Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gums to provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth. They serve as artificial roots for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Dental implants are crucial because they offer a durable, long-term solution for tooth loss that restores function and aesthetics. Unlike removable dentures, implants are fixed in place, allowing for natural chewing and speaking. They also help preserve jawbone structure by stimulating bone growth, preventing further deterioration that often occurs with missing teeth. Overall, dental implants improve quality of life by restoring confidence in one's smile and ensuring optimal oral health.

Types of Dental Implants

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the most commonly used type of dental implants, consisting of titanium screws surgically inserted into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. These implants provide a stable foundation for various dental prosthetics, including crowns, bridges, and dentures, restoring both function and aesthetics to the smile. The benefits of endosteal implants:

• They integrate with the jawbone through osseointegration, creating a durable and stable base for replacement teeth.

• Endosteal implants can support single-tooth replacements, multiple teeth with bridges, or full arch restorations with dentures.

• Endosteal implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, making them a cost-effective long-term solution.

• They look and feel like natural teeth, providing comfort and confidence in chewing, speaking, and smiling.

• Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure over time.

Endosteal implants are considered highly successful in dental implantology. They are suitable for most patients with sufficient bone density and good oral health and offer a reliable solution for permanent tooth replacement.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are a type of dental implant used when there is insufficient bone height for traditional endosteal implants or when a patient cannot undergo bone grafting procedures. These implants consist of a metal frame placed beneath the gum tissue but above the jawbone, where it is secured with posts that protrude through the gums. The benefits of subperiosteal implants:

• They minimize the need for bone grafting by sitting on top of the jawbone rather than being inserted into it.

• Ideal for patients with shallow bone structure or those who cannot tolerate invasive surgical procedures.

• The metal frame provides a stable base for dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

• Depending on its design, implants can support single-tooth replacements, multiple teeth, or full arch restorations.

• Compared to bone grafting procedures, subperiosteal implants often involve a quicker recovery and healing.

Subperiosteal implants offer an alternative solution for tooth replacement when traditional implants are not feasible, providing stability, functionality, and aesthetic benefits similar to other implant options.

The Dental Implants Procedure

Initial Consultation and Treatment Planning

• Our dentist will conduct a comprehensive oral examination, which may include X-rays or CT scans to assess the condition of your jawbone and surrounding teeth.

• Our dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the examination results and your dental history. This plan will outline the number of implants needed, the type of implants, and the anticipated timeline for the procedure.

Surgical Placement of Dental Implants

• Before the surgery, local anesthesia or sedation may be administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

• Using precise surgical techniques, our dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. A hole is then drilled into the bone, and the titanium implant fixture is carefully placed into this hole.

• In some cases, a healing cap or cover screw may be placed over the implant to protect it and allow the surrounding gum tissue to heal correctly.

• The gum tissue is then stitched back into place, and the surgical site can heal. The healing process can take several months as the implant fuses with the jawbone through osseointegration.

Healing and Osseointegration

• Over the next few months, the implant integrates with the jawbone. During this period, the bone cells grow and adhere to the implant's titanium surface, providing a stable foundation for the prosthetic tooth.

• Sometimes, a temporary prosthetic tooth may be placed during the healing phase to restore aesthetics and function temporarily.

Abutment Placement

• Once osseointegration is complete and the implant is securely fused with the jawbone, a minor surgical procedure may expose the top of the implant.

• An abutment (a small connector piece) is attached to the implant. The abutment serves as the foundation for the final prosthetic tooth or crown.

Prosthetic Tooth Placement

• Our dentist will take impressions of your teeth and gums to create a custom-made prosthetic tooth or crown that matches the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth.

• The prosthetic tooth or crown is then securely attached to the abutment. Our dentist will ensure the fit is comfortable and your bite is natural and functional.

Follow-Up Care and Maintenance

• After the procedure, our dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and check the stability and function of the implant.

• Proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, is essential to maintaining the health of implants and surrounding teeth.

• With good oral care habits and regular dental visits, dental implants can last many years and even a lifetime, providing a durable and natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth.

Dental implants offer a versatile solution for individuals of all ages who wish to restore their smile and improve oral function. Visit Dental Specialists of New York PC at 150 East 58th Street, New York, NY 10155, 110 York Street Brooklyn, NY 11201, or 476 48th Street, 3rd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11220, to schedule a consultation and learn more about the benefits of dental implants for your dental health and well-being. You can schedule an appointment online or call us at (212) 661-2192.