Overview
To replace a missing tooth or teeth with a long-lasting restoration, our dental specialists at SmilesNY Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry are proud to offer dental implants for their patients in New York, NY. Dental implants are metal posts surgically placed in your gums and jawbone to act like the root of the tooth. One or more posts can be attached to a crown, bridge, or denture for a beautiful restoration that can be cleaned like natural teeth. At our practice, we utilize dental implants as a part of restorative, cosmetic, and periodontal dental treatments. Schedule a consultation to get more information on dental implants at SmilesNY. Dental implants may help if you don't want to deal with loose crowns or removable dentures. Talk to one of our dental professionals about what your smile goals and decide if implant dentistry is a good choice for you.
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Best Candidates for Dental Implants
You may prefer implant dentistry if you have a removable or cemented dental restoration, but don't like the look, fit, or if there's extra care needed. Dental implants can be treated just like your normal teeth with regular brushing and flossing. At your dental implant consultation, your SmilesNY dentist will assess the health of your gums and jawbone to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. If needed, a gum or bone graft may be completed before the implant is placed to strengthen your mouth. Dental implants may not be appropriate if you are pregnant, use tobacco products, or are being treated for another issue such as periodontal disease.
Missing All Your Teeth?
If you're missing all your teeth, traditionally, you'd just have a set of full upper and lower dentures made. But with traditional dentures, you have the drawbacks of them being ill-fitting and painful, slipping, falling out, and limiting the types of food you can easily eat. With implant-retained dentures, you'll have a full set of natural-looking prosthetic teeth permanently affixed in your mouth. This means a more comfortable fit, better durability, no slips, no falling out, and being able to eat the types of food you love.
Missing Multiple Teeth?
If you are missing several teeth in a row, we can place dental implants to which a string of crowns will attach, forming a durable dental bridge. An implant-retained bridge isn't just stronger and more secure than a traditional bridge; it better matches your natural teeth on either side for a more seamless look.
Missing One Tooth?
Even if you're only missing one tooth, a single post and natural-looking crown can be placed, which will be virtually identical to the real teeth around it.
What To Expect
Before the dental implant is placed, you may need to have damaged teeth extracted, as well as gum and bone grafts. When your mouth is ready for dental implant surgery, the treatment area will be numbed with a local anesthesia. Other anesthesia or sedation can be used to relax you during the treatment. Your dental surgeon will start by making a surgical incision in your gums so the post can be placed in your jawbone. The incision will be stitched closed with some of the dental implant visible above the gumline. This process will continue if more than one post is needed. As the implant integrates with the gums and jawbone over the following months, a temporary crown or cover will be placed over the implants. Once your dental surgeon decides that the dental implant is strong enough, the permanent restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) will be attached to the post and adjusted for a comfortable fit.
Recovery
There may be some temporary swelling of your gums and face, as well as bruising, discomfort, and some minor bleeding following your dental implant surgery. Your dentist will talk to you about what's to be expected and when to contact our office. They may also give you a prescription for pain medication and antibiotics. After your implants have healed and your restoration has been attached, you should develop a good home oral care routine like daily brushing and flossing. You should schedule annual exams and bi-annual cleanings at SmilesNY so that we can evaluate the health of your mouth and implants. Your dentists will also talk to you if your implants or restorations need to be adjusted, repaired, or replaced.
Insurance Coverage
Depending on your dental insurance and personal coverage, part of the cost of your implants and restoration may be covered. Our office will contact your dental insurance company to determine your coverage and calculate your personal cost. At your initial consultation, a member of our financial team may help estimate your costs and discuss payment methods we accept, including medical financing.
Dental Implants
Implants with custom restorations can be a good choice if you are looking for a natural-looking replacement for a missing tooth that's easy to care for and lasts for many years. Our dentists at SmilesNY can explain the steps needed including surgery for implant placement and your restoration options. If you would like to learn more about implants, make a consultation at SmilesNY in New York, NY.