Dental implants are a long-term solution to missing teeth.
Missing teeth can often distract from an otherwise beautiful smile, and gaps in the mouth can actually have a serious impact on oral function and health. If you are missing one or more teeth, there are a number of benefits to resolving the issue.
One of the most effective treatments currently available is dental implant surgery — dental implants are considered a permanent solution to missing teeth and can go a long way in improving both the form and function of one’s smile. Read on to find out what the process involves, and why it’s worth considering…
What does the process involve?
Dental implant treatment is carried out over the course of a few months. The first step is the surgical placement of a titanium implant directly into the jawbone. Over the course of a few months, the implant will integrate with the bone in a process known as osseointegration.
Once the implant has fused with the bone and the site of surgery has healed, posts are attached to the implants. These posts provide a base for the prosthetic teeth. Artificial teeth or bridges are then attached to the implants to achieve a natural-looking and functional result.
How successful are implants?
Dental implants generally have a very high success rate. The success of your treatment will depend on a number of factors, including your oral hygiene, overall health, age and lifestyle habits. We highly recommend that you don’t smoke after having an implant placed as this can increase the risk of implant failure considerably.
Chat to your dentist before you go ahead with treatment to ensure that you are a suitable candidate, and to learn what you need to know about taking care of your implant.
How do you care for an implant?
One of the best things you can do to enjoy a successful treatment is to commit to a stringent oral hygiene routine. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and taking time to floss every day. It is also advisable to see your dentist for regular dental check-ups so that any potential issues can be identified and resolved as soon as possible.
Try to stick to a balanced diet, and avoid foods and drinks that tend to contribute to tooth decay. If you grind your teeth at night, it is important that you discuss the issue with your dentist so that a solution can be found — grinding can cause unnecessary pressure and friction that can damage your implants in the long term.
Why consider dental implants?
There are a number of benefits to replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant. Dental implants can enhance the aesthetics of one’s smile, and can also improve oral functions like eating and speaking. Replacing missing teeth also helps to prevent further bone loss in the jaw and can support the facial structure to prevent sagging and changes to the shape of the face. Because dental implants are actually anchored into the jaw bone, they replace the root of the tooth and restore full bite force.
How can we help?
At Elite Dental of Staten Island, we offer dental implants for patients who would like to replace missing teeth and improve their oral function. If you are interested in the treatment, we encourage you to come in and see us for a consultation so that we can discuss the process in detail with you. We will assess your oral and overall health before confirming whether or not the procedure is right for you.
If you would like to find out more about dental implant surgery, what it involves, and the benefits of the treatment, please have a look here.
To arrange a consultation, please get in touch with us here or give us a call on (717) 563 6985. We look forward to welcoming you to our comfortable and modern practice in Staten Island.