Are you missing one or more teeth? Would you like to replace the missing teeth with fixed teeth that look and function like your natural teeth? Voila - the implant!
Dental implants are very small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Over several months the titanium bonds with the bone, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Because the implants fuse to your jaw, the replacement teeth feel very natural and function just like your own teeth. Implants can also be used to attach full or partial dentures.
What is involved in placing implants? After a careful examination, diagnosis and treatment plan we will refer you to an implant specialist (either a periodontist or oral surgeon) who will surgically place the implant in the bone. This is a relatively quick, painless procedure. The surgeon will place a healing cap to protect the implant, over which we will place a temporary crown until the implant integrates to the bone - usually in three months time. After the healing period, we take an impression of the implant and the dental laboratory fabricates a custom abutment (which holds the implant to the crown) and a custom porcelain crown. We then seat the abutment into the implant and cement the crown onto the abutment.
Are you a candidate for implants? Because implants require surgery, the implant patient must be in good health. The patient needs to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant and be committed to meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits. We will do a thorough evaluation to help determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Implants are an investment, but they are an investment in your dental health. If you are missing teeth, the adjacent and opposing teeth will drift into the empty space and all of these teeth will be compromised. In the long run, this will be more costly to your pocketbook and health than the implant. Placement of a bridge to fill in the empty space is often as costly as an implant and doesn't feel as natural as the implant.
Call our Long Island Dental Office for a complementary consultation and we will be happy to discuss your options for replacing missing teeth.
