Having a missing tooth can feel like showing up to a potluck without a dish; awkward and slightly embarrassing. But you don’t have to suffer in silence! Dental implants provide a permanent solution to missing or extracted teeth that look, feel, and operate like natural teeth. If you’re considering dental implants but feel anxious about what’s involved, take a deep breath and relax! Thankfully, the dental implant journey is safe, predictable, and has a surprisingly manageable recovery.
At Dee for Dentist, our team makes dental implant procedures as smooth as possible. Our in-house implantologist uses cutting-edge digital technology and surgically guided techniques to ensure precision and comfort throughout your treatment. Located in Las Vegas with offices in the Medical District and Silverado Ranch, we’ve helped countless patients restore their smiles with dental implant procedures.
The Consultation
Before any work begins, we start with a thorough consultation. This initial appointment sets the stage for your entire implant journey. During your consultation, we’ll use advanced digital technology to take detailed 3D images of your mouth. These images allow us to see your bone density and nerve locations and precisely plan your implant placement. We’ll also discuss your oral health history, examine your teeth and gums, and determine whether you’re a good implant candidate.
This is an excellent opportunity to voice any questions and concerns, even the ones you might be embarrassed to ask! We appreciate that dental procedures can cause anxiety, and we’re committed to making sure you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.
Preparing for Your Procedure
Once we’ve confirmed you’re a quality candidate for dental implants, we’ll schedule your procedure and explain the next steps in your journey. Preparation isn’t complicated, but there are a few things to keep in mind. For most patients, we recommend the following:
- Arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure if sedation will be used
- Eating a light meal before your appointment (unless instructed otherwise)
- Wearing comfortable clothing on the day of your procedure
- Following any pre-procedure medication instructions, we provide
- Getting a good night’s sleep before your appointment
We may also prescribe antibiotics before your procedure to reduce infection risk. Our team is always available to help if you have questions about preparation.
The Implant Procedure Itself
On the day of your dental implant procedure, we’ll make sure you’re completely relaxed before we begin. For most patients, receiving a dental implant is more comfortable than expected.
First, we’ll use local anesthesia to ensure the area is completely numb. For patients with dental anxiety, we offer additional comfort options to keep you calm and relaxed during your surgery. Our laser technology often allows us to perform procedures with minimal discomfort, and in many cases, we can even place dental implants without traditional anesthesia.
The implant procedure is typically straightforward and involves the following steps:
- Creating a small opening in your gum where the implant will go
- Precisely placing the titanium implant post into your jawbone
- Placing a healing cap on the implant if immediate loading isn’t being done
- Closing the gum tissue around the implant
Our advanced digital imaging and surgical guides direct the precise placement of your dental implant, ensuring optimal positioning and minimizing recovery time. We’re particularly proud of this technology-focused approach at Dee for Dentist.
Recovery and Follow-Up Care
After your implant placement, you’ll need to give your body time to heal while the implant integrates with your bone, a process called osseointegration. This typically takes 3-6 months, during which the titanium post becomes permanently fused with your jawbone.
During the recovery period, you might experience the following:
- Some swelling and tenderness around the implant site
- Minor bleeding for the first 24-48 hours
- Sensitivity in the area for several days
We recommend soft foods for the first few days and careful oral hygiene around the implant site. We’ll provide specific instructions for caring for your implant during healing, and our team is always available if you have questions or concerns.
Once the implant has fully integrated, you’ll return for the final restoration, where we will place the abutment and crown to complete your new tooth. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, making them an ideal solution for restoring missing or extracted teeth.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation
At Dee for Dentist, we’re committed to helping you live longer and smile more. Our dental professional team includes an implantologist specializing in digital, surgically-guided implant techniques. We train other dentists on dental laser use and employ technology-focused approaches for optimal results.
Ready to revive your smile with dental implants? Call us at (702) 586-7800 for our Silverado Ranch location or (702) 870-3818 for our Medical District office, or complete our contact form to schedule your consultation today.
