Dental implants are an increasingly popular option for replacing missing teeth. They offer benefits over traditional bridges and dentures, such as a more natural look and feel, improved oral health, and greater durability. In addition to these benefits, dental implants can also help preserve bone structure in the jaw and provide better stability when speaking or eating.
For those looking for a permanent solution to tooth loss that looks natural, dental implants may be the ideal choice. This comprehensive guide will explore all of the benefits of choosing dental implants to replace missing teeth. If you’re considering dental implants in Westchester, it’s important to understand how they will impact your everyday life.
Benefits of Dental Implants
#1 – DURABILITY
One of the most, if not the most, notable benefits of dental implants is their durability. Unlike bridges or dentures, which typically need to be replaced after a few years, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. The titanium post used during the implant process fuses directly to the jawbone, providing an incredibly secure and stable foundation for the replacement tooth.
#2 – NATURAL LOOK AND FEEL
Another major benefit of dental implants is their natural look and feel. Patients can expect their dental implants to closely replicate their original teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. This is great news for those looking to maintain a natural-looking smile.
At the same time, there is no need to perform any special maintenance to keep dental implants looking their best. As long as regular brushing and flossing are done, dental implants should stay in great shape over the long term.
#3 -BONE LOSS PREVENTION
Bone loss is one of the major effects of tooth loss. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone beneath it begins to deteriorate. Over time, this can lead to a change in the shape of your face and impairing denture fit.
Dental implants help to preserve the natural structure of the jawbone. The titanium post provides a secure foundation that helps to stimulate the jawbone and keep it from deteriorating further. When a patient opts for dental implants, they are also protecting their jawbone from further deterioration.
#4 – IMPROVED ORAL HEALTH
Overall, replacing one or more teeth with dental implants can help improve oral health. Since they function similarly to regular teeth, dental implants can help reduce stress on the surrounding teeth and make it easier to practice proper oral hygiene. This makes it easier to keep your gums and teeth healthy, reducing the risk of serious problems down the line.
#5 – BETTER DIGESTION
Finally, dental implants can help improve digestion. They are designed to replace the entire tooth root and act like a natural tooth when it comes to chewing and breaking down food. This ensures that food is properly broken down and digested, leading to better overall health.
Dental Implant Process
While dental implants are a great solution for replacing missing teeth, the process of getting dental implants can be lengthy. Additionally, there are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not they are the right choice for you.
First, the patient’s mouth must be thoroughly evaluated to determine if their oral health and jawbone structure are suitable for dental implants. If the surgeon decides that the patient is a good candidate, the next step is to surgically place the titanium post into the jawbone. This requires local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia and takes anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours per implant.
Once the post is placed, it takes between three and six months for the jawbone to fully fuse with the post. During this time, your oral surgeon (Dr. Andrew Greenberg) will instruct you to follow a special diet and practice good oral hygiene to promote healing. He may also schedule you for a few follow-up visits to ensure that the implant is fusing properly with your jawbone.
Once the implant has healed and fused with the jawbone, an abutment is placed onto the post. You may need additional surgery for this step as well. Typically using local anesthesia, Dr. Greenberg will reopen your gum and attach the abutment. He will then close the gum tissue around it, with the abutment exposed.
In some cases, the abutment is attached at the same time the dental implant post is inserted. After the abutment is in place, impressions will be taken and will be used by your general dentist to create a custom crown or crowns to fit over the abutment.
Lastly, the crown or implant-supported denture (in some cases) is placed onto the abutment. This is done when the post is strong enough to support the use of a new tooth. Patients can choose between removable or fixed crowns based on their preferences or the oral surgeon’s recommendation.
Consult Dr. Greenberg in Briarcliff Manor, NY Today
With their promising benefits, dental implants offer an ideal solution for many patients dealing with missing teeth. But unlike other restorative solutions, implants require surgery and proper evaluation and care to ensure the best outcome.
If you want to make sure to undergo a safe and successful process, Dr. Andrew Greenberg and his team are the best choice for the job. Dr. Greenberg is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who practices in Briarcliff, NY. He is also certified in dental general anesthesia in the practice of dentistry in the state of New York as well as an advanced cardiovascular life support provider.
With years of experience and a commitment to his patients’ health and comfort, you can trust that you are in the best hands. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your implant consultation. We look forward to welcoming you into our office!