Implants

What are dental implants and what is dental implant surgery? Dental implants are restorative measures that periodontists utilize in order to help an individual improve the appearance of one’s smile. What is a periodontist? A periodontist is an individual that has been trained, educated, and certified in the treatment of the gums, gum disease, and periodontal disease. Basically, dental implants are part of a medical science understood as Implantology.

Dental implants are replacements for natural tooth roots; a dental implant is solidly attached into the jawbone. Later, a general dentist will put a crown over the implanted artificial root, and the dental implant will then look exactly like your natural tooth. Dental implants are frequently used as anchors for partial as well as full dental appliances and dentures. To insert a dental implant, one will have to undergo dental implant surgery. Dental implants are made of highly pure titanium which offers the patient no allergic reaction or health hazards. Titanium is considered a biologically friendly material.

What is a Dental Implant?

When is Dental Implant Surgery or Dental Implants Needed?

Dental implants are one of many methods of tooth replacement. Patients have the option of selecting from other dental appliances like bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures. Once a patient is evaluated, a general dentist can discuss a patient’s options to determine if dental implant surgery and dental implants are appropriate for the patient.

Dental Implant Advantages

There are a myriad of advantages that a patient derives from choosing to have dental implant surgery. Below is a list of some of the many benefits associated with dental implants:

• If a patient is looking for the most natural appearance possible, dental implant surgery and the insertion of dental implants looks incredibly natural. Dental implants also work and feel like natural teeth, so the patient will gain a confident smile.
• Dental implants are incredibly stable and are excellent for speaking, eating, and smiling.
• When dental implant surgery is performed, a patient can avoid other procedures like having to cut down existing healthy teeth for a bridge.
• Dental implants can help completely eliminate issues with pain that may be derived from improperly fitting dentures and appliances.
• Dental implants are one option of tooth replacement that actually helps to preserve the patient’sjawbone health.
• Dental implants can help maintain the natural shape of a patient’s face. Facial features are either restored or remain unaltered after successful dental implant surgery.
• Dental implants can make an individual look and feel more attractive. This is a great confidence booster.
• Dental implants do not have the negatives associated with other dental appliances; one is confident when speaking and experiences speech improvement after dental implant surgery. There is no fear that dentures will move around, loosen, or fall out.
• Dental implants feel like natural teeth. This means maximized comfort for the patient.
• Chewing becomes more natural with dental implants, particularly when compared to other appliances.

Fixed Restoration is Better ? But Why?

Removable appliances, while certainly tools which can improve one’s overall oral health, have a number of issues associated with their use. In contrast, dental implant surgery allows a periodontist to ready a patient for natural looking and feeling teeth. Dental implants are stable and non-moving. As fixed methods of restoration, a patient draws more confidence, as well as a number of other benefits from dental implants. Below are some of the issues that arise with the use of removable appliances, so that you can review such issues in order to completely understand the true benefits derived from having dental implant surgery.

• Removable appliances like dentures can slip, can irritate the gums and mouth, and can be painful. This problem is completely eliminated with dental implants.
• Removable dental appliances have to be removed and cleaned daily. After successful dental implant surgery, this is not required.
• Having to remove dental appliances can be embarrassing. The real joy behind implant dentistry treatments is that you never have to be seen without your teeth.
• The adhesives used with dentures are often not pleasurable to use. With dental implants the need for such adhesives is eliminated.

Implant Dentistry and Success Rates

Implant dentistry methods are tremendously successful. In fact, the current success rate of Osseointegrated Dental Implants falls right around 94 to 98 percent. With excellent oral hygiene habits and patients that are non-smokers, the success of dental implant surgery is even higher: nearing 100 percent of all dental surgeries conducted.

Dental Implant Longevity

Dental implants are amazingly durable. Titanium is an incredibly durable material and every dental implant is inserted directly into a patient’s jawbone. If the patient maintains excellent hygiene and continues to get regular checkups and cleanings, dental implants have the potential to last throughout a patient’s natural lifetime.

Dental Implant Placement

A patient must be completely evaluated by a periodontist before dental implant surgery can be considered. Not every individual is a good candidate for dental implants and a patient must be assessed to determine if dental implants are appropriate restorative measures. Once a patient has been approved for dental implant surgery, a plan will be implemented by the patient’s general dentist and periodontist. Dental implants can be put into place during a routine office visit, and a patient will get dental implant surgery performed under local anesthetic.

For a more comprehensive understanding of dental implants and dental implant surgery procedures, view the following videos.

Dental Implant Intro Video

Implant Placement Video

Treatment Options		Consequences of Non-Treatment
Single Tooth Missing
Several Teeth Missing
All Teeth Missing

Choosing Dental Implants

There are different types of dental implants used by periodontists during dental implant surgery. Here at D & D Periodontal Associates, P.C., we rely on and mainly use 3i, Nobel Biocare, Straumann, and Lifecore dental implants, among other dental implants because they are tremendously successful implant systems. We offer our patients the very best dental implants available on today’s market. If you have a general dentist, your dentist will discuss with you your dental implant options and what dental implant systems he or she prefers. We work in unison with your general dentist so that your treatment is comprehensive and successful.

To read information about 3i, Nobel Biocare, Straumann, and Lifecore information, visit the following links below.

3i

Nobel Biocare

Dental Implant Costs

Many people ask the question; is dental implant surgery expensive? Are dental implants expensive? In truth, dental implants are a bit more expensive than conventional dentures. The primary reason for the increased expense is the longevity and durability associated with dental implants. Dental implants last far longer than dentures and other removable appliances.

How Predictable is the Dental Implant Surgery and Dental Implant Procedure?

As mentioned previously, the success rate associated with dental implant surgery falls anywhere from 94 to 98 percent. When a patient is a non-smoker, they are healthy, and they take measures to maintain good oral health, the success rate associated with dental implant surgery is even higher.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

You may be wondering, “Am I a candidate for dental implant surgery and dental implants?". You will need to undergo an evaluation by your general dentist to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implant surgery. If he or she determines that dental implants are right for you, your dentists will then send you to us for a placement evaluation. Or you can come directly to us for an evaluation and we will keep your dentist informed, as necessary. Again, at D & D Periodontal Associates, P.C., in Midtown Manhattan, NY, we work with your dentist to ensure that you get the appropriate treatment and care. We offer our services to individuals in Midtown, NYC, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Outer Boroughs. Contact our office for more information.

For further information on dental implants, contact us, or visit:

3i

Nobel Biocare