Dental Implants
Dentist Syracuse, NY
Dental implants have been the solution for millions worldwide when looking for effective ways to restore dental health and reclaim overall oral function. These remarkable fixtures have revolutionized dentistry, offering a permanent solution to tooth loss that goes beyond aesthetics. If you have missing teeth, Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS can assess and determine effective solutions that address your oral health needs. If you want a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, consult your dentist to determine whether dental implants are viable.
What Are Dental Implants?
As mentioned, dental implants are innovative solutions to tooth/teeth replacement. These sophisticated dental appliances replace missing teeth and restore oral function and aesthetics. Dental implants have three main components: the implant fixture, abutment, and prosthetic crown. Dental implants offer many advantages over traditional tooth replacement options, such as bridges or dentures if you have one or several missing teeth.
The main reasons to consider dental implants are to enhance stability and durability, preserve jawbone integrity, mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, and promote better oral health. Dental practitioners recommend this innovative treatment for people who want to replace missing teeth and require a permanent solution to restore their smile and confidence.
What Is the Procedure for Dental Implants?
If your dentist recommends dental implants, here is what you need to know about the procedure. Dental implant placement involves several stages and may vary depending on your circumstances. During the initial visit, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including X-rays and impressions, to assess and determine if your jaw bone is suitable for implants. The next phase is surgery, where the implant is placed into the jawbone. This is an invasive procedure, and patients are usually under local anesthesia or sedation.
Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the bone through osseointegration. Once this fusion is complete, the abutment is attached to the implant, and impressions are taken to create a custom-made prosthetic crown. Last, the crown is fixed and secured to the abutment, restoring functionality and aesthetics. Dental professionals guide you throughout post-operative care and maintenance to ensure the success and longevity of your dental implants.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
The span of a dental implant procedure depends on the number of implants needed, overall patient oral health, and the need for additional procedures. A standard dental implant placement procedure can take several months to complete, from the initial consultation to the placement of the final prosthetic crown. However, the surgical placement of the implant usually takes one to two hours per implant.
After the surgery, there is downtime of three to six months to allow for osseointegration. As mentioned, dental specialists attach the abutment and take impressions to fabricate the prosthetic crown once the integration is successful. The crown placement usually requires one or two additional appointments lasting about an hour. While the implant placement procedure may span several months, the result is a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for tooth replacement.
What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
Dental implants are mainly made of biocompatible materials, with titanium being the most common. Biocompatible materials are suitable for implants because of their ability to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding bone tissue through osseointegration. Titanium implants provide a sturdy foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth and offer long-term durability. Dental experts may sometimes recommend alternative materials, such as zirconia, for patients with specific allergies or preferences. However, titanium remains the preferred choice for its proven track record of success and reliability in dental implant procedures.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
An ideal candidate to receive dental implants is a patient who has good dental health and good overall health too. Good dental health includes having sufficient jawbone and being free of any cavities or other oral health conditions like periodontal disease. A good candidate for dental implants will be an individual that is healthy, can undergo surgery, and does not have any pre-existing conditions that could slow or limit healing after dental implant surgery. Here are some common questions patients have about dental implants:
Can You Get Dental Implants After Bone Loss?
Yes, receiving dental implants after experiencing bone loss is possible, although additional procedures are crucial to ensure a successful attachment. When you have missing teeth for an extended period, the jawbone can deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. However, bone grafting or augmentation techniques can help rebuild or supplement the existing bone structure, providing adequate support for dental implants and the surrounding teeth.
What Is a Bone Graft for Dental Implants?
A bone graft for dental implants is a surgical procedure for supplementing or rebuilding the jawbone to provide adequate support for implant placement. When you lose teeth, the surrounding bone deteriorates with time. Bone grafting restores bone density by adding material to the affected area to stimulate new bone growth. The bone material used for grafting may be acquired from somewhere in the body, a donor, or synthetic materials. This restorative procedure is often performed as a preliminary step before implant surgery for patients with insufficient bone volume or density in the implant site.
Can You Get Dental Implants With Gum Disease?
While dental implants may be viable for individuals with gum disease, the severity of the condition and the extent of damage to the supporting tissues can compromise the effectiveness of treatment. Gum or periodontal disease can cause inflammation, infection, and deterioration of the gums and underlying bone structure if left untreated. Before dental implant surgery, consider a thorough evaluation and treatment by a periodontist or dental specialist. Successful implant placement requires addressing and stabilizing the gum disease through deep cleaning, antibiotic therapy, or gum surgery to repair and regenerate damaged tissues.
Dental implants are innovative solutions to tooth replacement, offering a permanent and reliable solution beyond mere aesthetics. Whether replacing a single tooth or an entire arch, the experts at Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS can recommend dental implants for exceptional stability, durability, and comfort. Schedule a consultation today at (315) 800-5020 and reclaim your smile and oral health.
More Frequently Asked Questions
For more information on dental implants, we have provided some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our patients here at Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS on this subject.
How Long Do Dental Implants last?
Dental implants can last a long time. Dental implant posts can last up to 25 years. The connector and the dental crown may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years, due to wear and tear over time. After they are replaced, your dental implant will be like new again!
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
The dental implant procedure is not painful, as you will be under anesthetic. You may feel some discomfort after the anesthetic wears off and during your recovery period. Swelling, bruising, and mouth pain are common, but can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. We will give you post-operative instructions for aiding in a successful healing period after your dental implant surgery.
What are the benefits of dental implants compared to other tooth replacement options?
Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option. They are surgically placed into your jawbone, where they will fuse with your jawbone and become one. This makes dental implants a secure and sturdy restoration. No worries of slipping or falling out of place. Dental implants are easy to maintain. Regular brushing and flossing is all that is required; no special products or adjustments are needed. Dental implants are the most like natural teeth, making eating, drinking, and talking, easy and natural once again.
Can smokers get dental implants?
We encourage patients to stop smoking before they receive dental implants. Smoking reduces blood flow to the body, and thus, slows the healing process after any surgery. This could lead to infection or even dental implant failure. Smoking is also known to cause decreased bone density, which could affect the bone mass in your jawbone. Therefore, patients who smoke are not ideal candidates for receiving dental implants. |
