Dr. Jason Baldwin offers dental implants to patients in Reno, NV, who are missing or have damaged teeth. Whether you are missing one, a few, or an entire row of teeth, we can devise a solution to replace them with implants.
Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, these secured restorations look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. They also offer more benefits for your overall and oral health than traditional bridges or dentures. Implants are a premier restorative dentistry treatment that we offer to patients in our dental office near Reno, NV, to restore the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is actually a titanium post used to secure a dental restoration. Titanium is the metal of choice for prosthetics such as implants because it is a biocompatible material easily accepted by the human body. This tiny screw-like post is surgically placed in the jaw bone, where it will naturally fuse with the surrounding bone over time. Implant posts create a very durable base to secure a dental restoration.
The Parts of a Dental Implant
The entire restoration will comprise a dental implant, an abutment, and the restoration. An abutment is a small connector piece that is screwed onto the implant and will hold a dental restoration. We may also use a one-piece implant where the implant already has the abutment attached to it. The last part that makes up an implant is the actual restoration, which is the part that will replace the teeth.
How Many Dental Implants Do You Need?
The number of implants you need will depend on the number and location of your missing teeth. If you simply have one missing tooth, we will place a single implant secured by a dental crown. If you have multiple missing teeth, you need anywhere from two to eight implants to secure a dental bridge or denture.
The Top Benefits of Dental Implants
Advantages of getting dental implants for missing teeth include:
Natural Look
Dental implants look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. We work with dental labs to custom-design restorations to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. You can smile, eat, and speak confidently, knowing your implants are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Jawbone Support
Dental implants help preserve your jawbone. After you lose a permanent tooth, you lose the support of you jaw. Jaw bone loss typically occurs after tooth loss. Because implants act as new tooth roots, they help stimulate the jaw bone tissue.
Implants help maintain the structure of your face. They prevent the sunken appearance that can develop with missing teeth. Also, unlike traditional dental bridges, implants do not require altering adjacent teeth, which helps maintain your overall oral health.
Improved Bite Function
With dental implants, you can enjoy all your favorite foods without worry. Implants provide the same chewing power as natural teeth so you can bite and chew with ease. With treatments like removable dentures, your false teeth can slip around the mouth. With implants, you can
Self-Confidence Boost
When you lose permanent teeth, especially in the front of your mouth, you may hide your smile. A beautiful, complete smile can significantly boost your self-esteem. Dental implants give you the confidence to smile, laugh, and engage in social activities without feeling self-conscious about missing teeth.
Easy Care
Dental implants become a permanent part of your mouth. This eliminates the hassle of removing and cleaning dentures. You can care for your implants just like your natural teeth. We recommend that you brush, floss, and visit our dentist regularly to ensure your implant restorations last.
The Dental Implant Process in Reno, NV
Before treatment, Dr. Baldwin will perform a comprehensive dental exam. includes capturing three-dimensional images of your teeth and jaw. This will allow him to analyze your bite and plan the placement of the implants.
Pretreatments
Dr. Baldwin may recommend pretreatments to help prepare you for implant surgery. If you have tooth damage, cavities, or gum disease, we will treat these issues first. You must also have enough healthy jaw bone for implant treatment. We can recommend bone grafting to build up enough healthy tissue to support the implant posts.
Implant Placement and Healing
The next step is the surgical placement of the implants. Dr. Baldwin will place each tiny implant post into the jaw bone. It will take about three to six months for the implant to heal and integrate into the bone. As you heal, the jaw bone will grow around the implant post to create a stable foundation for your false teeth.
For this phase of the procedure, Dr. Baldwin may coordinate with a local oral surgeon. After the implants fully integrate with the surrounding jaw bone, Dr. Baldwin will place the abutment. You will need more time for your gums to heal.
Final Restoration
Once your final restoration is complete, you will return so we can secure the dental restoration. After this appointment, the full function of the teeth will be restored, and your smile will be complete again.
i-CAT® Cone Beam 3D Dental Imaging System
Dr. Baldwin is one of the few dentists in the Reno, NV, area to have a Cone Beam CT Scanner in his office. He uses this technology to properly place dental implants, which dentists often skip. It provides immediate details of the patient’s occlusal system, which is necessary to place implants correctly.
Implants must be placed in a precise location to utilize available bone. The Cone Beam CT Scanner can also tell Dr. Baldwin if the patient needs a bone graft or a sinus lift. This complex technology allows us to zero in on the exact location where each implant should be placed to ensure the best results.
Patient Review
FAQs
Read answers to questions about getting dental implants near Reno, NV.
Can I get a dental implant years after losing a tooth?
Yes. However, you may have lost some jawbone density in that area. Dr. Baldwin will take 3D scans to evaluate your bone level. If you have lost bone, a bone grafting procedure can rebuild enough support for a successful implant.
What is the success rate for dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%. With proper care and regular dental check-ups, your implant can serve you well for decades.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown may need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
No. Most patients report that implant surgery is less uncomfortable than a tooth extraction. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area completely. You may feel pressure but not sharp pain.
Can I get multiple implants at once?
Yes. If you are missing several teeth, Dr. Baldwin can place multiple implants during the same procedure. This reduces your overall treatment time and recovery. He will create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.
What is the recovery time for dental implants?
Your recovery from dental implant surgery happens in stages. Here is a general timeline of what you can expect:
- Day of surgery: Rest at home. Apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Avoid eating until the anesthesia wears off.
- First 24 to 48 hours: Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and smoothies. Avoid hot drinks, spitting, or using a straw. Take any prescribed pain medication as directed.
- First week: Swelling and minor discomfort should decrease. You can return to normal activities, but avoid strenuous exercise. Continue eating soft foods and gently rinse with warm salt water.
- Two weeks: Most patients feel back to normal. The surgical site may still be sensitive. You can start adding more solid foods to your diet.
- Three to six months: The implant fuses with your jawbone. During this time, you will have follow-up appointments with Dr. Baldwin to monitor your progress.
- After healing: Your final restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) is attached. Your smile is complete, and you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Restore Missing Teeth Today with Dental Implants
Do you need a durable and natural-looking restoration for missing teeth? Call Dr. Baldwin at (530) 206-0392 for high-quality dental implants in Reno, NV. You can also schedule a dental appointment online. If you have any questions about implants, please let us know at your next visit.