Dental Implants in Madison Dentistry
A missing tooth not only drastically changes one’s appearance; but chewing, speaking, and brushing can become more difficult. Missing teeth can affect overall oral health and hygiene; for example, the gap can cause the remaining teeth to shift around creating more spacial issues, or even the jawbone to begin deteriorating. It creates a pocket where bacteria can build up leading to periodontal disease. Luckily, our dentists at Madison Dentistry in New York City have many years of experience treating patients with missing teeth. In these cases, they usually recommend implant dentistry to their patients in Manhattan and the New York City area. Learn more about dental implants, and contact our practice for an appointment with our cosmetic dentists.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post which is surgically attached to the patient’s jawbone, and serves as an artificial tooth root. The post is topped with a natural-looking tooth restoration, such as a crown or bridge. Dental implants are a proven solution for people in good overall oral and systemic health who have lost one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, trauma or injury, or any other reason. Dental Implants are one of the most predictable and conservative ways of replacing missing teeth with the best long term success.
Our patients choose dental implants because they provide stability and security that traditional dentures and other alternatives do not.
Placing Dental Implants
There are three steps involved in placing a dental implant. First, the titanium implant is placed in the jawbone during a surgical procedure. Then, during a two to six month period of time called osseointegration, the bone grows around the implant and the gums heal around the post. After the gums have healed, a replacement tooth is attached to the top of the post. Once it is placed, the dental implant looks and functions the same as a natural tooth.
The implants are placed under the skin and into the bone at the first surgical appointment. Local anesthetics with or with out oral sedation is suggested during the surgical procedure. The dental implants are allowed to heal for a period of two (2) to six (6) months. After this healing time the implants are exposed at a brief second surgical appointment prior to placing a post inside. The post becomes the extension to which a crown is attached. The total process tends to take a period of four (4) to seven (7) months.
Dental implants utilize small anchors made of a biocompatible metal called titanium, which are placed in the jawbone. Titanium does not decay and does not need root canal therapy. The anchors become securely embedded in the jaw as the bone grows around them over the first few months. Abutment posts are inserted into the anchors and carefully crafted replacement teeth are permanently attached to the posts, providing the recipient with natural looking and feeling teeth.
The Benefits of Implant Dentistry at Madison Dentistry
A dental implant offers a permanent solution for a missing tooth. The artificial tooth root is implanted in the jawbone to replace the missing tooth and prevent bone loss and gum recession. A dental implant can also keep the remaining teeth from shifting to fill in the gap left by the missing tooth. Dental implants are made of titanium, so they won’t decay or move around in the mouth. They allow patients to chew, speak, and smile comfortably, and are easy to keep clean. The crown that tops the implant is selected to blend in naturally with the remaining teeth so that it is virtually undetectable.
Contact Our Implant Dentistry Practice for Dental Implants
If you’d like to learn more about implant dentistry, contact Madison Dentistry located in Manhttan, New York, for an appointment. Dental implants are an excellent replacement for missing teeth; our dentists can determine whether you’re a suitable candidate.