Dental implants are the most stable, reliable method for replacing a single tooth or retaining dentures and partials. Best of all, they do not require alteration of healthy teeth as bridges do. If you need to replace one missing tooth, a few teeth, or you’d like to improve your denture security, talk with Dr. Spillers at Summit Dental to learn whether dental implants are an option for you. Our doctor utilizes the latest technology and training to ensure you will have a great experience.

Call us at 702-834-7755 to reserve a dental implant consultation today.

Are You a Dental Implant Candidate?

Not everyone makes a good candidate for dental implants, though most of our patients qualify. At your consultation, Dr. Spillers will answer all of your questions and perform an examination of your mouth. He will also take any necessary x-rays to evaluate your jawbone’s density and health. Good implant candidates have good oral health, no gum disease, and solid jawbone density. In most cases, those who do not immediately qualify can undergo prerequisite procedures to improve candidacy. Once oral health, including gum health, is restored and jawbone density repaired, you may be re-evaluated for implants.

A Two-Phase Procedure

Dental implants require a brief, outpatient oral surgery as phase one. The surgery is typically performed by Dr. Spillers, although he may occasionally refer to an oral surgeon or periodontist who collaborate directly with him.  We also offer sedation dentistry  to help ease patient anxiety. During the procedure, a predetermined number of small, titanium implant posts will be strategically inserted into your jawbone for optimal stability and longevity. Most patients require three to six months of healing while the bone naturally incorporates the biocompatible implant posts. Once the implants are solid, you’ll return to Summit Dental for the second and final phase of the procedure, attaching your restoration.

Implant-Retained Dentures

Though dental implants can hold a single crown or a bridge, they are often used to stabilize dentures. Both upper and lower dentures can be secured to implants, either permanently or with the option to remove the appliance for cleaning. However, since most denture slippage occurs with the lower denture, implants are most often employed for mandibular denture retention.

With implant-retained dentures, four to six dental implants are secured in the jaw. The patient may wear a temporary denture until the jawbone completely fuses with the implant posts. Then, the final denture can be created and secured.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Compared to living with missing teeth, dental implants are a major quality of life improvement. With implants, you’ll enjoy these benefits:

• No reliance of healthy teeth. While bridges require alteration of two healthy teeth for crowns, and partials place an extra burden on healthy teeth that hold them in place, implant-retained prosthetics are self-sufficient. They place no stress on healthy teeth. Because added stress increases the potential for tooth failure, implants are the healthier choice.
• No slippage, looseness, or wobbling. Traditionally, retained dentures tend to become loose and poor fitting as the natural ridges of the jaw wear smooth. This isn’t an issue when dentures are retained with implants. You’ll never experience slippage, looseness, or wobbling, and you’ll never need your dentures relined.
• Long lasting reliability. If you maintain good oral health, your implants could last the rest of your life.
• Easy care. Permanent dental implant-retained prosthetics require no special care. Simply brush, floss, and visit the dentist for checkups and cleanings. Removable dentures attached to implants do require a special care regimen, but it’s simple.
• Dependability, even chewing tough foods. With an implant-retained prosthetic, biting and chewing foods that are dense, crunchy, or chewy won’t be a problem. As a result, you can eat a healthy diet which promotes good overall health!
• Jawbone retention. When teeth roots are missing, the jawbone naturally loses density, becoming brittle and weak. Implants promote solid bone density, so osteoporosis of the jaw does not occur as it does with traditionally-retained prosthetics.

Schedule Dental Implant Consultation Now

If you’d like to learn more about dental implants and find out if you’re a candidate for the procedure, call Summit Dental today at 702-834-7755. We are accepting new patients and look forward to improving both your oral health and your smile!