another part of the mouth and transferring it to the area that needs repair.
Once the implants are in place, they will act just like natural teeth when you chew and bite. This will continue to provide the stimulation that your jawbone needs to stay strong.
Dentures and bridges do not provide this stimulation, which can lead to the gradual loss of bone density in the jaw. This can affect the shape of your face and cause premature aging. It can also affect your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which can cause pain and tenderness.
Dental implants are a safe treatment option for patients who have general good health, and they should not be considered if you have chronic illnesses that can interfere with healing after the surgery. In addition, it is important to avoid smoking because it can affect the outcome of the surgery and can slow down the healing time. Moreover, it is important to call the dentist right away if you experience pain or something that does not feel right because it could indicate an infection that can put the implant at risk.
They Are a Long-Term Solution
Unlike dentures, which can slip and cause discomfort and even infections, dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. With proper care, they will last a lifetime and look just as good as natural teeth. If you’re considering replacing a missing tooth with an implant, consult your dentist for advice about the procedure and its benefits.
The best candidates for dental implants are in good general health and free of conditions that interfere with surgery or healing. Chronic illnesses like diabetes and leukemia may cause slower healing. Some types of medications and smoking can also hinder the process.
You should also be prepared for a lengthy recovery period following dental implant surgery. Some mild pain, swelling and bruising is common for the first week or two. However, if these symptoms persist for more than a few days or if they become worse, you should contact your dentist right away to discuss what’s going on.
Before undergoing dental implant surgery, you’ll likely meet with specialists who treat disorders of the mouth, jaw and face (oral and maxillofacial surgeons), and dentists who specialize in treating support structures, including gums and bones (periodontists). They will examine your teeth and jaw, take X-rays and 3D images and make models of your teeth and jaw.
The underlying bone structure will determine whether an implant is right for you. You will need enough healthy underlying bone to anchor the titanium post that will hold your artificial tooth. If the bone is too soft, you might need a graft to add bone tissue.
Once the site of the implant heals, you can return to your regular oral care routine with brushing and flossing. Your dentist will check your implant periodically for signs of infection and other problems. You’ll need to schedule appointments with your dentist every six months for cleanings and exam. If you don’t keep up with these visits, the implant can become loose or fall out.
