What Are Dental Implants?
R. Lobato & Associates - FAQs - Cosmetic Dental Implants
R. Lobato & Associates - How Many Dental Implant Services Would You Say You Provide In A Year?
R. Lobato & Associates - What Makes Someone A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts that replace missing teeth by functioning as artificial roots. Inserted into the jawbone through a minor surgical procedure, they create a stable foundation for a crown or other restoration, mimicking the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
You’ll find all the details needed to make an informed choice about dental implants here. If you’re curious about the process or what it entails, read on to learn more about this advanced dental treatment.
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The Importance of Dental Implants
Preserving your smile’s structure and ensuring ease in eating and speaking rely on maintaining a healthy foundation for your teeth. Implants provide crucial support for facial contours, helping to retain a natural appearance.
The absence of even one tooth can lead to significant changes, including shifting of adjacent teeth, increased risk of dental complications, and a decline in oral health. Over time, these gaps can also affect the symmetry and aesthetics of your face.
Bone resorption is another challenge caused by missing teeth. Without the stimulation that tooth roots provide, the jawbone begins to deteriorate as your body reabsorbs the unused tissue.
Natural teeth apply pressure to the jawbone, promoting the development of new bone. When teeth are missing, this process halts, leading to a shortened jawline, wrinkles, and a sunken facial profile.
Replacing lost teeth with implants prevents these issues, offering a solution that restores both function and a youthful appearance.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Tooth loss can affect both your self-esteem and oral health. Missing teeth may lead to gaps that disrupt your bite, make eating difficult, and result in bone loss or misalignment of surrounding teeth. Implants effectively resolve these challenges, restoring your smile’s function and appearance.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance – Implants are designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, recreating your smile’s natural look. They function like real teeth and are custom-made to match the size, shape, and colour of your teeth, providing a permanent, natural-looking solution.
- Feel Confident in Your Comfort – Implants deliver exceptional stability and comfort. As the jawbone heals, it bonds with the titanium post, forming a secure anchor. Whether supporting crowns, bridges, or dentures, implants stay firmly in place, allowing you to eat, laugh, and smile freely without discomfort or shifting.
- Improve Bone Strength – Tooth loss can weaken the jawbone over time. Implants help reverse this by stimulating bone growth around the implant, preserving the jawbone’s strength and density.
With proper care, dental implants offer a durable, comfortable, and long-lasting solution that feels just like natural teeth.
Dental Implant Restorations
Dental implants are completed with custom-made replacements that replicate the appearance of natural teeth. While the implant remains beneath the gumline, these replacements ensure your smile looks complete and natural.
- Dental Crown – A crown is used for single-tooth implants, restoring both the function and aesthetics of the missing tooth while blending seamlessly with your existing teeth.
- Dental Bridge – Ideal for replacing several missing teeth in a row, a bridge is supported by one or more implants. For full arch restoration, four or more implants may be used to provide a strong foundation.
- Implant Denture – Implant-supported dentures enhance the stability of removable dentures by attaching them to two or more implants, ensuring a secure, reliable fit.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The dental implant procedure is often simpler and more comfortable than many anticipate.
Assessment
Your journey begins with an initial consultation to determine if implants are right for you. This includes X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan to assess your jawbone. A scan or impression of your teeth is also taken to precisely plan the placement and angle of the implant.
Implant Placement
A local anesthetic ensures the surgical area is completely numb. The dentist creates a small incision in the gum and drills into the jawbone to place the implant post. In some cases, sutures may be used to close the gum, though this isn’t always necessary.
Completing the Restoration
After the implant is placed, a healing period of several months allows it to integrate with the jawbone. Once healed, you’ll return to have your custom-made restoration fitted, completing your treatment with a fully functional, natural-looking tooth.
Robin Lobato
D.D.S.
Dr. Lobato & Dr. Truong
Meet Dr. Lobato! With a passion for oral health, he has been delivering outstanding patient care since 1992. When he’s not at the dental practice, he’s out running, traveling to new places, or taking on challenging mountain bike trails. Dr. Lobato loves transforming smiles through advanced implant procedures, finding immense joy in boosting his patients’ confidence.
Beyond his practice, Dr. Lobato dedicates his time as a board member and volunteer dentist at the Tonopah Dental Clinic, a non-profit that supports low-income families. His commitment to the community earned him the 2023 Community Service Award from the Southern Nevada Dental Association, highlighting his relentless dedication to improving lives.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Cost of Dental Implants in Summerlin, Las Vegas
In Summerlin, Las Vegas, the cost of dental implants can vary widely. A single implant typically ranges from $4,500 to over $8,000. For full-mouth reconstruction, prices can span from $6,000 to as much as $60,000. Implant-supported dentures, on average, cost around $30,000. However, a personalised consultation is essential to determine an accurate estimate, as pricing depends on individual needs and treatment complexity.
- Number and Type of Implants: Affects the overall base cost.
- Materials Used: Higher-quality materials can increase expenses.
- Dental Team’s Experience: The skill and expertise of your provider play a significant role.
- Procedure Complexity and Location: Geographic factors and the surgical difficulty impact pricing.
- Post-Surgery Care: Recovery requirements and follow-up treatments contribute to the total cost.
Factors Influencing Implant Costs
Each case is unique, making an in-person consultation vital to assessing your specific needs and exploring treatment options. A thorough evaluation allows us to provide a detailed quote and discuss the best solutions for your oral health.
Are There Alternatives for Missing Teeth?
For gaps involving one to three missing teeth, a dental bridge can be an effective solution. For significant tooth loss, whether partial or full, options like removable dentures or other dental prosthetics may be considered. When comparing dental implants to alternatives, it’s crucial to weigh factors like cost, durability, and how well the solution meets your needs.
Although implants may have a higher upfront cost, they provide superior stability and longevity compared to bridges or dentures. Removable prosthetics often require adjustments or replacements, while dental implants are cared for like natural teeth—with proper hygiene and routine check-ups. With the right maintenance, implants can last a lifetime, offering unmatched security and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
If dental implants are not a viable option, dental bridges or full and partial dentures are common alternatives for replacing missing teeth. To find the best solution for your needs, we recommend scheduling a consultation. During your appointment, we’ll review all available options and address any specific concerns you may have.
Absolutely! Whether you need a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, the restorations are custom-designed to match the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth. They are carefully crafted to blend seamlessly, making it hard to tell the difference between your implants and natural teeth.
Modern advancements have made dental implant procedures highly predictable and comfortable. Our precise techniques are designed to minimize discomfort during and after the treatment. With proper care, post-procedure swelling and bleeding are minimal. If you have any concerns or anxiety about the process, please don’t hesitate to share them with us.
Routine cleanings and exams are key to ensuring your implants last for years. Regular visits, typically every six months, help maintain both your implants and overall oral health. Depending on your specific situation, we may adjust this schedule to best suit your needs.
Treat your dental implants just like natural teeth. This includes daily brushing and flossing, regular professional cleanings and exams, and promptly reporting any concerns to your dentist. Proper care ensures the longevity and health of your implants.
