Dental Implants In Sparks, Nevada

What are the benefits of a dental implant?

Dental implants boast an array of benefits, including:

1. Implants provide an all-natural feel

Because a dental implant mimics the roots of a tooth that attach to the jawbone, it functions just like a natural tooth. The beautiful dental crown that sits on top of the implant also matches the size, shape, and color of your other teeth, creating a more balanced smile.

2. Implants can prevent bone loss

One of the major benefits of dental implants is the prevention of bone loss in the jaw. When you have a missing tooth, there is no jawbone stimulation to keep the bone strong and dense. As the bone deteriorates, your oral health and facial structure can suffer.

A dental implant fuses with the jawbone to provide stimulation and keep the bone from becoming weak and the cheeks from looking sunken or collapsed.

3. Implants require low maintenance

After the healing process, dental implants are permanent fixtures that do not require special care or maintenance beyond proper brushing, flossing, and regular visits to your dentist. You can clean your implant just like a natural tooth.

4. Implants can preserve your bite

A missing tooth does more than create unsightly gaps in your smile. The spacing can cause other teeth to shift and disrupt the way you bite and chew. A dental implant helps to keep your natural bite intact.

5. Surrounding teeth are protected

Dental implants will also stabilize teeth surrounding the gap caused by the missing tooth. The implants keep the surrounding teeth from drifting or becoming loose from gum disease or infections.

6. Offers a more permanent fix

Other cosmetic procedures for missing teeth are typically not as permanent as dental implants. For example, dentures must be removed and replaced for daily cleaning. A dental bridge aesthetically replaces a missing tooth but does not prevent bone loss. A dental implant is a long-term solution that can permanently anchor a crown, bridge, or dentures.

Schedule a consultation with our Sparks team to learn about denture replacement with dental implants at Absolute Dental!

7. They’re affordable

At Absolute Dental, we want to make dental implants easy and affordable for all patients. That’s why we offer special discounts and flexible payment plans that work with your budget. Contact our team to learn more about dental implant costs.

Types of dental implants

Patients have different needs when it comes to dental implants. Absolute Dental in Sparks offers different types of implants to give patients the best care and most successful outcomes that improve oral health. 

• One-stage implant – Rather than placing an implant in two stages, a single-stage implant is done with only one surgery if bone quality is good. The abutment and crown are attached to the implant right away rather than waiting several weeks or months for the implant to fuse to the bone.
• Two-stage implant – When the implant needs to heal and attach to the bone before placing the prosthesis over it, we’ll use a traditional two-stage dental implant. The first surgery is to place the implant and close the gums, while the second is to expose the implant and attach the abutment and false tooth.
• Immediate – If you are having a tooth extracted, we can place the dental implant at the same time to save you from having an additional dental surgery.
• Implant-supported bridges – Because dental bridges need two healthy teeth to anchor a floating false tooth, a dental implant can provide the support needed to attach the bridge and fill the gap caused by a missing tooth.
• Full arch restoration – Some patients struggle with dentures slipping or becoming loose. A dental implant can act as an anchor for fixed dentures that secures them to the patient’s mouth for a better, more permanent fit.

Dental implant procedure: A step-by-step breakdown

While the process can differ slightly for each patient depending on the type of dental implant and if additional procedures are needed, here is the general process of getting a dental implant.

1. The introductory exam

Before scheduling your oral surgery, your dentist will determine if you are eligible for a dental implant with a comprehensive exam and review of your medical history. If you are a good candidate, the team will put together a treatment plan and provide instructions leading up to the day of surgery.

Some patients will need bone grafting before the implant is placed, while others will have sufficient bone density to move forward with the surgery. Your dentist will discuss what needs to happen before the procedure.

2. Right before the surgery

Right before the dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia or sedation to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. The team will also run scans and determine the best placement for the implant. It’s important that you follow all pre-surgery instructions, like refraining from eating or drinking for several hours before sedation.

3. The surgery

During the procedure, the oral surgeon will make a small cut in the gum to expose the jawbone. They will carefully drill a hole in the bone to place the titanium post and close the incision to allow for healing and bone growth.

After the initial dental implant surgery, it will take several weeks to months for osseointegration — or the process of the bone fusing to the implant — to take place. Once the implant is secure, your dentist will place the abutment with a second surgery. The gums are opened to attach the abutment to the implant, which sits above the gumline.

4. After the surgery: Healing and aftercare considerations

The gums must heal after the abutment is attached to the dental implant before your dentist can place the artificial tooth. The healing process typically takes about two weeks before the implant and jawbone are strong enough to support the dental restoration. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication to help promote healing and ease discomfort.

Potential dental implant complications to consider

Although dental implants offer several benefits, there are some risk factors to consider:

• Overloading – Implant overload occurs when the implant cannot support the patient’s bite force, and the restoration becomes loose and ineffective
• Allergic reaction – Although rare, some patients experience an allergic reaction to the dental implant and must have it removed
• Infections or peri-implantitis – As with any dental surgery, there is a risk of infection if bacteria enter the implant site

We’ll cover any risks during your initial consultation to help you make the most informed decisions about your dental health.

We accept most dental insurances

Contact us to see what dental insurance we accept and if your policy covers dental implants. No insurance? No problem! You can also try our Smile Saver Program for major discounts on dental procedures, including implants.

Are you looking for dental implants in Sparks, Nevada?

Tired of constantly trying to hide your smile because of missing teeth? Dental implants improve functionality and can help you feel more confident when smiling, speaking, and eating. Contact us to learn more about dental implants or to schedule an initial consultation!

Sources: 

Ali, B., Chikh, E., et al. (May 2013). Effects of overloading in mastication on the mechanical behaviour of dental implants. Materials & Design.

Cleveland Clinic. (27 September 2021). Dental Bone Graft.

Gotter, A. (25 April 2023). What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction. Healthline.