What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant actually refers to a small, biocompatible titanium post. A dentist will surgically implant them into the jaw bone of the patient to replace a tooth root and support a dental restoration. This post will serve as the artificial root for the prosthetic tooth. The dental implant is restored with a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture, depending on the number and location of your missing teeth.
Do dental implants require special care?
You should care for your dental implants like your natural teeth. Twice daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental health exams are necessary for long-term success. Dental implants, like natural teeth, require healthy bone and gum tissue for survival. Good oral hygiene and biannual dental exams can keep your implant healthy and secure for years to come.
How quickly can I get replacement teeth?
The entire dental implant process can take from 3-9 months. There are many factors that go into how long it will take. The number of implants you need, the location of the implant, and if you require any other treatments before placing the implants. Treatments can include gum disease therapy or a bone graft. These will affect how long the process will take.
Dr. Sal Lotardo will perform a thorough dental exam at our dentist office locations in Riverhead, Roslyn, and Nesconset, NY, and then create a treatment plan. You will have the implants surgically placed and that will require a healing time of at least 3 to 6 months.
After that, the dentist will attach an abutment to each implant and a brief healing time will follow. Then you will return again for the attachment of your dental restoration.
What are the chances of implant failure?
Dental implants are now the gold standard in tooth replacement. The national success rate of dental implants is about 95%. Factors like smoking greatly increase your chance of dental implant failure. If you choose dental implants as your missing tooth replacement, you must commit to a lifetime of good oral health habits.
Do I qualify for dental implants?
Dental implants are for people who suffer from tooth loss or have damaged teeth. People of any age can get dental implants except children since their jawbone has not completely developed. Healthy bone structure is the most important qualification to receive a dental implant.
The bone structure needs to be healthy in order for the implant to completely fuse with the bone to support the dental restoration. If you have suffered from bone loss, Dr. Lotardo may recommend bone grafting to ensure the success of your dental implant.
Patients also need to have healthy gums. If you suffer from periodontal disease, you must first undergo gum disease therapy before receiving dental implants.
Can I replace my removable denture with dental implants?
Patients who have been struggling with poor-fitting dentures can replace them with dental implants. Many people choose dentures because they are the cheaper and faster option, and then realize that dentures are not the best solution.
Dr. Lotardo offers All-on-4 dental implants at his Riverhead, NY dentist office. This technique uses as few as four strategically placed dental implants that will secure a hybrid denture for a functional and stable smile. Learn about All-on-4™ dental implants here.
To learn more about our implant dentistry, visit: