Dr. Sal Lotardo and the team at Bella Smiles offer full-service dental implants in Riverhead, Nesconset, and Roslyn, NY. We handle everything from surgically placing the implant post to attaching your final dental restoration. Our team will help you with every step of the process. We will oversee all phases of treatment for consistent care and predictable results.
At Bella Smiles, our dentists are skilled in placing various types of dental implants. Our advanced treatment planning ensures lasting and functional results.
Dental patient before and after getting dental implants at Bella Smiles.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the most natural-looking and functioning replacement for missing teeth. When you compare dental implants to dentures and dental bridges, it’s easy to see that they are the best option for tooth loss. An implant-supported artificial teeth restoration works much like natural teeth. It offers significant long-term dental health benefits beyond just improving your smile.
Our dental implants have over a 95% success rate. We provide the most beautiful and natural-looking results. Additionally, dental implants offer important benefits for the long-term health of your mouth and well-being. Some of the best benefits include:
- Supports bone retention in the jaw. The implant post replaces the lost tooth root. The stimulation encourages healthy bone growth, reducing bone loss and jaw shrinkage.
- Permanent restoration. The dental implant is a permanent fixture once it’s in your mouth. They can anchor a denture or bridge securely for a stable restoration. You never need to replace the post.
- Normal diet and speech. With dental implants, you can enjoy a full range of foods without dietary restrictions. You will not have to adjust your diet. You will also be able to speak normally without a lisp or worrying about it falling out.
- Most patients qualify. To be a good candidate for dental implants, you must not have gum disease, and should have enough jawbone structure. Patients with a healthy oral foundation usually qualify for this treatment.
To learn more about the advantages of this dental prosthetic, visit Benefits of dental implants.
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About Dental Implants
A dental implant consists of 3 main parts: the implant post or fixture, the abutment, and the crown. These parts work together to replace all parts of the lost tooth.
Post
The implant post consists of titanium. The dentist or oral surgeon places the post into the jaw bone as an artificial tooth root. The post maintains healthy jaw bone structure, supports your remaining teeth, and prevents jaw shrinkage. A healthy jaw bone keeps your existing teeth from shifting, prevents facial sagging, and supports the fit of your bite.
Abutment
An abutment is the next part, which our dentist will attach to the implant post. It acts as a connector between the post and your restoration. Many different types of abutments are available. The type you get depends on the type of dental restoration you need, and the location of the post.
Restoration
The final piece is the dental crown, which we will use to replace a single lost tooth. We can also secure a dental bridge if you are missing multiple consecutive teeth. Full mouth implants and dentures are available if you are missing a full arch of teeth. An implant-supported denture and an implant-supported bridge will blend in with the rest of your mouth.
Replacing One Tooth With An Implant
A dental implant procedure is highly effective at replacing a tooth. It doesn’t require Dr. Lotardo to degrade any healthy existing teeth for support, which he will have to do for a dental bridge. If you lack enough jawbone to support the implants, we may suggest a bone graft to build it back up.
The process will begin with the surgical placement of the titanium post into your jaw. This will require a healing time of several months to ensure a healthy and lasting result. Once your gums heal, our dentist will attach the abutment and leave it there for a few weeks to let your mouth heal.
At this point, we may place a temporary crown so you can use your mouth. The final restoration of your new tooth will be the permanent attachment of a custom dental crown. Dr. Lotardo will adjust the new crown for a comfortable fit, and to make sure your bite feels natural to you.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implants
Some patients may be considering a dental bridge instead. Dental bridges are great for replacing a few teeth. However, they don’t come close to the advantages that our affordable dental implants offer. Consider the benefits of a dental implant treatment versus a dental bridge:
- Overall oral and physical health: A good candidate for dental implants has both good oral health and overall health. This is important for a healthy recovery after the surgical procedure. We can recommend pretreatments so you’re healthy enough for implants.
- Sufficient bone structure in the jaw: You need to have enough jaw bone to hold the tooth implant. Dr. Lotardo will determine if you have enough bone structure. He may provide bone grafting to prepare your mouth for dental implant surgery.
- Stability and longevity of results: Dental implants and implant-secured dental bridges provide a permanent and stable restoration. Traditional bridges do not support your long-term oral health. While bridges prevent teeth from shifting, they don’t support your bone and gum health.
Cost is another consideration when comparing your options. Look at both upfront cost, projected maintenance costs, and future replacement costs you have with bridges. Dental implants are expensive up front, but require no additional maintenance costs and provide a long-lasting result. With good oral hygiene, your new prosthetic will last a lifetime.
Speak to our Dental Implant Specialists Today
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back from smiling confidently. We offer implant dentistry services in our Nesconset, Roslyn, and Riverhead area dental offices. Schedule an appointment with Bella Smiles today.
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