If you are ready to improve your oral health, protect your overall health, and boost your self-esteem, dental implants are the best solution for missing teeth. Dental implants not only enhance the appearance and function of the mouth and teeth, but they also support good oral health, which translates to improved overall health. But, what should you expect when preparing to get dental implants?
Dental Implants: Step-By-Step Guide to Replacing Missing Teeth
The very first step in restoring your smile, and reclaiming good oral health begins with a consultation and examination for dental implants. During this appointment, your implant specialist will conduct a variety of digital imaging tests, along with a comprehensive oral exam. The purpose of these exams is to:
- Confirm you are free of active disease and infection
During your oral exam, your implantologist will confirm that you do not have any underlying oral health conditions that need to be treated before placing dental implants. They will look for signs of inflammation and infection. If any problems are discovered, treatment will be scheduled. They will also review your medical history to ensure you are healthy enough for dental implant surgery.
- Confirm you have sufficient bone to support dental implants
To support the posts (screws) implanted in the jaw, you will need to have sufficient jawbone height and density. Your dentist can evaluate the jawbone using digital X-rays, and 3D diagnostic imaging. If you lack sufficient jawbone to support implants, bone grafting to support the implants will be necessary.
- Design your dental implants and send the treatment plan to the lab
If you’re approved for dental implants, your implant specialist will custom-design your implants, using advanced technology and software. The treatment plan along with scans and relevant information will be sent to the lab for manufacturing your new dental implant restorations.
The Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect
On the day of your implant surgery, you can expect that your mouth will be anesthetized for your comfort during the procedure. Various medications may be administered before or during your procedure for relaxation and mild sedation.
Your implant specialist will use advanced software known as “image-guided placement” to precisely place the implant in the jawbone. Once the post (screw) is placed, the surgical site will be sutured to promote healing and minimize bleeding.
Over the next several months, the remarkable healing capabilities of your body will complete a process known as osseointegration. This is the process by which the bone, and soft tissues within the gums begin to fuse with the implant. This process mimics the way the bone and tissues fuse with natural teeth roots.
Once this fusion is complete, you’ll return for your permanent crowns to be secured to the implants.
7 Reasons Dental Implants are the Best Option for Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental implants provide benefits that far outweigh other restorative options for missing teeth.
Here are 7 reasons that dental implants are the superior choice for restoring your mouth and smile to good health and beauty
.
- Dental implants preserve the jawbone, thereby preserving facial appearance
- Dental implants are extremely durable, lasting at least 20 years, and often a lifetime
- Dental implants restore bite force, speaking, and chewing capabilities
- Dental implants improve oral health (stabilize adjacent teeth, reduce risk of gum disease, reduce risk of further tooth loss)
- Dental implants are cavity-resistant
- Dental implants are easy to care for, with regular brushing, flossing, dental exams and cleanings
- Dental implants improve your quality of life
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants
How many teeth can I replace with dental implants?
You can restore a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth in a row, or entire upper or lower arches of teeth with implant-supported prostheses such as dentures.
Do you accept financing for dental implants?
Yes. We accept CareCredit for all dental treatments. We also offer in-house short-term payment plans to help you pay for your dental treatments over time.
Schedule a Consultation for Dental Implants with Dr. Sami in Glen Cove, NY
If you're ready to take the next step towards enhanced oral health, bolstered self-esteem, and restoration of your smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrew Sami at Gold Coast Smiles. Dr. Sami is a highly experienced, and trained implantologist, having completed a multi-year implant dentistry fellowship program at New York University. He is a member in good standing of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. To schedule an appointment call 516-676-0250, or reserve your appointment online.