By: Dr. Christopher Lim
Posted on: August 26, 2019
When tooth loss occurs, patients in and around the area of Las Vegas, NV are encouraged to book an appointment with our team of professionals to learn about the many ways in which the smile can be restored. Patients are urged to find a solution that allows them to repair the smile’s function and appearance quickly and easily. Some patients want a more economical solution or are seeking a removable option. Others want permanency and ease of care. Patients often ask their dentist why they should choose solutions such as dental implants to replace a missing tooth.
At Hillside Dental, we offer three methods of tooth replacement:
Dentures
Dental bridges
Dental implants
Many of our patients are excited to learn about the advantages of using dental implants to replace a single tooth or several teeth within the smile.
Dr. Christopher Lim describes a dental implant as a titanium tooth root replacement. It is a small post that is used by the dentist to act as a foundation for a tooth restoration. The post is placed into the bone of the jaw during oral surgery by the dentist and then is restored according to the patient’s specific needs and desires. Dr. Christopher Lim and his team feel as though dental implants are one of the most effective ways of repairing the smile because of their many advantages.
Dental implants have a number of positive advantages for patients to consider when they want to restore their smiles after tooth loss. Dental implants:
Last a lifetime with proper care.
Look and function as natural teeth.
Are strong and durable.
Are a wise investment in the smile.
Can maintain bone structure for future oral health.
Before moving forward with dental implants, patients must first be determined to be an appropriate candidate. Candidates for dental implants are patients with sufficient bone. Because dental implants require sufficient bone for successful placement, it is important that patients have this proper foundation to ensure success. Dental implants can build bone, but they need bone to start with. The process of osseointegration needs enough bone to begin the process. To determine candidacy, patients will undergo x-rays with Dr. Christopher Lim during which the bone will be evaluated to determine candidacy.
Dental implants are used in many different ways. These versatile restorations can replace a single tooth when they are covered with a dental crown. They can also act as an anchor for placing a dental bridge. If a patient does not have a surrounding tooth to place a bridge, they can use a dental implant in its place. Additionally, some patients use dental implants as a way of stabilizing dentures. Denture stabilization provides patients the opportunity to enjoy their favorite foods and keep their dentures from shifting or falling out during inopportune times.
When done correctly, most patients experience a very high success rate in placement of dental implants. This is because the bone of the jaw grows around the implant and holds it firmly in place. This is the best foundation possible for a tooth replacement. However, there are times when the implant may be at risk. This is due to periodontal disease, which can cause the bone to shrink and the implant to fall out. This is why our team assesses the health of the smile as a whole before moving forward with treatment.
Yes! We encourage all patients to consider the advantages of using dental implants to repair the function and beauty of their smiles after tooth loss. Dr. Christopher Lim and the team at Hillside Dental in Las Vegas, NV encourage patients to book a consultation appointment to discuss this and other tooth restoration solutions including bridges and dentures. Call (702) 666-8584 and visit us in Suite 120 at 6090 South Fort Apache Road.