A Forest Hills Dentist Explains How Dental Implants Work

If you are interested in receiving dental implants to replace missing teeth, an implant dentist in Forest Hills can help you better understand the procedure that will take place to make this happen. Receiving dental implants is an exciting time and will provide you with attractive, hard-working teeth for years to come, but you should also be prepared to undergo the necessary procedure. We can help you learn what to expect during this process.

Consultation with an Implant Dentist

Before your procedure is solidified, you will need to meet with an implant dentist in Forest Hills so we can ensure dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you. There are many factors we will consider such as general bone and soft tissue health, whether or not you have recently had periodontal disease (gum disease), and if your remaining jawbone is strong enough to support the implant. If you have a healthy mouth, you will most likely qualify for dental implants.

Dental implants are different from dentures and dental bridges, but they can be used as a base structure for dentures and bridges when necessary. Dental implants are typically stronger, longer-lasting, and more realistic in appearance than other tooth replacement choices. In some cases, they are also more costly, but the price is affordable when you consider an implant is as strong or stronger than your natural teeth, and the implant post itself should never need to be replaced.

How Dental Implants are Placed by an Implant Dentist

A dental implant is a post made up of titanium, a metal that is biocompatible and will eventually fuse with your jawbone. The post is basically a tooth root replacement, and it is surgically implanted into your jawbone. After implantation, it will take a few weeks to months for the implant post to osseointegrate with your bone. Once the fusion is complete, it will form the strongest replacement option for a missing tooth. Once the implant is stable, an abutment will be placed on the long-lasting implant. An artificial tooth will be screwed onto or bonded to this abutment. The artificial replacement tooth can be an individual prosthetic in the form of a custom-created crown top, a dental bridge, or even partial dentures. One implant can support a larger structure, making it an optimal option for one who is missing several teeth.

After Dental Implant Placement

Once an implant dentist finishes placing your dental implants, you will get to use your implants just like natural teeth. They should also be cared for like you would care for your real teeth. The stable implants allow you to chew the foods you couldn't while missing teeth, and they give you the ability to smile with confidence again. Dental implants will also prevent your face from looking sunken in and older because implants help maintain the natural, firm shape of your face.

To learn more about how dental implants are placed and how they can benefit your life, visit our Forest Hills office to speak with an implant dentist about receiving your very own dental implants.