Your Questions
Dental Implants
What is a dental implant?
An implant is a man-made replacement for the root of a tooth that occupies the positions that your natural teeth once held.
What are dental implants made of?
Implants are made from titanium, a biologically safe metal; they are designed in various shapes and sizes to fit your individual needs.
How will I benefit from dental implants?
The first and most obvious benefit is the enhanced ability to chew and enjoy your food. Implants also eliminate the embarrassment and inconvenience associated with removable teeth, and allow single missing teeth to be replaced without cutting down healthy ones.
What is the difference between a mini implant and a conventional implant?
The difference is the size. A mini implant has a diameter of less than 3.5mm. Conventional implants have diameters of 3.5mm or greater. Both types can secure a denture or replace a missing tooth.
We advise placing the largest implant that will fit in the available bone. When a patient has a ridge that won’t accommodate a large implant, or when financial considerations dictate a more affordable option, mini implants can offer a good alternative.
Are implants painful?
Implant placement procedures generally aren’t painful. Bone has no sensory nerves so you won’t need a large amount of anesthetic to make the experience comfortable. You can usually control post-op pain with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or Tylenol, but we’ll prescribe a narcotic such as vicodin in case they’re not enough.
What if an implant fails?
In that unlikely event, we can remove the implant and replace it at a later date.
If an implant fails, it is usually soon after placement. This is often because of inadequate blood supply to the surrounding bone. Once the implant is removed, the space fills in with new bone. Many new blood vessels form during this process. That means once the site has healed it becomes an excellent location for another implant. The initial implant failure actually increases the chance for future success.
Can I have a denture that does not cover the roof of my mouth?
Without implants, an upper denture must cover all of the upper tissue to be retained. If implants are placed for support and retention a horseshoe shapeddenture that doesn’t cover the roof of the mouth can be constructed. This requires at least four, and preferablysix, well-spaced implants. Depending on the quantity and quality of the bone, we may use conventional or ERA mini implants (link to sterngold).
Can I have a tooth placed the same day as the implant is placed?
We may place a temporary crown immediately if the implant is sufficiently stable. The final porcelain crown will be placed about three months later.
Placing an implant under an immediate load does reduce slightly the probability of its success. We will discuss the risks and benefits of immediate and delayed implant loading with you in light of your particular clinical situation so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Will implants work for me?
The best way to determine this is to have a no-charge evaluation. Why not call us today at (702) 737-7400 to arrange your visit?
Explore implants as a solution to you personal denture problem. Call Alpha Dental today at (702) 737-7400 for a complimentary consultation.
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