Dental Implants Roslyn, NY

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.

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: Your tooth roots stimulate your jawbone and keep it healthy. After you lose a tooth, 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 and make 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.

Dental Implant Roslyn FAQs

Are you interested in implants but want to know more? Read answers to common questions about implant treatment at our Roslyn dental office.

What can I expect when I get dental implants?

The step-by-step dental implant process includes:

• Consultation: Dr. Lotardo will evaluate your teeth, gums, and jawbone. He will take digital X-rays and discuss your goals.
• Implant Placement: The implant is gently placed into your jawbone. You will be numb and comfortable throughout.
• Healing and Integration: Over the next few months, your jawbone will fuse with the implant, creating a strong, permanent foundation.
• Final Restoration: Once healed, we attach your custom crown, bridge, or denture. Your new smile will look and feel natural.

How long will my dental implants last?

With proper care, dental implants can last for decades and often for the rest of your life. The restoration on top may need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear.

What happens if I don’t have enough bone for dental implants?

If you have been told you don’t have enough jawbone for implants, don’t worry. We can often perform a bone graft to build a strong foundation. This common procedure adds bone material to your jaw, allowing it to support an implant. Dr. Lotardo has extensive experience in bone grafting and can help you qualify for implant treatment.

Does it hurt to get dental implants?

No. We’ll numb your mouth so you won’t feel pain during implant treatment. You may feel sensitivity after treatment, and we will recommend pain relievers as you heal.

How can I care for my implants right after surgery?

Post-op implant surgery tips to follow include:

• Control bleeding and swelling: Bite gently on gauze for 30 to 45 minutes to stop bleeding. Apply an ice pack to your cheek for 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
• Rest and take it easy: Rest for the remainder of the day. Avoid strenuous activity for at least a week to help your body heal.
• Eat soft foods: Stick to foods like yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs for the first few days. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that can irritate the surgical site.
• Keep the area clean: The day after surgery, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water two to three times a day. Brush your other teeth as usual, but be very careful around the implant site.
• Don’t disturb the site: Do not touch the area with your fingers or tongue. Avoid spitting, using a straw, or smoking. These actions can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.

How can dental implants fail?

Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, but in rare cases, they can fail. Here are the most common reasons:

• Poor oral hygiene.
• Smoking or tobacco use.
• Insufficient bone support.
• Medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases
• Grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Early overloading.

Dr. Lotardo will assess whether you’re a good candidate before treatment and ensure expert implant placement so the posts integrate properly.

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.