Get Dental Implants in Minden, NV

Evaluation for Dental Implants

Before you qualify for dental implants, your dentist will conduct a complete dental exam and evaluation to see if an implant is the best choice for your needs.

To be a good candidate for a dental implant, you must:

• Be in good overall health
• Have a strong jawbone to support the implant
• Have healthy gums
• Not smoke or use tobacco products
• Be willing to commit to the dental implant process

If you don’t meet all the qualifications, your dentist may recommend other treatments to improve your oral health.

Dental Implant Procedure

The dental implant process involves multiple steps that happen over several months. While every patient experience is unique, here are the general steps of a dental implant procedure.

1. Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation and exam, your dentist will review your medical history and evaluate your oral health to see if a dental implant is possible. They may take X-rays or other scans to determine the health of your jawbone.

You can also ask questions to get a better understanding of the procedure and what is involved. If you cannot commit to the process, you’ll need to consider an alternative treatment.

2. Implant Surgery

If you’re approved for a dental implant, you’ll be scheduled for surgery. An oral surgeon will make a small incision in your gums and drill into the jawbone to make space for the implant. The titanium implant post or body is inserted into the bone to anchor the screw and abutment later in the process.

While you will likely only need local anesthesia for the surgery, you can ask your dentist about other sedation options. Our team will ensure you are comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.

3. Dental Implant Healing Process

After the post is placed, the gums are closed over the implant, and the healing process begins. Referred to as osseointegration, this is the time the implant fuses with the jawbone, which can take several months to complete. During the healing period, you may need to wear a temporary partial denture.

4. Implant Abutment Placement

When the implant is firmly connected to the jawbone, there is a solid foundation to place the abutment. Your dentist will reopen the gums and attach the abutment to the dental implant. Then, the gum tissue is closed around the abutment, which extends past the gumline. You will need about two weeks to heal before the next step.

5. Crown Placement

The last big step in the process is to place the false tooth or crown on top of the abutment. A standard fixed crown is permanently screwed or cemented onto the abutment.

6. Aftercare

Patients often experience some swelling, bruising, and minor discomfort at the surgical site. However, these symptoms will subside as your mouth heals. Your dentist may also prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to help with the healing process.

7. Possible Complications

As with any oral surgery, there are possible risks with dental implants, including:

• The bone fails to fuse to the dental implant
• Post-surgical infection
• Nerve damage
• Sinus damage
• Allergic reaction to the implant material
• Implant fracture

Things To Keep in Mind After Dental Implantation

After you get an implant, it’s crucial to stay on top of your dental health. A strong jawbone and healthy gums will support the implant and prevent complications. 

Immediately after the dental implant surgery, follow aftercare instructions and guidelines to allow the site to heal properly. Your dentist will share tips like:

• Only eat soft foods for a few days
• Avoid chewy, crunch, or spicy foods that could irritate the area
• Take the entire course of your antibiotics as scheduled
• Do not overexert yourself with exercise or physical work
• Remember to practice good oral hygiene

Types of Dental Implants

There are two main types of dental implants — endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants. They differ in the way they connect with the jawbone. Here’s what you should know about each one.

Endosteal Implants

The most common type of dental implant is the endosteal. Shaped like a small screw, it goes into the jawbone to hold the abutment and false tooth in place. You must have a strong and healthy jawbone to support this type of implant.

Subperiosteal Implants

Rather than fusing with the jawbone, subperiosteal implants go above the jawbone but under the gumline. Your dentist may recommend this type if you don’t have enough healthy bone to hold the dental implant in place.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants can improve your dental health and quality of life significantly. If you’re considering a dental implant, here are the benefits of choosing this type of dental restoration.

Improved Oral Health

A dental implant improves oral health in more ways than one. First, it prevents bone loss by applying pressure to the jawbone to keep it strong. The implant will also keep the gums healthy and prevent teeth from shifting.

Enhanced Smile Aesthetic

You can restore your smile with a dental implant by filling the gaps caused by missing teeth. This improves the cosmetic appearance of your smile and gives you more confidence when interacting with others.

Maintained Facial Structure

People who suffer from tooth loss may also notice their cheeks sinking in and skin starting to sag on their face. This happens when the jawbone shrinks from lack of stimulation. A dental implant keeps the jawbone healthy and strong, maintaining your facial structure.

Better Functionality

Dental implants act just like natural teeth. When you replace a tooth with an implant, you’ll experience better biting and chewing, helping you enjoy the foods you love. You may even find it easier to speak.

Permanent Solution

Unlike dental bridges or dentures, dental implants are meant to be a permanent solution that does not need replacing. Because the implant fuses to the jawbone, it becomes part of your mouth and acts like a real tooth.

Improved Quality of Life

When you feel good about your smile, it can affect every aspect of your life. You may feel more confident in your personal, professional, and social life, which can help you make connections and open more opportunities.

Call (844) 8-SMILE-NOW

How Painful Is Getting a Dental Implant?

The surgical procedure is not painful because it is performed under anesthesia. However, you may experience some discomfort and soreness in the days following surgery. You can take prescription or over-the-counter pain medication as directed to alleviate pain.

If you do feel excessive or prolonged pain after getting a dental implant, call your dentist right away. It could be a sign of an infection or other complication. Seeking treatment as soon as possible can help you avoid issues.

What Is the Best Age To Get Dental Implants?

While there is no age restriction for dental implants, the ideal time to get an implant is when your jawbone is stable and healthy. Teenagers and young adults may not be the best candidates because they’re still developing, and their smiles could change. Older adults may have bone loss, making supporting the implant difficult.

A bone graft procedure can help patients who need more bone mass before a dental implant can be installed.

How Long After a Tooth Is Pulled Can an Implant Be Installed?

If you’re having a tooth extracted, you must wait several weeks before getting a dental implant. Dentists generally recommend 10 weeks to allow your mouth to heal after the extraction surgery.

Who Should Not Have Dental Implants?

In some cases, a dentist will recommend against a dental implant if the patient:

• Is a smoker
• Has advanced gum disease
• Is in poor health
• Does not practice regular oral hygiene
• Is undergoing radiation therapy
• Drinks alcohol heavily
• Has uncontrolled diabetes
• Has osteoporosis or other medical conditions
• Is under 18 years old

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of a dental implant will depend on the patient and their unique needs, including the type of implant they get and if they have dental implant insurance. On average, you can expect a dental implant to cost between $1,500 to $4,000.

Absolute Dental offers special discounts on dental implants to patients in Minden! Contact us to hear about our limited-time offers and payment options.

Choose the Best Dental Implant Service in Minden, Nevada

Are you wondering, “Is there a dentist for implants near me?” The answer is yes! If you have missing teeth, our friendly Minden dentists are here to help you get your dental health back on track. With decades of experience, we apply the latest technology and cutting-edge techniques to restore your smile with dental implants.

Schedule an appointment today to learn more about dental implants and see if they are the best solution for you. Contact us now!

Sources:

Dental Bone Graft. (2024).

Dental Implants: What You Should Know. (2021).

Guglielmotti, M., et al. (2019). Research on implants and osseointegration.