Missing teeth aren’t just unattractive; it puts the rest of your teeth at risk of shifting, decaying, and falling out. If you’re struggling with missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures, Michael Abrams, DDS, and Elizabeth Abrams, DDS, at Manhasset Dental Arts in Manhasset, New York, can restore your smile with dental implants. These artificial tooth roots hold your crowns or dentures in place, so they look and feel like your natural teeth. Call the office or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
Request an AppointmentWhat are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace your natural tooth roots when you have missing teeth. The implant is surgically placed directly into your gums and jawbone, so it functions exactly like your natural tooth roots. Manhasset Dental Arts recommends dental implants because they look and feel natural in your mouth.
Unlike dental bridges, implants can last for decades — even a lifetime in some cases — so they’re ideal if you’re looking for a durable, permanent tooth replacement option.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
The most common dental implant benefits include:
Function
Unlike dentures alone, you never have to take out dental implants to clean them. They are permanently fixed to your mouth, so you may even forget you have them over time. Implants give you the freedom to chew, laugh, and smile without worrying about shifting in your mouth.
Comfort
Because dental implants bond to your jawbone, they can hold your prosthetic tooth replacement in place comfortably. This minimizes the risk of sore, swollen gums or painful mouth sores because your tooth replacement won’t rub against your gums.
Durability
Bridges typically need replacement every five to 15 years. Dental implants, on the other hand, can last for 25 years or more with proper care and regular dental visits.
Health
Implants help prevent bone loss caused by missing teeth and allow you to continue your regular oral hygiene routine. They can’t be removed for cleaning, so you simply need to brush and floss twice a day with dental implants.
Appearance
Since dental implants act as replacement tooth roots, they hold your teeth in place just like your natural roots. This helps your prosthetic teeth look and feel as natural as possible.
How does the dental implant process work?
At Manhasset Dental Arts, your dental implant treatment plan is always personalized to suit your unique needs. The first step is to determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for the implant procedure.
Your provider uses detailed X-rays and scans to see if you have enough bone in your jaw to support dental implants. If you don’t, the team may recommend a bone graft surgery to add stability to your jawbone.
Once your mouth heals, you’re ready to return for the dental implant procedure. Your dentist inserts the small implant into your socket — the space left behind by your missing tooth — and maneuvers it into your jawbone.
Over the next six to 12 weeks, your gums and bone heal around the implant to secure it in place. This helps the implant become a natural addition to your mouth. After you’ve fully healed, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create your dentures or dental crowns.
At your final appointment, your dentist places the prosthetic tooth or teeth, securing them to your new implants. Once fitted, your implants will blend in with your smile and function exactly like the rest of your teeth.
To find out if dental implants are right for you, call Manhasset Dental Arts or book an appointment online.