If you have missing teeth, it is imperative to find a replacement option. Otherwise, you can develop significant dental issues, such as further tooth loss or bone deterioration. At Crestwood Dental, Dr. Gorsky can work with you to replace your missing teeth with dental implants in Tuckahoe, NY. Dental implants are considered the “gold standard” of tooth replacement and offer several key benefits to restore your oral health and lifestyle. Dr. Gorsky also provides additional restorative dental treatments to patients.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a highly advanced dental technology that will replace missing or damaged teeth. The key component of this tooth replacement solution is the implant post. They are small, titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone. Titanium implant posts act as artificial tooth roots and support a dental restoration.
Patients can have one or more posts placed in their jaws to support a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture. Dentists use a dental crown to replace one tooth, while a bridge or denture is required for multiple missing teeth.
Implants provide the most naturally functioning results of all tooth replacement treatment options. Their durability and functionality closely mimic those of natural teeth to improve the quality of life for individuals who opt for this treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Replacing teeth with implants can improve your oral health and quality of life. Here’s how:
Supports Your Jawbone
When you lose a tooth, the bone in that area can begin to shrink, which may change the shape of your jaw over time. If several teeth are lost, this can make your jawline look different. Dental implants replace the tooth roots, which helps keep the bone in place and stable. This helps maintain the natural shape of your jaw and bite.
A Permanent Solution
Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures, implants stay in place and will not move around. Removable dentures often cause gum irritation because they can slip. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. They offer a permanent and secure fix for missing teeth.
Restores Normal Chewing
Dental implants function just like your natural teeth. This means you can chew your food comfortably, enjoying a wider variety of foods. Because dental implants are firmly fixed into the jaw, they provide better biting strength than dentures. You won’t need to limit your diet or avoid certain foods.
Improves Speech
With traditional dentures, you may experience slipping or shifting, which can make it difficult to speak clearly. Dental implants, however, stay securely in place. This means you can speak naturally and confidently without worrying about slurred speech or awkward adjustments.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth, but not everyone is a suitable candidate for this treatment. Your dentist will carefully evaluate several factors to determine if dental implants are right for you.
Healthy Jaw Bone
Because we place implants directly into your jawbone, you need to have enough healthy bone to support them. If your jawbone has weakened due to missing teeth, bone loss, or other factors, we may recommend bone grafting. This procedure provides healthy bone tissue where it’s needed.
Good Physical Health
Some health conditions can also affect your candidacy. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, a compromised immune system, or chronic conditions that slow healing, it may impact treatment. Also, lifestyle habits like smoking can increase the risk of implant failure. Smoking can interfere with healing and reduce the long-term stability of your restoration. We will ask you to stop using tobacco products during treatment.
Healthy Teeth and Gums
Good oral hygiene is another key factor. Dental implants require a clean and healthy mouth for long-term success. If you have untreated gum disease or other oral health issues, we will treat these problems first.
Even if you’re not an ideal candidate at first, our dentist can often suggest treatments or lifestyle changes to help you qualify. By working closely with your dental team, you can explore your options and find the best solution for restoring your smile.
The Dental Implant Process
Dr. Gorsky will evaluate your needs and goals to create a personalized treatment plan that restores your smile with dental implants in Tuckahoe, NY.
The timeline and steps for dental implants can vary based on each patient. At your first visit, Dr. Gorsky will perform a dental exam, take digital images, and discuss your specific needs and goals.
This information is essential to plan your treatment. Important factors include the number of implants you need, your oral health, and the type of implants. If you have significant bone loss, Dr. Gorsky may recommend additional procedures like bone grafting or a sinus lift. Pretreatments ensure a stable foundation.
Single Implant
For single-tooth implants, we first place the post in the jawbone. After placement, the implant needs time to heal and fuse with the bone before we attach the final crown or prosthetic tooth.
Sometimes, we can place a temporary tooth to maintain your smile and restore function as you heal. Single implants are often the best option. They offer better oral health benefits than traditional dental bridges.
Multiple Implants
For implant-supported dentures, we’ll assess your needs and determine the best treatment approach. If the All-On-Four method is appropriate, Dr. Gorsky will coordinate with specialists as needed. This process may involve removing remaining teeth, placing implants, and securing a custom denture to restore your smile.
Dental Implants FAQs
Learn more about dental implants in Tuckahoe, NY, with answers to these common questions.
How much are dental implants?
Implants are more expensive than traditional dentures or bridges. If you using an implant to replace a tooth, you should expect it to cost up to $5,000. Replacing multiple missing teeth can cost more than removable or traditional options. If you have dental insurance, they may or may not cover any portion of the treatment.
However, implant restorations last longer than traditional options. While they may cost more upfront, implants last.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
It can take 5 months to a year to complete the entire process. We can replace your teeth with a denture or bridge in less than a month. You should plan on visiting us several times during the dental implant process. It involves a consultation, a surgical procedure, post-op appointments, and more.
Can dental implants fail?
While dental implants have a high success rate, there is a small chance they can fail. Implant failure is rare, but you should understand the potential risks and factors that could lead to failure.
One possible reason for failure is improper implant placement. If the post isn’t positioned correctly in the jawbone, it may not fuse properly. This is why you need an experienced dentist or oral surgeon.
Another factor is poor oral hygiene. You need to care for your implants like your natural teeth. If plaque and bacteria build up around the implant, it can cause gum disease.
In rare cases, the body may reject the implant, because it treats it as a foreign object. This could result in the implant not fusing with the bone.
Get Dental Implants in Tuckahoe, NY
Are you ready to start your journey with tooth implants? As the number one solution for tooth loss, we welcome you to learn more about this type of dental restoration and the process. Contact today to schedule your dental implant appointment.
You can request an appointment online. Crestwood Dental is conveniently located in Tuckahoe and serves all nearby Westchester County neighborhoods.