WHAT ARE NYC DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants are a long-lasting and natural-looking solution to missing teeth. Unlike other methods of tooth restoration, such as dentures or bridges, which may require special care or daily application, dental implants are designed to mimic the natural teeth, allowing them to function as such. Dental implants are comprised of 3 main components, the post, abutment, and crown. The term “dental implant” refers to the post itself, which is implanted in the jawbone during a surgical procedure. The posts provide support for the visible part of the restoration, the crown. Dental implants are highly sought after in NYC for their durability and extremely natural appearance. Once in place, dental implants require normal hygiene and can last for many years, often a lifetime, with proper care.
HOW DO NYC DENTAL IMPLANTS WORK?
By recreating the natural structure of the missing tooth, NYC dental implants produce a stable foundation for dental restorations. Most commonly made from titanium or zirconia, dental implants are small, screw-like posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth or teeth have been lost or removed. By filling the gap where a tooth once was, dental implant surgery can help patients avoid jawbone density loss, which occurs when the body begins to reabsorb the bone surrounding where the tooth was lost. When jawbone density loss occurs, patients may struggle to eat, talk, and smile. Not to mention, jawbone loss can significantly impact appearance, causing the mouth to seem as if it is sinking into the face, wrinkling around the mouth, as well as thinning of the lips. Dental implants artificially simulate the root of a tooth, helping to prevent jawbone density loss.
Once the implant is placed, osseointegration must occur before patients can be fitted for their final crowns. This process is defined by the fusing of the natural jawbone with the post, the key to success in achieving a long-lasting solution to missing teeth. Once the implant has fully fused with the jawbone and the surrounding gums and tissue have healed, patients may return to the office to complete the final steps of completing their dental restoration. These steps are spaced about 3-5 months apart, depending on the patient’s rate of healing, to ensure that the implant has fully fused with the jawbone.