Henderson dentist, Dentist in Henderson, NV

What are dental implants?

People often refer to a dental implant as a replacement tooth, but it is actually a metal post or appliance that replaces the patient's tooth root or roots. Once the artificial root or roots are in, replacement teeth are put in place and thus anchored firmly to the bone by the implant. The patient's new teeth look, feel and work just like natural teeth. There are several types of dental implants suited to various dental conditions.

Do I have to go to more than one doctor to get dental implants?

There are very few dentists who can both place the implants and make and attach the teeth into the implants. Dr. Wineman works with some of the finest specialists in the Henderson-Las Vegas area to insure the best result for your dental implant needs. As always Dr. Wineman and his staff will suggest a specialist within your insurnace network to maximize your insurance benefits. Dr. Wineman does provide the restorative services needed to restore a patient to full comfort, function, and cosmetics.

What are the benefits of implants?

Dental implants are an alternative for:

• The person who wants to have the dental solution that is the closest to what Mother Nature created.
• The patient who needs a crown or fixed bridge but doesn't want to damage his or her adjacent healthy teeth.
• The patient who has lost teeth and wants to avoid removable partial dentures where a conventional fixed partial denture or bridge may not be possible.
• The patient who cannot function comfortably with conventional dentures and is looking for more retention than denture adhesives can provide.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Because of recent advances in implant technology, more and more people are implant candidates - although many people may be told they are not. The only way to know for certain is to be evaluated by a practitioner who has received advanced training in implant dentistry. Typically, if a patient is healthy enough to undergo fixed bridgework procedures or routine extractions, he or she can also undergo dental implant procedures.

What does the dental implant procedure involve?

Most implants can be placed by a trained dentist in one or two office visits. Further visits will also be needed to fit the replacement teeth, which fasten to the implants. In addition, it is possible that some bone structure will have to be added to the patient's jaw or that other adjustments may have to be made. Tested methodologies now exist that can effectively and safely add bone where needed. This process can delay the placement of the implant for a period of months. Most dental implant fixture placements/insertions can be performed under the same local anesthesia used for routine fillings. The specialists that Dr. Wineman works with can also provide sedation (either oral conscious Sedation or IV sedation if the patient wants to "sleep" duringt he procedure). Temporary teeth, in the form of a transitional partial denture or "flipper", can be made for areas in the front of the mouth so that patients can lead normal lives during the interim.

How long does an implant last?

Implants have remained in patients' mouths for 30 years or longer. We strongly recommend a preventive maintenance program to help insure the long-term success of your implants and teeth.

How much does an implant cost as compared to other forms of dentistry?

The cost of implant dentistry is comparable to that of fixed bridgework or other advanced dental procedures in most cases.

Do implants require any special care?

Dental implants and accompanying replacement teeth should be cared for in the same way as natural teeth. Although they cannot get decay, they are still subject to gum disease in the same way natural teeth are.

Is there any chance of rejection of the dental implant?

The body doesn 't reject a dental implant as it might a soft tissue implant such as a lung, heart or kidney. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is compatible with the body. Although it is a rarity, occasionally the implant may not take. Please ask Dr. Wineman any questions you might have.

How long will I be off work?

Most of our patients are back to work the next day after implant placement. It's an individual decision.

What will happen without treatment?

When you lose your teeth, you gradually lose the bone that supported the teeth. As this bone shrinks, problems with a lack of support lead to increased discomfort, mobility, lack of retention of dentures, and sharp, painful ridges, movable gums and sore spots. The tongue can enlarge to fill in the available space. With tooth loss, a five-fold decrease in function occurs and the patient usually shift to a diet of softer foods. In those cases where bone loss has been severe, fracture of the mandible is possible. In addition, this progression will affect our ability to provide the treatment we could have before so much bone loss. It could require more implants or more extensive treatment. At its worst, the bone loss could be so severe that the only way for the person to have teeth of any kind would require a hip graft or rib graft(taking bone from the patient's hip or using one's own rib bones).

Do all patients who want cosmetic makeovers get the same kind of teeth?

Absolutely not! Each person has a look they want for themselves and they have facial structure and skin tones that guide us in making individual selections that vary in size, shape, and color for each person.

Do I have to get my teeth capped to get rid of spaces between my front teeth?

In most cases capping to correct spaces isn't necessary. Today with beautiful, natural looking porcelain veneers (also called porcelain facings) we can easily make dramatic cosmetic changes to remove spaces, fix cracked teeth, do minor tooth straightening, and change the color of your teeth. In many instances, little or no tooth structure needs to be removed to create the smile of your dreams. However if the teeth in question have large fillings already present or extensive decay, crowning or capping the teeth may offer the best predictable cosmetic result. Dr. Wineman may suggest an orthodontic consult prior to any restorative treatment to give you the smile you have alsways dreamed of having.

Is "tooth whitening" safe?

Bleaching procedures are safe and approved by the American Dental Association. Bleaching does not wear away any tooth structure or make a tooth more susceptible to staining.

Is gum surgery essential if I have periodontal (gum) disease?

We have found, many times, surgery is not necessary following a conservative course of periodontal treatment. This type of care typically includes a series of nonsurgical gum treatments better known as scaling and root planing. Dr. Wineman and his 3 hygienists are trained and certified in the use of a soft tissue laser to painlessly eliminate the bacteria hiding in the deeper pockets of your gum tissue. Should surgery be required, Dr. Wineman will refer those patients to periodontists if the event that non-surgical treatment is not sufficient to correct the patient's condition.

If periodontal disease is such a problem, why doesn't it hurt?

This is, unfortunately, a very good question. Periodontal problems can become quite serious and extremely advanced without any pain whatsoever. That is why it is so important to be attentive to the warning signs - bleeding gums when brushing and flossing, swollen gums, receded gums, teeth changing position, pus or swelling around gums - to name a few.