Though dentures and bridges have long been used for tooth replacement, dental implants can provide an innovative alternative with many distinct advantages, says Dr. Joseph Willardsen, a cosmetic dentist in Las Vegas. Dr. Willardsen has focused his career on cosmetic and restorative dentistry and, with a history of working with high-profile clients ranging from professional athletes to beauty pageant winners, he aims to help all of his patients achieve a smile that makes them feel confident and camera-ready.

"There are few cosmetic concerns that upset our patients at True Dentistry more than a missing tooth," says Dr. Willardsen. He notes that patients who experience difficulty while chewing or speaking, are tired of the messy adhesives and extra maintenance of dentures and bridges, and desire a permanent solution to tooth loss often ask if dental implants are the best choice for them. Dr. Willardsen says dental implants offer many benefits over traditional alternatives - including results that often look and feel like natural teeth. He also reveals that metal-free dental implants can yield an even greater number of advantages, including a hypoallergenic ceramic root.

Patients who want to replace a missing tooth, dentures, or a dental bridge who have an adequate amount of jawbone density to accommodate an implant are often ideal candidates for the procedure. For patients who do not have adequate jawbone density, Dr. Willardsen says bone grafting may be effective in order to prepare the area for an implant. The dental implant procedure is typically performed in two stages. First, a titanium or metal-free post will be surgically implanted and serve as the new tooth's root. After the post has fused itself to the jawbone, a custom-designed ceramic crown is created and affixed to the top of the post. The crown is designed to provide the most accurate fit and the most natural appearance possible.

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