Dental Artistry in Lake Tahoe, CA offers full dental implant services from planning to the final placement of a prosthetic tooth for patients that are missing one or more teeth. Led by Dr. Donald Reid, we offer all types of dental implants. Dr. Donald Reid is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology (ICOI) and a graduate of the Center for Advanced Dental Studies as well as Misch International Implant Institute.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium, screw-like post that Dr. Reid will surgically implant into your jawbone beneath the gum line. This titanium post will act as the tooth root to provide a strong foundation for the replacement tooth. It will also continue to stimulate healthy bone growth to avoid jaw shrinkage which often occurs after tooth loss.
Then your Lake Tahoe, CA dentist will use that to attach a replacement tooth. Dental implants don’t come loose like dentures and can last a lifetime.
Dental implants are the most natural-looking and advanced solution for replacing missing teeth. Teeth implants can replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth or to secure a denture when an entire arch of teeth has been lost or removed. While they are more expensive than traditional missing teeth solutions, they will undoubtedly offer the patient a better quality of life.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular way to replace missing teeth, but not everyone is a good candidate right away. Here’s what we look for to see if implants will work for you:
Healthy Gums
Your gums need to be healthy because dental implants go into your jawbone and are surrounded by gum tissue. If you have gum disease, it could lead to problems with healing or even cause the implant to fail. Your dentist will check your gums and may need to treat any infection before placing implants.
Enough Jawbone
Dental implants act like tooth roots, so they need strong jawbone to hold them in place. If you’ve had missing teeth for a while or have gum disease, you might have lost bone in that area. If your dentist sees this during an X-ray or 3D scan, they may recommend a bone graft to rebuild the area before placing the implant.
Good Oral Health
Your body needs to heal properly after surgery. If you have health problems like uncontrolled diabetes or a weak immune system, healing can take longer and complications are more likely. Smoking can also raise your risk of implant failure. Your dentist will review your medical history and help decide if implants are safe for you.
You Must Take Care of Your Mouth
Getting implants is only part of the process. To keep them strong and working well, you need to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit the dentist regularly. Taking good care of your oral health can help your implants last for many years—even for the rest of your life.
About The Dental Implant Procedure
The procedure for dental implants requires multiple visits over several months. Lake Tahoe, CA dentist, Dr. Reid has the training and expertise to offer full services for dental implants. After the comprehensive evaluation, he will create a personalized treatment plan.
Dr. Reid performs both phases of the dental implant process. He will perform implant surgery as well as the restoration with a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture.
Placing the Implant
Dr. Reid will place the dental implant, a tiny titanium post, into the jaw bone at his Lake Tahoe, CA cosmetic dentistry office. The dental implant will be allowed to heal and integrate with the natural bone, serving as the artificial root for the new tooth. The healing process can take several months. Depending on your case and the position of the missing tooth or teeth, a temporary crown may be placed in the mouth while the implant heals.
Restoring the Dental Implant
Once the dental implant has healed, Dr. Reid will restore the dental implant by placing the prosthetic tooth. While the dental implant is healing, a custom-made dental restoration will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. These will serve as the replacement teeth. The dental crown, dental bridge, or denture is secured to the dental implant for a permanent restoration.
How Do You Care for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are designed to last for years, but they need proper care. The good news? Keeping them clean and healthy isn’t complicated. Follow these tips to maintain your implants:
Brush and Floss Daily
Treat your implant like a tooth. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface. Floss daily using implant-friendly floss or a water flosser to remove plaque around the implant and gums.
Use the Right Tools
A low-abrasive toothpaste and an antibacterial mouthwash can help keep your implant and gums healthy. Avoid stiff-bristled brushes or harsh products that could irritate the implant area. You can also use an interdental brush to floss hard-to-reach spaces.
Keep Up with Dental Visits
Regular checkups, every 6 months or as recommended, help us assess the stability of your implant. Our hygienists can also clean areas you might miss at home. They’ll also make sure your gums stay healthy to support the implant long-term.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of implant failure. If you smoke, quitting will give your implant the best chance to last. While you can begin to smoke again after treatment, quitting can decrease the risk of gum disease which can impact the stability of your implants.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have a missing tooth or several missing teeth, Dr. Reid provides consultations for dental implants in the Truckee, CA area. Schedule an appointment today with Dental Artistry or call (530) 206-0392.
Do you have questions about treatment? Dr. Reid and his knowledgeable staff will discuss your oral health, concerns, and budget before treatment. Our office will see if dental implants are the right choice for you.