Missing teeth can significantly impact your appearance, affect your ability to eat, speak, and even influence your self-esteem. Dental implants are a key part of our restorative dentistry services to help rebuild smiles. At Dr. Teeth in Reno, NV, Dr. Alison Defilippi and her team offer full-service dental implants to help patients regain a healthy smile. Dental implants offer a stable, functional, and natural-looking solution for tooth loss.
Implant restorations offer a long-term option and best if you want a strong tooth replacement. Whether you need to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch, Dr. Teeth offers comprehensive dental implant services from start to finish. We’ll meet all your implant needs under one roof.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. The implants heal to create a stable foundation for a dental crown, bridge, or even full dentures. Implants closely mimic the natural structure of teeth. As a result, they provide better stability, comfort, and longevity than traditional dentures or bridges.
Our team at Dr. Teeth customizes each implant treatment to fit your unique needs. We design each crown, bridge, or denture to match the look of your surrounding teeth and restore your bite.
The Benefits of Dental Implants in Reno, NV
Dental implants offer a wide range of benefits that go beyond replacing a missing tooth. They’re a popular and effective option for most adults missing one or more teeth.
Restore Function
Dental implants restore the full function of your teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. You can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about discomfort or slipping dentures. Implants feel and look like natural teeth, which helps you speak clearly and smile naturally. Many patients find that they quickly forget they even have implants because they feel so much like real teeth.
Long-Lasting
Dental implants are built to last. Implants can last a lifetime if you brush, floss, and visit us for regular visits. Unlike bridges or dentures that may need repairs or replacements over time, implants remain strong and stable. Implants can be a smart investment for your oral health and your smile.
Support Your Jaw Bone
Missing teeth can cause the jawbone to shrink over time, which can affect your facial structure and overall oral health. Dental implants act like natural tooth roots to stimulate the jawbone and prevent further bone loss. By supporting the bone, implants maintain the shape and strength of your jaw. This not only preserves your facial appearance but also helps keep your remaining teeth healthy and properly aligned.
Our Full-Service Dental Implant Process
At Dr. Teeth, we offer a full-service dental implant experience. This means that Dr. Defilippi handles every step of your implant journey, from initial consultation to final restoration, right here in our Reno office. She can provide seamless and comprehensive care for the highest level of personalized service.
- Consultation and Evaluation: During your consultation, Dr. Defilippi will perform a thorough examination, take digital X-rays, and discuss your dental and health history to determine if dental implants are the best solution for you. We’ll go over the benefits, process, and answer any questions you have to ensure you feel informed and confident about your options.
- Treatment Planning: If dental implants are right for you, our team will create a personalized treatment plan based on the number of teeth you need placed. We also examine the condition of your jawbone and your overall oral health. In some cases, we may recommend additional procedures, called pretreatments. If you don’t have enough jaw bone, we may recommend bone grafting. We can also offer tooth extraction treatment for severely infected or damaged teeth.
- Surgical Placement of the Implants: Dr. Defilippi meticulously completes the implant placement procedure at Dr. Teeth. She’ll numb your mouth before she accesses the jaw bone. Then she uses advanced techniques to place the implant into the jawbone. The implant post or posts integrate over the next few months to form a secure foundation.
- Abutment: Over the next 3 to 6 months, the implant posts fuse to your jaw bone. Once this process is complete, you’ll come back to our office where we’ll place the abutments. These pieces connect the posts to your final restoration.
- Final Restoration: Once you’re fully healed, Dr. Defilippi will attach your custom-designed crown, bridge, or denture to the implant. The restoration blends with your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. It’ll give you a beautiful and functional smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more? We can help. Read answers to commonly asked questions about dental implants in Reno, NV.
Do tooth implants feel like natural teeth once healed?
Yes, once fully healed, tooth implants feel very similar to natural teeth. They’re anchored directly into the jawbone, which provides stability and function that closely mimics real tooth roots. Most patients report that they don’t notice a difference when chewing or speaking. Over time, the implant becomes a natural part of your bite.
How long should I wait before eating hard foods after getting an implant?
You should avoid hard or crunchy foods for at least a few weeks after implant surgery. Most dentists recommend waiting until the implant fully integrates with your jawbone – usually 3 to 6 months – before returning to a normal diet. Eating soft, nutritious foods during healing helps protect the site and support recovery. Dr. Defilippi will guide you based on your specific case.
What happens if I don’t have enough jawbone for implants?
If your jawbone isn’t thick or dense enough, we may recommend a bone graft first. This procedure helps rebuild the bone so it can securely hold the implant. In some cases, we can place short or angled implants or recommend options like All-on-4® that work without grafting. Our dentists will perform a thorough evaluation to find the right approach.
Will my implant restoration match the color of my natural teeth?
Yes, your implant crown or bridge will be custom-made to blend with your natural teeth. We use precise shade-matching techniques and work with skilled dental labs to ensure a seamless look. The goal is to make the restoration virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth in color and shape.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today
If you’re ready to explore how dental implants can restore your smile and improve your quality of life, schedule a consultation with Dr. Teeth in Reno, NV. Dr. Alison Defilippi is here to provide you with the expertise, technology, and personalized care you need to achieve a lasting, healthy smile. As a full-service implant provider, we’re with you every step of the way, from initial consultation to final restoration.
Don’t let missing teeth keep you from enjoying life. Contact Dr. Teeth today to take the first step toward a full smile.