In the past, people who were missing one or more teeth were limited to dentures or a bridge. Today, there is a third option, an option that many patients are opting for; New York implant dentistry.
Dental implants are titanium posts or screws that are directly imbedded into the jaw bone. Once the implant has fused to the bone, a process that can take several months; the implant dentist can mount a replacement tooth.
How do implants work?
The implant dentist first prepares the jaw bone by drilling a hole in the correct position to accept the implant. The implant, which is made from titanium, eventually fuses with the bone. Once the implant is stable it takes the place of a tooth root, providing a stable platform for a replacement tooth or dentures.
For many patients, dentures and bridges are either not comfortable or not possible. Dentures often rub and create sore spots and they can cause a gag reflex. A bridge must be fitted to teeth either side of the space which means these perfectly good teeth have to be ground down to accept the bridge.
New York implant dentistry is an option for anyone with healthy gums and enough jaw bone to accept and support the implant. Once implants are in place it is important that daily oral hygiene be maintained. Ensuring that your gums remain healthy is extremely important to the long term success of the implant.
Two types of implants:
Depending on the patient, the implant dentist has two options, they are:
- Implants that are surgically implanted directly into the jaw bone are known as “endosteal implants.” The artificial tooth; the crown, fits on a post that is connected to the implant.
- Subperiosteal implants consist of a frame that is located below the gum tissue; the frame is that which fuses with the jawbone. The frame includes posts that accept the artificial teeth.
Both types of implants have proven themselves over the years. A practitioner of New York implant dentistry can guide you on which approach is best suited for your particular condition.
