Implant Dentist Las Vegas are a long-term commitment to your oral and overall health. During the treatment planning phase, we will review your medical history and take X-rays to determine the status of your bone.

If your jaw has a minimal amount of bone, we can perform a small graft to add more bone to the area. After this heals, we can place your implant post and abutment.

Dental implants are a permanent replacement for missing teeth. They offer the closest thing to natural tooth structure available in modern dentistry, and can restore a patient’s smile without affecting neighboring teeth. Implants are also the only restoration option that maintains and stimulates bone growth, keeping jawbones from shrinking. The treatment is safe when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon or dentist.

People who have lost teeth due to gum disease, injury or as the result of a medical condition may qualify for dental implants. They can be used to replace single teeth, multiple teeth or even all of the upper and lower teeth in a jaw.

Before starting the implant process, your dentist will do a full exam of your mouth including X-rays and 3D images of your teeth and jawbones. This will help them determine if the amount of healthy bone remains to support an implant, which is vital. If there is not enough healthy bone, a special bone graft can be done to build up the area and create a strong foundation for the restoration.

The next step involves surgery to place the implant. During the procedure, your oral surgeon will make a cut to open the gum and drill holes into the bone where the titanium implant metal post (the equivalent of a tooth’s root) will be placed. The site is covered by a healing cap and given time to heal.

The implant will fuse to the bone, a process known as osseointegration. Once the healing is complete, a temporary abutment can be attached to the implant so that your dentist can create a crown. Once the new crown is attached to the abutment, it will be hard to tell the difference between your natural teeth and your implant.

How Does a Dental Implant Work?

Dental implants are titanium posts which act like artificial tooth roots to hold and support fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They can replace single or multiple missing teeth without affecting surrounding teeth or gums. The implant process takes several months and can be complicated, but it’s worth the wait for a permanent solution to missing or damaged teeth.

To prepare for the surgery, your dentist will take a medical history and give you a comprehensive dental exam. They will also do a panoramic x-ray and 3D CT scan of your mouth. This helps them determine if you have sufficient jawbone to support an implant and if there are any other issues that need to be addressed.

During the implant procedure, your oral surgeon will make an incision in your gum to expose the bone and then use a series of drills to create and enlarge a site (called an osteotomy) for the implant metal post. They will then place the implant. If necessary, they will perform a bone graft before placing the implant to add more bone to deficient areas.

Once the implant is in place, your gums will be sutured and allowed to heal. During the healing process, your implant will fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. It is a critical step in ensuring the longevity of your implant and avoiding potential problems.

Once the implant is fully healed, your dentist will place a connector on the implant called an abutment. They will then attach an artificial tooth on top of the abutment for a natural-looking result. It is essential to maintain a healthy oral environment after the surgery, which includes regular brushing and flossing as well as professional cleanings.

What Are the Advantages of a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They are strong and durable, and with good oral hygiene, they can last a lifetime. They also look and function like your natural teeth. They can improve your appearance by filling in empty spaces and preventing the facial sagging that occurs when teeth are missing for an extended period of time.

They help to maintain bone density by mimicking the root structure of your natural teeth. The implant post anchors into the jawbone and stimulates it, reducing bone loss in the area of the missing tooth.

In addition, they can prevent nearby teeth from shifting out of place, a condition called TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome. They can also improve your ability to chew and eat foods properly, which can help with digestion. Lastly, they can restore your speech clarity by filling in gaps caused by missing teeth.

One disadvantage of dental implants is that they may interfere with your sinuses, which are air-filled cavities located above the jawbone. If the implant posts are placed in the upper jaw, they can cause inflammation and congestion of the sinuses, known as sinusitis. The condition usually resolves on its own once the implant heals, but in some cases, you might need treatment from a doctor or ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Another downside of dental implants is that they require significant financial investment and a commitment to meticulous at-home care. They are not a good fit for people who smoke, and they can aggravate existing oral health problems. If you are interested in dental implants, it is important to see an implant dentist for a consultation and discuss your options.

How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?

As with most dental procedures, the cost of a dental implant can vary from person to person. Factors that affect cost include the location of your dental practice, the expertise of the dentist and the type of materials used for the implant body and abutment. Generally, titanium is the most affordable material for implants, although zirconia implants are also available for a slightly higher price. The number of implants required will also affect the cost.

In addition, certain preparation procedures can increase the initial investment. For example, if you need to have a bone graft done before the implant procedure, this will add to the overall cost of the treatment. And if you require additional work, like having your gum line reshaped to make room for the artificial tooth, this will also increase the total cost of the implant.

Another factor that will influence the cost is whether or not your dental insurance covers the procedure. Most dental insurance providers consider implants to be a cosmetic treatment and therefore will not cover the entire expense of the surgery. However, they may still pay for some of the prep work involved in getting the implants placed.

The good news is that there are many different ways to help pay for the cost of dental implants. Besides using funds in your health savings or flexible spending account (FSA) to reduce your out-of-pocket costs, there are also healthcare financing options, like CareCredit. These plans work similarly to loans but without a credit check and typically have a lower interest rate. You can also speak with your dentist about in-house payment plans that will allow you to spread out the cost of the implant over time.

Are Dental Implants Affordable?

Many patients worry about the cost of dental implants, but it is important to remember that they are a long-term investment in your health. Dental implants offer the most natural-looking, feeling, and functioning tooth replacement available today and will last a lifetime when cared for properly. They are also much more affordable than other tooth replacement options such as dentures and bridges.

The cost of a dental implant depends on the type of tooth being replaced and other necessary procedures. For example, a bone grafting or sinus lift procedure is often required to ensure that the jawbone is healthy enough to support the implant. This is an additional cost that must be factored into the overall treatment plan. Additionally, if the teeth being replaced are visible in the mouth (front teeth), it is usually more costly than replacing a back tooth.

Once the initial consultation has been completed and the detailed treatment plan has been prepared, a final cost estimate will be provided to the patient. This will include a breakdown of all the individual components of the dental implant including the implant, abutment, and crown.

Depending on the insurance provider and the policy coverage, some of these costs may be covered by the dental insurance. In addition, there are a number of healthcare financing options such as savings accounts, flexible spending arrangements, and even monthly payment plans that can help to make the dental implant cost more manageable.

The bottom line is that dental implants are a great value and they are the preferred tooth replacement option for most dentists, patients, and insurers. If you would like more information about the dental implant cost, please give us a call or schedule a free consultation online. We look forward to hearing from you!