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Missing teeth can have a negative impact on a person in many ways. It can cause a person to feel embarrassed to smile and in turn impact their self-image and self-esteem. But it can also have other negative impacts such as damaging the jawbone, surrounding teeth, and even the gums.

One of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for missing teeth is a dental implant. Dental implants are artificial teeth that are permanently fixed to the jawbone through a metal anchor and mounting post. They look and function just as a natural tooth would and if cared for properly will provide durability for a lifetime.

Dental implants can make a significant impact in improving a person’s smile and appearance, but they can also provide many other advantages including improving oral discomfort, making it easier to eat, and convenience over dentures. They can also have a positive impact on some oral health concerns. While the benefits of dental implants are many, it is still important to remember that even with dental implants good oral hygiene habits such as regular brushing and flossing are crucial for oral health.

Dental Implants Require Healthy Gums

In order to qualify for dental implants, you must first ensure that the health of your gums is in good condition. One of the most common factors that prevent people from getting a dental implant, and also one of the greatest threats to the success of a dental implant, is periodontal (gum) disease. This does not mean that a previous, or current, case of gum disease will completely disqualify you from getting dental implants, however, it will be necessary to address and successfully treat it first. Without healthy gums and healthy bone mass, the metal anchor of the implant will not be able to properly integrate into the jawbone.

If you have gum disease or are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, you must be proactive and see a dentist as soon as possible to begin treatment before the condition worsens. Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding or pain in the gums, redness or swelling of the gums, bad breath, sensitivity, receding gums, loose teeth, or an abscess. The sooner gum disease is brought under control, the sooner you can speak to a doctor about dental implants.

Will Dental Implants Help To Prevent Gum Disease?

While you may not get cavities with dental implants, they will not make you immune to gum disease. If you do not take the necessary measures to ensure that your teeth and gums remain in good condition, you can get gum disease even with artificial teeth. Typical oral hygiene habits such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing on a regular basis, and visiting the dentist at least twice a year for cleaning will help maintain your oral health.

Gum Disease And Dental Implants

After you’ve gotten dental implants, it is extremely important to care for your gums in order to avoid peri-implantitis, a type of periodontal disease in which infection and inflammation can set in around your implant. It is typically caused by plaque buildup from a lack of proper brushing or flossing and has similar symptoms to gum disease. If it is not treated quickly, it can damage to both your dental implant and the underlying gums and bone putting implant at risk of loosening or even detaching from the bone.

Henderson Dental Implants And Gum Disease Treatment

Fortunately, peri-implantitis and gum disease are both preventable and curable. Through routine dental examinations and cleanings, you can stop gum disease before it can threaten your dental implant. Combined with consistent brushing and flossing, dental cleanings are the most effective way to prevent gum disease from affecting your teeth and implants. Contact Foutz Family Dentistry today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

If you have a bad tooth, one that forces you to make constant trips to the dentist, you are likely searching for a long-term solution to free you from discomfort, embarrassment, and hassle. A bad tooth can quickly lead to an extraction leaving you with a gap in your smile along with the frustration of a missing tooth. One of the most effective ways to solve this problem is by replacing a bad tooth with a high quality dental implant.

Gum disease, dental decay and more can cause significant and irreparable damage to a tooth, but fortunately dental implants are available to give you the best solution. Dental implants provide a permanent, long-lasting alternative that offer unique advantages over their traditional counterparts such as bridges or dentures.

What Is A Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a custom made crown that is designed to look and function like natural teeth. For dental implants, porous metal anchor is first placed entirely into the jawbone and then left to allow bone growth around it to lock it into place. After the anchor has become fully integrated within the jawbone, a mounting post is secured into it and the crown is then attached to the post and positioned at the gum line.

Benefits Of A Dental Implant

Dental implants provide many benefits over bridges and dentures that have proven them as a better solution for replacing a missing or bad tooth. Among the many advantages of a dental implant you will find that implants:

• Look And Feel Natural: implants are custom-made to fit in with surrounding teeth from size to color. This is particularly beneficial for people who only need to replace one tooth. Implants are not only designed to match your existing teeth, but they also function like natural teeth. Unlike dentures, implants are not taken out and will not move while you eat or talk. They are secured into the jawbone allowing them to provide the same feel as a natural tooth.
• Are Comfortable: Unlike dentures, implants do not require adhesives to hold it in place. Dental implants are tightly attached and provide a natural level of comfort while chewing or speaking. Implants will not become loose if you eat certain foods, they will not move and cause friction, and they will not slip. The process for a dental implant procedure may be longer and may cause discomfort as healing and osseointegration occur, but the results are comfortable and durable.
• Won’t Damage Surrounding Teeth: Turning to a dental bridge to solve your dental problems will require the use of healthy teeth to secure the bridge. This can put strain on those teeth or even cause damage. A dental implant will not affect surrounding teeth, but it can prevent you from experiencing more problems.
• Are Long-Lasting: A dental implant is a permanent solution for bad or missing teeth. By carefully caring for your implant(s) just as you would your natural teeth, you can enjoy a dental solution that will last a lifetime. Implants cost more than a bridge or crown, but the long-term results can save you even more in terms of time, money, pain, and frustration.

Henderson Dental Implants

At Foutz Family Dentistry, we offer high quality dental implants that will provide you with the most effective solution for a bad tooth. Call our office today at (702) 792-5929 for more information on Henderson dental implants or to schedule a consultation.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Dental implants are one of the most sought after options for tooth replacement. With a number of advantages, dental implants provide a long lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Among the advantages of dental implants is how easy it is to care for them and maintain dental hygiene. This however does not mean that they cannot be damaged or will not be affected by other oral problems. Certain conditions can put your implants in danger of early failure, but if these conditions are prevented with proper care or treated quickly with effective care, your investment in implants can last for a very long time.

Mouth Problems That Can Cause Implant Failure

• Poor Oral Health: A common misconception is that dental implants do not require regular brushing or flossing, however that is far from the truth. Failing to take proper care of your teeth, can affect your implants, your gums and even your overall health. Poor health and poor overall health can prevent implants from properly integrating.

• Gum Disease: Even with implants, plaque can build up on the surface of the tooth leading to a bacterial infection of the gums, also known as periodontal disease. For people with implants, a form of gum disease known as peri-implantitis can occur. In peri-implantitis the gum tissue surrounding and supporting the implant become infected, weakened and can cause bone loss and implant failure. Be careful to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine with twice daily brushing and daily flossing.

• Teeth Grinding: Teeth grinding or a habit of clenching teeth, known as bruxism, can also lead to implant failure. Teeth grinding often happen involuntarily as a result stress, anxiety, anger, frustration or sleep apnea. It typically involves the unconscious and repeated clenching or grinding of teeth, or biting down hard even when not chewing. In natural teeth, teeth grinding can wear down tooth enamel and cause teeth to become flattened, fractured, chipped or even loose. In dental implants, teeth grinding can lead to bone loss weakening the support around the implant or could even cause the implant to break. Using a bite guard while sleeping is one of the most effective ways to buffer the damaging force from repeated grinding.

Preventing Implant Failure

Dental implants are long lasting, but not indestructible. Committing to thorough brushing and flossing will prevent the accumulation of food particles, plaque and bacteria. Proper oral hygiene along with bi-annual dental cleanings and exams will help to keep your implants in the best condition. At a cleaning or checkup, your dentist will be able to identify potential problems including signs of peri-implantitis or bruxism and get your started on treating the problem before it can cause implant damage or failure. At Foutz Family Dentistry, we offer comprehensive dental cleanings for dental implants along with providing the high quality care needed to extend the life of your investment.

For more information about ways to extend the life of your dental implants or to schedule a cleaning, call our office today at (702) 792-5929.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Taking care of dental implants is easily done by simply maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly will make a significant impact in keeping your implants clean and free of plaque.

Why Is Daily Care Important For Dental Implants?

Although an implant is not a natural tooth, it still requires daily care in order to prevent problems that can lead to bone loss and even removal of the implant. Even though you cannot develop cavities or decay, dental implants that are not well maintained can cause bleeding known as mucositis, which if left un-treated can develop into a condition known as peri-implantitis or irreversible bone loss.

Daily Oral Hygiene Habits For Dental Implants

Dental implants require daily cleaning in order to keep in proper condition and maintain good oral health. Good daily care habits to consider include:

• Brushing at least twice a day with soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush
• Brushing after each meal
• Using a fluoride toothpaste
• Using a soft toothbrush or if possible a inter-dental toothbrush that is specially designed to better clean around dental implants, bridges or even braces
• Regular flossing
• Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse

You must maintain good daily oral care habits to prevent gum diseases or even dental implant failure. You may also avoid high amounts of sugar, starches or acids as these can be hard on teeth and lead to plaque buildup.

Keep Up Regular Dentist Visits

To most effectively care for your dental implants, Foutz Family Dentistry recommends consistent oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Even with implants, you should still make it a habit to see your dentist every 6 months for a professional exam and thorough cleaning. You will also need yearly x-rays to check that all aspects of your dental implants are functioning properly, have healed, and are staying in place. Regular dental exams and cleanings play a significant role in preventing dental problems and maintaining the overall health of your teeth and gums. During a dental checkup, the implants will be checked for looseness and gums will be evaluated.  

Henderson Dental Implants

At Foutz Family Dentistry in Henderson, we provide superior care for natural teeth and dental implants alike. TO schedule a regular exam and cleaning, call (702) 792-5929. Or call us today to learn more about dental implants and how they might benefit you.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Missing teeth cannot only result in a less attractive smile, it can also leave gums exposed making them more susceptible to infections and other complications while putting adjacent teeth at a higher risk of loss. This can lead to pain, discomfort and a lowered self-esteem.

Leaving missing teeth untreated can cause surrounding teeth to drift from their natural positions further affecting the way you speak or chew your food among other dental problems. Although dental implants have become one of the most popular procedures for addressing and resolving missing teeth, not all people qualify for this procedure, but can find a solution with a dental bridge.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz of Foutz Family Dentistry has extensive experience in fixed bridge procedures that can effectively fill the gap where one or more teeth may have been.

Dental Implant Versus Bridgework

A dental implant requires the placement of an artificial “root” into the jawbone and attaching a crown to it. This artificial root or post is made of titanium and is implanted into the jawbone through a small surgical procedure. The post is then left to fuse naturally with the bone for a period of 3 to 6 months. Following successful fusion, an abutment is placed on the post and finally, the dental crown is screwed on top of the post.

Bridgework, in contrast, involves installing a bridge between two natural teeth on either side of the gap caused by the missing teeth. The crucial differentiating point is that although the gap is closed, there is no fixture of the artificial tooth to the jawbone as is the case with an implant. A bridge can also help to support surrounding teeth.

Pros And Cons

A dental implant procedure is an effective long-term solution for missing or eroded teeth. However, the process itself can be long and tedious, and there is a risk of patients developing infection in the implanted area, which can delay the healing process. Qualifying for dental implants can also be difficult, as they require significant bone volume in the jaw in order to properly support the implant.

Dental bridges can provide a quicker, yet still effective solution for missing teeth. Bridgework is safe, relatively painless, and is much more simple to execute. Dental implants require at a minimum 4 appointments, likely more, over the span of several months, yet bridgework can typically be completed in just two office visits.

Although dental implants will provide a longer lasting solution than a dental bridge, they are significantly more expensive and have greater requirements in order to qualify for the procedure.

Reasons To Consider A Henderson Fixed Dental Bridge

Bridgework provides a more affordable and still effective solution for replacing missing teeth. With a fixed bridge, patients can complete their smile, improve bite, and protect the jaw joint. A bridge offers a natural looking and durable means for fill the gap left by lost teeth.

During a fixed bridge procedure with Dr. Foutz utilizes a high degree of precision and dexterity along with technology in order to properly fit dental bridges that will provide support and prevent decay while improving the appearance of a smile. For more information or to schedule a free consultation for Henderson bridgework, contact Foutz Family Dentistry today at (702) 792-5929.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

If you have missing teeth, you have likely been looking for ways to resolve the issue. Not having a full set of teeth is not only physically discomforting, but can also be emotionally stressful affecting self-image and esteem. An effective way to solve this problem is to replace your missing teeth high quality dental implants.

Dental implants look and function like natural teeth and provide an advantageous solution to dentures or bridges. An implant is a custom made crown that is attached to a metal anchor through a mounting post. The porous metal anchor is first placed into the jawbone and then the patient must then wait for the bone to grow around it and lock it into place. After the anchor has fully integrated into the jawbone, the mounting post is secured into it and the crown is then attached. Below are five ways in which dental implants can improve your quality of life.

Eat Well

The greatest benefit of dental implants is the ability to eat well without limiting the foods you are able to chew. When teeth are missing, a person is not be able to chew food properly and sometimes is not able to fully enjoy its taste. Instead, they are forced to make do with uncomfortable chewing. This discomfort can be completely avoided using dental implants.

Improve Face Structure

People with missing teeth often have a slight disfigurement in their facial structure, specifically in the jawline, potentially causing the face to look disproportionate. With dental implants, patients find a restored jawline and improved appearance.

Boost Self Confidence

Missing teeth in addition to a disfigured jawline can significantly affect the confidence of many people. Unfortunately, bullying and teasing are often directed at those who look different in any way, wearing away at a person’s self esteem and preventing them from living life to their fullest potential. By investing in dental implants, appearance is improved boosting self-confidence, self-image and giving many patients a new lease on life.

Prevent Mouth Diseases

People with missing teeth are more at risk of contracting diseases of the mouth such as periodontal disease. Such diseases can affect the gums, sides of the mouth, stability of the teeth, and so on. All such troubles can be better avoided through dental implants.

Zero Adhesives

Unlike wearing dentures, which require the use of adhesives to hold it in place, dental implants need no such things. Dental implants are tightly attached without the use of any uncomfortable adhesive substance. What’s more, caring for implants is as simple as caring for one’s natural teeth with normal brushing and flossing. 

Henderson Dental Implants

At Foutz Family Dentistry, we provide the highest quality dental implants that offer a number aesthetic, medical, and emotional benefits. Through innovative techniques and superior materials, Dr. Barton Foutz provides patients with an incredible way to replace missing teeth and provide dental solutions that will last for decades. Call our office today at (702) 792-5929 for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Small diameter implants (SDI) have benefited a large community of patients who were once limited in treatment options. For many patients with loose dentures and missing teeth, conventional implant therapy does not work, however small diameter implants provide an effective alternative.

How Are SDI’s Different?

Small diameter implants are the same as conventional-sized implants, simply smaller in diameter. According to FDA standards, any implant above 3.0-mm in diameter is deemed as a conventional implant, while those in a diameter range of 1.8-2.9 mm are deemed to be small-diameter implants. Just like conventional implants, SDIs are made of titanium alloy with precise thread patterns implemented on them and a unique surface treatment designed to facilitate osseointegration. Small diameter implants can be implanted through a minimally invasive procedure and offer the virtually the same effective performance as conventional implants.

Who Does It Benefit?

Studies have shown SDIs to have long-term success for various patients with unique situations that do not allow them to qualify for conventional implants. Typical patients who qualify for small diameter implants are those:

• Without adequate bone quantity or quality for implementing a conventional-sized implant
• Of older age who are not able to sustain extensive procedures
• Without adequate bone, but do not want to undergo bone grafting
• With a limited budget
• Who desire a more minimally invasive procedure

Small diameter implants are a more effective alternative for many patients. There is also comparatively a much quicker healing period and lesser post-procedure pain. SDIs are generally implanted without having to raise a soft-tissue flap making it easier for patients cannot undergo invasive procedures. The procedure for small diameter implants is quicker and require less appointments.

In addition, small diameter implants cost nearly half the amount of their conventional counterparts, making it a more accessible procedure for a vast number of patients.

Henderson Small Diameter Implants

Foutz Family Dentistry offers superior small diameter implants services for patients seeking to restore their smile, but do not qualify for conventional implants. For more information or to schedule a consultation contact Foutz Family Dentistry today at 702-792-5929.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929