Dental Implants
Smile Again With Confidence
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that’s surgically inserted into the jawbone instead of just sitting on top of the gums. Since the implant post is made of biocompatible titanium, it will naturally integrate with the surrounding bone tissue over time. Once the osseointegration process is complete, we’ll be able to attach a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to your implants. The final result will look and function just like your natural teeth!
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Your journey towards a newly rebuilt smile requires a multi-step process that spans a couple of months. It involves more than just taking impressions and fitting you for a denture or dental bridge. Although the dental implant process will vary from patient to patient, the four basic steps are the same for everyone. Below, you’ll learn more about the consultation, oral surgery, healing process, and delivery of your final restorations.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
To begin the process, you’ll come in for a consultation at the Dental Health Center of Monmouth Beach. During this appointment, one of our dentists will provide you with a comprehensive oral exam and help you decide whether dental implants are right for you. We’ll give you all the information you need about your dental health and treatment details to ensure that you make an informed decision.
Dental Implant Surgery
If you’re approved for dental implant treatment, you will come in for a surgical appointment. During this visit, your dentist will clean and numb your mouth, then create openings in your jawbone and gum tissue to place one or more implants. Once the implants are placed, they will be sutured shut and you will be sent home to heal and recover.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement
It will take about 2 weeks to heal from the initial placement process, but it can take up to 6 months for the jawbone to fuse with the implant permanently. This process is known as osseointegration. Throughout your healing, you’ll come back to our dental office for several follow-ups, and we will begin creating your restoration to replace your missing teeth.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
Single-tooth implants are ideal if you are only missing a few teeth, but implant-supported dentures may be a better choice if you are missing most of your teeth. When you begin treatment, one of our dentists will help you decide on the best option for your needs. After your mouth has fully healed, you’ll come in for your final appointment. During this visit, your implant will be exposed and your dentist will permanently attach a crown or dentures to your abutment.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Unlike dentures, dental implants never shift or move, and they are permanently attached to your jawbone. This helps strengthen your jaw and prevents bone loss, which is a common issue after losing a tooth prematurely. In addition, implants look and feel completely natural, and can be used to restore one tooth, a few missing teeth, or an entire arch of missing teeth.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
You are likely a good candidate for dental implants if you are missing one or more teeth and you are free of any other major dental health issues, like periodontal disease. Though our dentists will only be able to tell if you are a good candidate during a thorough consultation, the best candidates for dental implants:
- Suffer from tooth loss
- Want to replace unstable dentures
- Are willing to commit to proper oral hygiene after
Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants
Dental implants can be treated just like natural teeth. Brush and floss normally, and see your dentist every six months for a routine teeth cleaning. Implant-supported dentures require more complex care. Your dentist will provide you with comprehensive instructions for denture care during the final stages of your implant treatment.
