Missing teeth affect more than your appearance. They make chewing difficult and can cause other teeth to shift out of place. They also lead to bone loss in the jaw over time. Dental implants offer a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. Unlike bridges or dentures, an implant replaces the entire tooth from root to crown.
Bella Smiles provides dental implants at our Roslyn, NY, dental office. Dr. Sal Lotardo and his team guide patients through every step of the process. From the initial consultation to the final placement of your custom restoration, you get expert care and dental services in a warm and welcoming environment. No referrals to outside specialists are needed for most implant cases.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a tooth replacement system with two main parts. The first part is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone. This post acts as a new tooth root. The second part is a custom implant restoration that attaches to the top of the post. This restoration can be a dental crown, a bridge, or a denture, depending on how many teeth are missing.
Titanium is used for the post because it is biocompatible. Your jawbone accepts it without rejection. Over time, the bone grows around the post and fuses with it. This process is called osseointegration. It creates a stable and permanent foundation for your new tooth.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults with missing teeth are candidates for dental implants. Dr. Lotardo will evaluate your oral health to determine if implants are right for you. Ideal candidates have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant.
Patients who have been missing teeth for a long time may have experienced bone loss. But you can still get implants if you have bone loss. Bone grafting can rebuild the jawbone and create a solid foundation for the implant.
Patients with certain medical conditions may still be eligible. Dr. Lotardo will review your medical history carefully. He will coordinate with your physician if needed to ensure that the procedure is safe for you. Smokers have a higher risk of implant complications. Dr. Lotardo strongly encourages patients to quit smoking before and after surgery.
Good oral hygiene and a commitment to regular dental visits are essential for implant success. Dr. Lotardo will provide detailed care instructions to help you protect your investment.
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The Benefits of Dental Implants in Roslyn, NY
Dental implants offer numerous advantages over other tooth replacement options.
- Improved Comfort and Function: Implants fuse with your jawbone and become a permanent part of your mouth. They do not slip or shift during eating or speaking. You can enjoy your favorite foods without worry.
- Natural Appearance: We work with a dental lab to create a custom crown, bridge, or denture is made to match your natural teeth. The restoration blends in seamlessly, so no one will know you have an implant.
- Bone Preservation: The roots of your teeth stimulate your jawbone and keep it healthy. When teeth are missing, the bone in that area deteriorates over time. Implants provide the same stimulation as natural roots, helping prevent bone loss and preserve your facial structure.
- Long-term value: Dental bridges and dentures typically need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. Implants can last 25 years or longer with proper care. This makes them a cost-effective solution over the long term.
Restoration Options for Missing Teeth
Single Tooth Replacement
If you are missing one tooth, a single implant with a custom crown is an excellent solution. We place the implant into the jawbone and color-match the crown to your surrounding teeth. The result is a permanent, natural-looking tooth.
Multiple Teeth Replacement
If you are missing several consecutive teeth, we may recommend an implant-supported bridge. During treatment, we place two or more implants in the jawbone. Then we attach the custom bridge to the implants. This restoration is stable and does not rely on neighboring natural teeth for support.
Implant-Supported Dentures
If you are missing all your teeth in the upper or lower arch, implant-supported dentures offer a secure, comfortable alternative to traditional dentures. Then we place two to four implants in the jawbone. Your custom denture snaps onto the implants. The denture stays firmly in place and does not require adhesives or pastes.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today
Restore your smile, your confidence, and your quality of life with dental implants. Dr. Sal Lotardo and the Bella Smiles team in Roslyn are ready to help you every step of the way.
Call 516-217-6668 or request an appointment at Roslyn online. Our Roslyn office is located at 1044 Northern Blvd, Suite 304, Roslyn, NY 11576. Patients from Manhasset, Westbury, Glen Cove, and the surrounding Gold Coast communities trust Bella Smiles for their implant needs.