Dental Implants

Las Vegas, Nevada

For our Las Vegas patients, Nevada Dental Esthetics uses dental implants to replace one single tooth or a whole mouthful of teeth, effectively taking the place of removable dentures. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that provides an anchor for an artificial tooth (a crown). Unlike dentures or dental bridges, implants involve surgically placing one or more artificial tooth roots into the jawbone.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Under normal circumstances, dental implants can be placed and completed in three visits with waiting periods in between them. If there are active infection or decay, those will have to be addressed first.

1. Dr. Paez works closely with an oral surgeon who places the implant within the jawbone. It will need about four months, sometimes more, to fuse with the bone, a process known as osseointegration. This creates a strong foundation for the new tooth or teeth. Implants are made of titanium, a material that fuses well with bone.
2. When the implant and bone are well fused, Dr. Paez will do a second, more minor surgery, putting a small abutment on the top of the implant. This little piece will project above the gum tissue and hold the new porcelain crown. Healing after this step takes only two or three weeks.
3. The new artificial tooth is permanently attached to the abutment on the implant. The final result is a new crown and strongly supported tooth that is color-matched to the surrounding teeth.

The porcelain crowns on your dental implants will look and feel like your natural teeth and you will be able to eat all your favorite foods like apples or corn on the cob, without worrying about your teeth moving or falling out.

Advantages of Dental Implants

There are other alternatives to replace missing teeth, such as dental bridges or dentures. However, implants have several advantages over other techniques:

• Dental implants are secure and durable
• They replace the tooth root as well as the tooth, preventing any bone resorption (shrinking)
• The crowns attached to the implants look like natural teeth – no one but you and your cosmetic dentist will ever know the difference
• The crowns can be cleaned and cared for much like natural teeth
• Other teeth are not disturbed in the process of placing implants
• With proper care, they will last the rest of your life

Am I a candidate?

You may be a candidate for dental implants if you have a missing tooth or teeth and are interested in a natural-looking lifetime solution. You should also meet the following criteria:

• Be in good health
• Do not smoke (smoking inhibits healing)
• Have healthy gums
• Have a large enough jawbone
• Do not have diabetes
• Have no bleeding disorder
• Have a strong immune system

During your consultation with Dr. Paez, he will review your dental history and current health factors to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

If you are bothered or embarrassed by missing teeth, call or email the staff at Nevada Dental Esthetics in Las Vegas today. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and schedule a free initial consultation with Dr. Paez. In just a few short months, you can have a complete and bright smile again with dental implants.