Dental Implants near Las Vegas, NV

To replace a missing tooth or teeth with a long-lasting restoration, cosmetic dentist Dr. Michaela Tozzi is proud to offer dental implants to local men and women. Dental implants are surgically placed metal posts in your jawbone to simulate the missing tooth root. The post(s) may be attached to a crown, denture, or bridge for a beautiful restoration that can be treated just like natural teeth. We are also thrilled to offer All-on-4® dental implants by Nobel Biocare® for those who desire a long-lasting approach to secure upper and/or lower dentures. When you want to fix a gap from a missing tooth or teeth, schedule a consultation to get more information on implant dentistry at Michaela Tozzi, DMD in Henderson, NV. You may enjoy dental implants if you want to avoid loose restorations or removable dentures. If you live in the Greater Las Vegas area, call our office today to speak with Dr. Tozzi about your dental needs.

Even if you're just missing one tooth, a dental implant is an easy, natural-looking long-term solution to restore your smile. Dr. Tozzi will implant a single post, or abutment, which can then have a porcelain dental crown attached to it. This crown will match the natural color of the surrounding teeth, making it indistinguishable from your real teeth.

For our patients in and around Las Vegas, NV who can benefit from dental implants, we see many benefits from treatment, including:

• Increased confidence and reduced self-consciousness
• More range of functional activity, including chewing and speech
• Light recovery time and maintenance when compared to some alternative treatments
• Results that are made to last for a long time when followed by proper upkeep

If you're missing multiple teeth in a line, two dental implants can be placed on both ends of the gap and then bonded to prosthetic teeth to fill in the gap. This is called an implant-retained bridge and is stronger and more natural-looking than traditional bridges. You may want an implant if you have a dental restoration but are bothered by the look, feel, or extensive maintenance. You may also consider All-on-4 implants if you prefer the advantages of having a quick treatment with lower recovery periods compared to traditional dental implants. 

Even if you're missing all of your teeth, dental implants are a great solution to reclaim your smile. Four to six implant posts will be implanted to provide support for a full denture. This method ensures your full dentures a perfect fit that won't slip, slide, or pop out while chewing or talking. At your dental implant consultation, Dr. Tozzi will go over both options and evaluate the health of your gums and jawbone in order to determine if you are a good candidate for implant dentistry. In some cases, a gum or bone graft surgery may be needed prior to implant surgery to ensure you have a strong enough foundation to support the post(s). You may not be a candidate for dental implants if you use tobacco products, are pregnant, or are being treated for gum disease.

Before the traditional or All-on-4 dental implant is placed, you may need to have damaged teeth extracted, gum surgery, or bone grafts. As soon as your mouth is ready for the implant to be placed, local anesthesia will be administered to properly numb the treatment area. Other anesthesia or sedation options can be included to help keep you relaxed throughout your surgery. Then, Dr. Tozzi will make an incision in your gum to insert the titanium post in your jawbone. The incision in the gums will be closed with part of the implant visible above the gumline. This process will continue if multiple posts are required. As the implant integrates with the gums and jawbone over the next several months, a temporary crown or cover will be placed over the implants. As soon as Dr. Tozzi decides the implant is healed with your gums and jaw, your custom restoration (denture, crown, or bridge) will be attached to your implant and adjusted for a comfortable fit.

There may be some temporary inflammation in your gums and face, as well as discomfort, bruising, and some minor bleeding following your implant procedure. However, these sensations are normal and should subside in the days and weeks that follow. Dr. Tozzi will also talk to you about what to expect during your recovery period during your initial consultation. Recovery will vary from patient to patient and will also depend on whether traditional or All-on-4 dental implants were used. 

Dr. Tozzi may also prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics to aid in your healing process. As soon as your implants have healed and your restoration is attached, you should maintain a good home oral care regimen that includes flossing, brushing, and mouthwash. You should also attend annual dental exams and biannual cleanings at Michaela Tozzi, DMD so Dr. Tozzi can keep track of your oral health. She will talk to you if your implants or restorations need to be repaired or replaced.

Based on your dental insurance company and specific coverage, a portion of the expenses of your implant(s) and custom restoration(s) might be paid for. We will talk to your provider to understand your specific policy and determine your personal cost. During your initial consultation with Dr. Tozzi, she can estimate your costs and discuss payment methods, along with information on medical financing.

Does getting dental implants hurt?

While having dental implant surgery does require surgically cutting into the gums, Dr. Tozzi will numb the treatment area before the procedure begins to keep you comfortable. Many patients liken the experience to getting a filling. If pain is a concern, Dr. Tozzi offers nitrous oxide sedation and oral conscious sedation options to ensure your dental implant installation is as stress-free and comfortable as possible. After dental implants are placed, during the recovery process, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, discomfort, and minor bleeding. Dr. Tozzi will give you antibiotics and may prescribe pain relievers to make your recovery process easier and give you instructions on what you need to do during recovery.

Are dental implants safe?

Yes, they are. While there is always a small amount of risk, as with any surgery, dental implants have been in use for more than 30 years and are deemed safe by most medical professionals and studies. Studies have found that dental implants have a 95% or higher success rate.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, dental implants can last for decades. While the implant itself is permanent, the crown or crowns attached to them typically have a lifespan of up to 15 – 20 years or longer in some cases.

Can anyone get dental implants?

Most patients with healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implants can get dental implants. If you are pregnant, use tobacco products, have a chronic disease (diabetes, heart disease), periodontal disease, or have had radiation therapy to the head or neck, you may not be a candidate for dental implants. Dr. Tozzi will evaluate your oral health and medical history during your consultation to determine if dental implants are right for you.

Do dental implants look natural?

Yes, dental implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. The custom restoration attached to the implant is color-matched to your existing teeth, creating a seamless and natural appearance. With proper care and maintenance at home, most people won't even be able to tell you have dental implants in Henderson, NV.

Can I eat normally after getting dental implants?

Once your dental implants are fully healed and the final restoration is attached, you should be able to eat normally. However, it's important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Tozzi to ensure proper integration of the implant with your jawbone. Once healed, you can enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about damaging your new teeth.

Implants with custom restorations may be a great option if you would like a natural-looking replacement for a single missing tooth or multiple teeth that is simple to clean and can last for many years. Dr. Tozzi can explain the process, starting with surgery to implant the posts and your options on the final restorations. If you would like to get more information on dental implants, make an appointment for a consultation at Michaela Tozzi, DMD in Henderson, NV.