Category: Dental Implants

What’s Involved in a Dental Implant Placement Procedure?

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

In the realm of modern dentistry, dental implants have emerged as a groundbreaking solution for individuals with missing teeth. This revolutionary procedure not only restores oral functionality but also enhances aesthetics, providing a durable and natural-looking alternative to traditional tooth replacement options. If you’re considering implant treatment, it’s crucial to understand the intricacies of the dental implant placement procedure.

Understanding Dental Implant Placement

The Initial Consultation

The journey towards getting dental implants in Reno typically commences with an initial consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, the dentist will evaluate your oral health, assess bone density, and discuss your medical history. This comprehensive assessment aids in determining whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.

Treatment Planning

Once deemed eligible, your implant dentist in Reno will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan includes a detailed roadmap of the implant placement procedure, outlining the number of implants needed and the strategic positioning for optimal results. Advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D cone beam scans, may be employed to provide a precise visualization of the treatment area.

Tooth Extraction

In cases where a damaged or decayed tooth is still present, extraction may be necessary before moving forward with dental implant placement. This step ensures a clean slate for the new implant and promotes optimal healing.

Bone Grafting

For individuals with insufficient bone density in the jaw, bone grafting may be recommended. This preparatory procedure involves adding bone material to the treatment area, enhancing stability, and creating a solid foundation for the dental implant.

Implant Placement Surgery

The main event of dental implant placement is determining the precise surgical location for the implant. This is a meticulous procedure performed under local anesthesia. Your implant dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone, drill a precise hole, and carefully place the implant into the bone. The incision is then stitched up, and the healing process begins.

Osseointegration

After the implant is placed, a critical phase called osseointegration takes place. This is when the implant fuses with the surrounding bone, creating a strong and stable foundation. Osseointegration can take several weeks to months, during which the patient is advised to follow post-operative care instructions to ensure successful integration.

Abutment Placement

Once osseointegration is complete, a second minor surgery is performed to attach an abutment to the implant. The abutment acts as a connector between the implant and the prosthetic tooth, providing a secure anchor. This step is essential for customization, as the abutment is specifically tailored to accommodate the final restoration.

Restoration Placement

The final step in the dental implant placement procedure involves the attachment of the prosthetic tooth or crown to the abutment. The restoration is meticulously crafted to match the color, shape, and size of the surrounding natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.

Restorative dentistry in Reno, such as dental implants, can help patients get a smile that’s not only beautiful but also functional. While dental implant placement is a multifaceted procedure that requires surgical precision, advanced technology, and artistic craftsmanship, it can give you a healthier and more vibrant smile.

If you’re considering dental implants, reach out to us. We’re always happy to help. 

What’s It Mean If You Have An Impacted Tooth? 

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

So your dentist in Reno has diagnosed you or your child with an impacted tooth. What exactly does that mean, and how concerning is it? Not to worry, impacted teeth are pretty common, especially in children and teens. While an impacted tooth is most often associated with wisdom teeth, in reality, any tooth can become impacted and needs to be treated by your dentist sooner rather than later. 

What Is An Impacted Tooth? 

In short, an impacted tooth occurs when a tooth does not erupt through the gums as it’s supposed to. Baby teeth will probably start to emerge when your child is only a few months old, fall out a few years later, and be replaced with adult teeth. Then, in teenage years or young adult years, wisdom teeth will begin to erupt. However, this process doesn’t always happen smoothly, and a tooth can not erupt at all or only erupt a little bit, thus becoming impacted. 

Why Does This Happen?

An impacted tooth can happen for any number of reasons, and the cause varies from person to person. Your dentist in Reno can help identify why or even catch it early. Some of the most common causes of an impacted tooth are: 

  • Overcrowding of teeth 
  • The jaw is too small to allow for more teeth to erupt
  • Teeth coming in crooked or sideways

Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth

It’s important to know that not every case of an impacted tooth will have symptoms. This is pretty common with a tooth that’s fully impacted. However, there are some key signs that may indicate a partial impaction or perhaps a full impaction. 

  • Pain in the gums or jaw
  • Swelling of the gums in one area around the tooth
  • Bad breath
  • Bad taste in the mouth when force is applied to the area
  • Headaches
  • Noticeable gap where the tooth did not erupt

If you notice any of the above, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Reno as soon as you can. 

How to Treat an Impacted Tooth

Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the impaction, symptoms, cause, and if there’s a risk to other parts of the mouth. Sometimes your dentist will recommend simply leaving the tooth alone, however, most times, especially with wisdom teeth, the impacted tooth will need to be removed. If the impacted tooth isn’t a wisdom tooth, oftentimes orthodontics will be used to create room and pull the tooth into its proper place. 

Complications

Making sure that your entire family sees your dentist twice a year is important for many reasons. Monitoring tooth erupting is one of them. Regular exams and x-rays will help your dentist identify any impacted teeth early and make recommendations for proper treatment before problems can arise. If impacted teeth are not caught early and they do need treatment, several complications can occur, such as: 

  • Abscess or infection
  • Nerve damage
  • A poor bite (malocclusion)
  • Difficulty thoroughly cleaning teeth
  • Speech problems
  • Bone loss

Even though an impacted tooth may be scary at first, know that your dentist is here to help ensure you get the right treatment at the right time to avoid problems in the future. 

Damaged or Bad Teeth? You Have Options.

Posted on by Dr. Brian Evans

Time can take a toll on your teeth, and everything from trauma, diet, habits, and even medications can affect your smile. When this happens, patients may be hesitant to smile as much as they used to, and they may even find it difficult to eat all the foods they enjoy. But there’s good news. Your dentist in Reno has several options to help restore a smile, no matter how damaged teeth may be. 

Dental Fillings

Perhaps the most common type of dental treatment completed today is dental fillings. This routine dental procedure is one of the best ways to stop decay in its tracks and keep your natural tooth healthy. Keeping up with your dental appointments every six months can help identify cavities early when they can still be easily treated with a filling.

Bonding

Another way to fix a bad tooth is with dental bonding. Typically used to fill in teeth that are chipped, cracked, or broken, dental bonding can custom-match the other teeth for a seamless restoration. This treatment is usually fast and more affordable than other options. 

Dental Crowns

Also known as a cap, dental crowns are used to cover up an entire tooth. They too are also custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of other teeth, so nobody will even know it’s there. Crowns are more appropriate for larger cavities and are often used following a root canal to further protect the treated tooth. 

Tooth Whitening 

Like fillings, smile whitening is an incredibly common dental procedure used to brighten the appearance of teeth. Even though many products are available without the recommendation of a dentist, we always recommend discussing smile whitening with your dentist in Reno before starting any product. Some products may not work well for your specific concerns and sometimes whitening products can do more harm than good. 

Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are placed on the front surface of teeth and can help with many dental concerns. For example, if you have tooth staining that can’t be fixed through smile whitening, you can cover up the stains with veneers. Veneers can also help: 

  • Repair minor chips or cracks
  • Change the size and shape of teeth
  • Close gaps in between teeth
  • Make teeth appear straighter 

Dental Implants

If you’re missing a tooth or even several teeth, there are still solutions available to restore your smile and regain your confidence. The best way to replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth is with dental implants. This restorative dentistry treatment is a permanent solution to missing teeth and can help you smile, eat, and speak without worrying about dentures slipping. To find out if you’re a candidate for dental implants, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Reno. 

No matter what your dental needs are and no matter how bad you feel your teeth are, there are ways to help. Don’t give up hope on getting a smile you’re proud of. Schedule an appointment with your dentist and start the conversation today. 

What to Know About Dental Implants

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

Damaged or missing teeth can be painful and frustrating. They not only affect your overall health, but they can also deter you from wearing your beautiful smile. There are many ways of dealing with damaged or missing teeth, but one that has become increasingly common and effective is the dental implant. As you plan a visit your dentist, it’s important to know what to expect with this treatment option, so here’s a quick guide.

What are dental implants?

Unlike dentures and fixed bridges, dental implants are permanent options for tooth replacement. Instead of anchoring the tooth onto the surrounding teeth or the gum, dental implants are surgically fused in the jawbone through an artificially manufactured root which serves as the foundation. Implants are durable and rarely need replacement, unlike fixed bridges that require replacement two or three times in a lifetime.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

The advantages of dental implants include:

  • They are reliable: Unlike dentures, which require removal, replacement, and maintenance, implants are permanent and do not need to be removed.
  • They enable you to eat everything: With dental implants, you can enjoy sticky and hard food, which you should avoid with traditional dentures. This is because implants are as strong as regular teeth.
  • They save the adjacent teeth: Implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for anchorage since they have a root of their own. This means that the integrity of other healthy teeth is preserved.
  • They are good-looking: Among all the other teeth replacement options, dental implants provide the most natural look. They are aesthetically superior to dentures and fixed bridges.
  • They give you confidence: The downside of dentures is the embarrassment they can cause with their noise and slippage. With implants, you can speak and smile confidently, knowing that these teeth are firmly held in place.

What should I expect during a dental implant procedure?

An implant procedure is a multi-step process which can last for several months. Here are the steps involved:

  • The first step is a complete dental examination to establish the extent of the damage. This might include an x-ray.
  • Your dentist will then create a treatment plan. At this point, they will determine the condition of the jawbone, the number of teeth that need replacement, and whether the damaged teeth need to be removed before the implant procedure starts.
  • The implant procedure begins with the insertion of the dental implant cylinder into the jawbone. You are them given a healing period of several months, after which an implant crown or prosthesis is placed.
  • Once the procedure is complete, your dentist will give instructions on how to take care of your implants. Caring for your implants is similar to that of normal teeth– regular flossing and brushing to avoid plaque.

Endosteal Implants are the most popular type of dental implants. Your dentist will drill small holes in the jawbone where the implant is placed directly. Direct placement gives the implant maximum support.

Schedule an Appointment

Dental implants are an excellent option for restoring your smile if you’ve experienced tooth loss. To discuss your options with dental implants at Wager Evans Dental, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.

Using Implants And Mini-Implants To Help Restore Smiles

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

Your Reno, NV dentist’s office can provide restorative dental care to address a wide range of oral health issues. While one person may come in to have a cavity removed, and a filling placed, another patient can come in seeking help with advanced tooth loss. To address the problem of missing teeth, your dentist can provide support with dental implants. Implants help to stabilize restorations – they can help with holding a single replacement tooth in position, and they can be used to keep dentures in place. Mini-implants are also available, and they can help to hold dentures, or to provide support for someone whose jawbone has suffered deterioration. Continue reading “Using Implants And Mini-Implants To Help Restore Smiles” →

Learn How A Dental Implant-Supported Prosthetic Can Help You

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

What can you gain when you have your dental prosthetic held in place with a dental implant? This modern approach to addressing an incomplete smile can offer the daily advantage of a more secure restoration, which can make it easier to bite and chew. An implant is set directly in your jawbone – because it is made from biocompatible titanium, your jawbone will actually fuse with when you heal. This can make your prosthetic more comfortable, because the support given by your implant mimics the kind of support teeth enjoy from their roots. With that said, comfort and functional advantages are not the only benefits to this treatment. You can actually prevent the loss of jawbone density, a problem that develops over the years when a person has lost teeth. Continue reading “Learn How A Dental Implant-Supported Prosthetic Can Help You” →

Dentures Can Give You Back Your Smile

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

Losing your teeth can create problems for your oral health, severely restrict your diet options, and deliver a big blow to your self-confidence. You may appear older and less healthy because of tooth loss, and you may suspect that people treat you differently as a result. What you should know is that modern prosthetic care can provide you with dentures that look and feel great, meaning you can effectively have your full smile restored! Your dentist will work with you to make sure that your prosthetic is comfortable, and that it looks natural when in position. Many patients who seek prosthetic support will be excited to learn how dental implants can make restorations more stable, and improve their overall function while offering additional oral health advantages.  Continue reading “Dentures Can Give You Back Your Smile” →

Receiving Dental Implants To Help Rebuild Your Smile

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

How have changes in the field of prosthetic dentistry benefited patients? If you have looked into replacing a lost tooth – of if you have started to look into replacing several – you may have developed an interest in dental implants. With dental implants, it becomes possible to restore your smile with a permanent dental prosthetic. Having this additional support can make it easier to bite and chew food, while also being more comfortable in general. There are also benefits to the condition of your jawbone, as dental implants can take on important functions provided by the roots of your teeth. Continue reading “Receiving Dental Implants To Help Rebuild Your Smile” →

Implant-Held Dentures Offer Major Benefits

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

Implant-held dentures offer people struggling with major tooth loss a means of remarkably improving their experience with dental prosthetic support. Rather than leaving your dentures in place with suction, or with epoxies, you can have them supported permanently with strategically-placed mini dental implants. This arrangement can make you feel more comfortable with your dentures, and make it easier to bite and chew with them. If you have questions, or if you want to see if you can be approved for implant placement, let your dentist know. Because implant-held dentures use mini implants, they can be easier to safely secure than full implants.  Continue reading “Implant-Held Dentures Offer Major Benefits” →

Planning Implant Placement And Restoration With Your Dentist

Posted on by Wager-Evans Dental

You can work with your dentist to plan impressive – and important – restorative work for your incomplete smile. Thanks to dental implants, patients have been able to enjoy dental prosthetic work that can improve the comfort of their replacement work, as well as its stability, and ability to bite and chew. While many dental practices will send patients to an oral surgeon for their implant placement, your dentist have the training and experience to successfully perform this at the office. Once your prosthetic is secured to that implant, you can look forward to having a complete smile that looks great, while also giving you back your ability to bite and chew tougher foods. Continue reading “Planning Implant Placement And Restoration With Your Dentist” →