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Dental Implants
Serving New York City & Manhattan, New York
Nearly 50 million Americans are missing one or more teeth because of injury, periodontal disease, or tooth decay. A couple of things these people can get are dentures or a bridge to cover the gap. However, one thing these people, and maybe even you, should consider is a dental implant. A dental implant not only plugs the gap in your teeth, but also replaces the missing root. Bridges and dentures simply mask the missing tooth, but do nothing for the missing root.
By anchoring the replacement tooth with an artificial root, you are avoiding other problems that can occur by leaving the gap in your jawbone. Over time, nearby teeth will shift position to fill the gap and the jawbone will begin to shrink toward the missing root hole. Both of these negative consequences can make you appear much older than you are. This can affect your self-confidence, the way you speak, keep you from eating certain foods, or simply keep you from smiling.
What Implants Can Do
- Make a denture more secure and comfortable by providing support
- Eliminate the need for a removable partial denture and support a bridge
- Replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth
Types of Implants
- Endosteal - This is the most commonly used type of implant. These are surgically placed in the jawbone through screws, cylinders, or blades. The implant holds one or more prosthetic teeth, and is generally used as an alternative for patients who have removable dentures or bridges
- Subperiosteal - These are placed on top of the jaw with the metal posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthetic tooth. If you are unable to wear conventional dentures or have minimal jawbone height, this the best type of implant to use
The Procedure Dental Implants
- The implant is placed in the jawbone. Several months must pass before the next step to allow bone tissue to grow around the implant, and incorporate it into the jawbone. This creates the strength needed as the implant becomes your new tooth root.
- A small piece called an abutment is added to the top of the implant. It is placed partially above as well as below the gum tissue. The gums need to heal around the abutment before the next step. This should only take a couple of weeks.
- A prosthetic tooth made of porcelain is attached to the abutment. It will match the shade of your other teeth and look as natural as possible.
The end result is a tooth and root that looks and feels like you have never lost one in the first place. Dental implants are quickly becoming the cosmetic dentist's answer to tooth replacement for many of the reasons listed here. If you have generally good oral health, you may be a candidate for dental implants.
If you would like to learn more about how dental implants are a stronger and more aesthetically pleasing answer to close missing tooth gaps in your smile, and you are in the New York City or Manhattan, New York area, please contact Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Iott. He will be happy to answer any dental implant questions you may have regarding this or other aesthetic dental procedures.
Please visit our Before & After Porcelain Veneers Patient Photos Gallery page.
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