Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that permanently replaces missing teeth. A dental implant is commonly made up of three parts. You have the implant, the abutment, and the crown. Oral surgeons use titanium implant posts that resemble screws or cylinders to replace and act as the tooth's roots. These titanium fixtures act as an anchor, connecting the abutment and crown to the jawbone right below the gum line.

A dental implant procedure fully secures the new artificial tooth, meaning there is no slippage. The implant acts as a solid base providing long-lasting stability for custom dental crowns or artificial teeth.

Dental implants are not for everyone. You must have healthy gums and sufficient bone to mount the implant. These factors must be met for a few reasons, most notably to reduce risks and adequately secure the implant to the bone structure. Bone loss or soft bone marrow means a bone graft would be necessary to go through with the procedure. A bone graft can help rebuild the damaged bone needed to support a dental implant.

Other concerns include minimal bone height in the upper jaw or sinuses too close to the jaw. These conditions could cause your oral surgeon to recommend a sinus lift. A sinus lift protects you from further complications and ensures your implant stays healthy and secure.

Additionally, since children are still developing, they are not suitable candidates for dental implants. Patients who are prone to infections should also avoid this procedure. The Reno Tahoe Oral Surgery team recommends patients who grind their teeth consider other options. Grinding can unintentionally wear down and damage their new implants due to excessive pressure exerted.

The average cost of dental implants can be anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000. This range in price is due to the complexity of your specific procedure. Some patients may only require a single implant, while others may need to consider a bone graft or a sinus lift. We understand that every one of our patients is different, so we take the time to explain the cost of your unique treatment plan.

If you are considering a dental implant in Northern Nevada, come to our team at Reno Tahoe Oral Surgery. Our practice works with many dental insurance providers, which can significantly reduce the cost of this surgical procedure. We will take the time to discuss any payment options available to you so you can determine the best course of action. Everyone deserves to smile with confidence so contact us now and we will help you take the next step.

Obtaining your dental implant usually involves a three-part process after our Reno-Tahoe team has evaluated and concluded that you are a prospect. This three-part process can take several months but guarantees you receive implants that are strong and properly positioned.

To begin, Dr. Redlinger will put you under local anesthesia and anchor the implant in the jaw. Next, he will insert a screw into the implant to ensure that gum tissue and other debris won't enter the site. The gum is then placed over the implant to secure it and left to fuse with the bone for about three to six months in a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration essentially allows the implant to blend with the bone in the jaw.

After this period, we uncover the implant in the second step. Dr. Redlinger attaches a post to the implant. Then he gives the sensitive gum tissue time to properly heal before starting the third step.

For the last step, Dr. Redlinger makes a unique crown to blend with the size, shape, and color of your other teeth. Once the crown is complete, it is fixed to the implant post, giving you a beautiful new tooth or set of teeth that look completely natural.

A dental implant is surgically placed on the jawbone making it critical to get the help of a professional who specializes in this field. Many dentists in the Reno-Tahoe area are willing to perform dental implant surgery, but only oral surgeons have gone to medical school. This extra education ensures you receive the highest level of care.

After completing his medical degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Redlinger began working for the Northern Nevada communities. He focuses on wisdom teeth extraction and dental implants allowing him to specialize in both kinds of procedures. Redlinger is the renowned oral surgeon of Northern Nevada, so he can make sure your surgery is done safely and right. Our team offers the highest expertise and training when tackling the complexity behind dental implant procedures.