If you are missing one or more teeth, you are probably considering getting them replaced. Dental implants have become a popular option for teeth replacement. Although there are many benefits of this option, it is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Along with meeting the requirements of what it takes to be a good candidate, you should understand what the procedure involves, as it is a long process.
Many people choose implants because of their many benefits. These include:
One thing to be aware of when considering implants is that it is not a quick process. There are numerous steps, and many of them require healing time before the next one can occur. Depending on if additional steps are needed and each individual's healing time, the entire process can range from seven months to longer than a year.
The first step is to have a consultation with the dentist to see if you are a candidate for dental implants. The dentist will conduct an exam, including X-rays, to make sure there are no underlying dental issues and that there is adequate jawbone to hold the implants.
Other characteristics of a good candidate include having good oral hygiene habits and being a non-smoker, over the age of 18, and free from illnesses or conditions that interfere with healing or blood clotting. A good candidate should also be patient and understand that the new teeth will not appear in just one or two visits.
This is an additional step that not all patients will need. Extraction is called for if you had a decayed tooth that you are going to replace with an implant. The tooth would need to be taken out first, and then the area would need to heal before the implant process could begin.
This is another step that applies to a smaller percentage of patients. Although good jawbone mass is a characteristic of a good candidate, a bone graft may be a possibility for those with insufficient bone density. During the graft procedure, the dentist uses synthetic material or a bone from another place in the body and adds it to your existing jaw. This must heal before implants can be placed, and this can take at least four months.
The first official step of the implant process is to insert the dental implants, which are titanium rods, into the jawbone. These will provide a stable foundation and serve as the roots of the artificial teeth. The dentist cuts through the gums and then screws in the rods. After this step, time is needed for the gums to heal and for the implants to become part of the bone. Healing time can range from four to seven months.
Next, the dentist places a healing cap flush with the gums. This is placed right at the end of each implant, and it helps prepare the gum tissue for the next steps. This area needs to heal for up to two weeks before the next step.
This consists of attaching a metal connector, known as an abutment, to the dental implants. The gums are cut open to reveal the implants, and an abutment is attached to each one, replacing the healing cap. Because the abutment rises up above the gumline and is visible when the mouth is open, the dentist will usually place a temporary crown to cover it up. The gums then need to heal, which can take up to six weeks.
During the healing time, the permanent crowns, which will be the artificial teeth, will be made in a lab. These are based on a mold of your mouth and teeth, and they match the color and shade of your natural teeth. It takes about two to three weeks for the crowns to be made.
Once the gums are healed and the permanent crowns are ready, the artificial teeth are attached to the dental implants. The dentist will either use cement to hold a crown in place or screw it onto the abutment.
If you need to replace missing teeth, dental implants may be the right choice. Discuss the pros and cons with your dentist and see if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Request an appointment here: https://jacksonheightdental.com or call 82nd St. Dental at (718) 709-3883 for an appointment in our Jackson Heights office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Jackson Heights, NY.
A dental implant is the gold standard of dental restorations. It provides stability and natural-looking results. Understanding the benefits of implants can motivate you to see your general dentist about it. Here are the different oral health advantages of a dental implant.The titanium rod acts as the dental root. It merges with the jawbone and…
The introduction of dental implants has provided a solution to tooth replacement that goes beyond mere function to address the core of personal well-being. Loss of teeth has an impact on a lot more than just dental health — it impacts chewing, talking ability, and confidence. This is where dental implants come into play as…
Dental implants can prevent problems resulting from tooth loss. Some people need these restorations because they do not want to use unstable, removable tooth replacements. Others want to have a natural look. Finding out your eligibility for this treatment is crucial in achieving your dental health goals. If you want to know if you are…
Choosing to have dental implants means getting function and form in one restoration. These restorations can blend well with your neighboring teeth. The proper attachment will make others unaware of the procedure you had. If you want to know how dental implants blend well with your natural teeth, here are the details.The natural look of…
Many people undergo teeth whitening procedures to make their smile look healthier and to increase their self-esteem. Although this procedure is largely painless unless you have very sensitive teeth, it is common to question the safety of products used to whiten your teeth. The safety of whitening procedures depends on many factors. Here are some common…
If you are like many people, your smile is one of your most treasured assets. That is why a partial denture for one missing tooth can be a solid solution for this particular dental concern. A missing tooth can happen for many reasons and is likely to affect you at some point in your life.…
Full mouth exam and X-rays
Zoom® whitening
Invisalign®
Implant *bone graft and crown extra