What Are Dental Implants?
If you have a gap in your mouth from a missing tooth or teeth, schedule an appointment to learn more about dental implants at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates. You may benefit from dental implants if you are tired of loose crowns or removable dentures. For long-lasting restorations for a missing tooth or teeth, our dentists are happy to provide dental implants for our patients in Farmingdale, NY. Dental implants are metal posts that are surgically placed in your gums and jawbone to act as the missing tooth root. The post (or posts) can be connected to a crown, bridge, or denture for a tooth reconstruction that looks beautiful and can function just like your natural teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are typically preferred for the impressive range of wellness perks they provide. These efficient restorations provide many benefits, serving functions like:
- Might improve your self-assurance with having conversations and when you smile
- Offering better jaw force and lifespan of tooth substitutes
- Integrating with the jawbone to maintain jaw well-being and strength
- Not dependent on surrounding teeth for support
- Seeming like real teeth in performance and visual appeal
- Effective as a long-lasting tooth restoration option
- Enabling the consumption of a well-rounded diet
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Will I Benefit from a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are used to replace a missing tooth or teeth by connecting to a crown, denture, or bridge. You may prefer an implant if you have a dental restoration, but don't like the look or comfort of what you had done. In your dental implant consultation, one of our dentists will evaluate the health of your jawbone and gums to determine if a dental implant is the best choice for you. We may need to complete other procedures before your implant, like a bone or gum graft surgery to strengthen your mouth. Dental implants may not be best if you use tobacco products, are pregnant, or have an issue, like gum disease.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
The first step in getting dental implants is addressing any issues that are present in your mouth. You may have damaged teeth extracted, gum grafts, or bone grafts in order to prepare your mouth for implants. When you're ready for the implant to be placed, we will give you local anesthesia in the treatment area to numb your mouth. If you have fear or anxiety, different sedation methods can be added to keep you comfortable during the treatment. One of our dentists will make an incision in your gum and put the post in your jawbone. The incision in your gums will be closed with part of the implant visible above the gumline. This process will continue if several implants are needed. As the implant fuses into the bone and gum over the next few months, a temporary crown or cover will be placed over the implant. As soon as your dentist decides your implant is stable, your restoration (denture, crown, or bridge) can be connected to your post. After that, we will work with you to ensure it's comfortable.
What Will it Be Like After I Get a Dental Implant?
You may notice some swelling in your mouth and lower face or may experience discomfort, bruising, and some minor bleeding after your implant procedure. Rest assured, however, this should not last long and is normal. If necessary, we can give you a prescription for pain medication. Once your dental implants have integrated and your restoration is attached, you should follow a good oral care routine. Your annual exams and biannual professional cleanings at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates will also be important for checking and tracking your oral health and dental implants. During these appointments, our dentists will decide if and when your implant needs adjusting.
Dental Implants FAQ
Is getting dental implants painful?
Dental implant surgery does require cutting into the gums to install the anchoring implant(s), but it's not as painful as many may think. Before your procedure, your dentist will completely numb the treatment area to prevent any pain or discomfort while they work. If pain is a concern, Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates offers multiple sedation options to ease any anxiety and ensure maximum comfort during the entire procedure. During the recovery process, some people may experience soreness, discomfort, swelling, or minor bleeding, but we can prescribe pain medication to help make your recovery as easy as possible.
Are dental implants safe?
Every surgical procedure carries a small amount of risk, but dental implants are widely considered a very safe procedure. For 30 years, millions of people have received dental implants with a success rate of 95% or higher.
How long can I expect my dental implants to last?
The average lifespan of a dental implant crown is 10 – 15 years or longer. While the anchoring posts are permanent, crowns have a limited lifespan due to normal wear and tear.
Can everyone get dental implants?
If you have healthy teeth and gums with healthy jawbones, you can get dental implants. Some patients may need gum or bone grafts to ensure a sturdy base to hold the anchoring post. If you use tobacco products, have diabetes or heart disease, periodontal disease, or are pregnant, you may not be a candidate for dental implants. During your consultation at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine if dental implants are right for you.
Dental Implants
Dental implants may be a good option if you are seeking a natural-looking replacement for missing teeth that is easy to clean and can last for a long time. One of our incredible dentists will help you understand the steps needed to receive implants, including the necessary surgery, and your options on the final restorations. If you would like to get more information on dental implants, schedule an appointment at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates today.