Bridges and dentures were once the only means of smile restoration. With the introduction dental implants, though, patients can have their tooth loss remedied with permanent devices that mimic the look and function of natural teeth. If you have missing teeth, consider discussing your dental implant options with a top cosmetic dentist .
Implant Candidates
Do you have only one missing tooth? Are you suffering from substantial tooth loss? In either case, you may be a candidate for dental implant surgery . Dental implant candidacy depends primarily on the health of the gums and bone into which the implants are inserted. No matter the number of missing teeth, you can opt for this smile restoration procedure as long as the underlying bone can support it.
Procedural Steps
Dental implant surgery can permanently correct tooth loss. However, for optimal results, it may take several weeks to complete. A cosmetic dentist must first insert the titanium post into the jawbone where it will eventually fuse to the natural tissue. The post acts as a tooth root, providing strength and stability for the rest of the implant. Once the post is secure and the implantation site is healed, the dentist can attach the abutment, a device that provides a foundation for the porcelain crown. The crown, which looks identical in shape and color to a real tooth, fastens to the top of the abutment. Upon adding the crown, the dental implant process is finished.
Oral Health Benefits
Aside from the cosmetic enhancement that dental implants can offer, they can increase overall dental health. Empty tooth sockets may cause nearby teeth to move out of alignment, which can cause eating and speaking difficulties. In some cases, those teeth may become so unstable that a dentist must remove them as well. As a result, dental implants can prevent additional tooth loss.
Are you a candidate for dental implants? The top dentists at Park 56 Dental in NYC can find out. Call us today at (212) 826-2322 to schedule an appointment to discuss your smile restoration needs.