Dental Implants in Jersey City, NJ

Who Can Get a Dental Implant?

Your Jersey City, NJ dentist determines if a person is a candidate for a dental implant. Your dentist takes to see if the individual has healthy gums and sufficient jaw bone size and density to receive the implant device. Corrective procedures such as periodontal therapy or bone augmentation may be necessary before treatment with an implant proceeds. With the decision made, the dentist takes impressions to craft the implant device.

The Implant Procedure

Usually, a patient requires nothing more than local anesthesia during this in-office surgery. The dentist drills a pilot hole into the jaw bone and inserts the titanium implant device. The titanium exhibits an amazing affinity for the jaw bone and melds to it through a natural process called osseointegration. Osseointegration actually increases the strength and density of the bone, a process unique to the implant procedure.

After several weeks of healing, the doctor bonds a metal post to the implant and then attaches the custom-fabricated crown. After minor adjustments for fit and bite, the implant procedure is complete.

The Academy of Osseointegration, a group of dental professionals which studies and advances the dental implant process, maintains that more than 90 percent of these innovative procedures are successful and that more than 90 percent of implants stay in place for years. Additionally, patients report that their implants feel and function just like natural teeth.

Dental Implant After Care

Dental implant patients brush twice a day and floss daily, treating their artificial teeth just as though they were natural ones. Semi-annual exams and cleanings check condition of teeth, gums and implants.

While dental implants cannot decay, they are susceptible to a condition similar to gum disease. Peri-implantitis is an infection that develops when plaque and tartar accumulate at the implant site. Smokers are more prone to this condition.

To avoid removal of an implant due to peri-implantitis, patients should:

• practice diligent home hygiene
• get 6-month exams and cleanings
• eat a healthy diet
• quit smoking

Single or Multiple Dental Implants

Dental implants are very versatile. If you’re missing one tooth, one implant and one replacement tooth will take care of your problem. If you’re missing several teeth in a row, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge. Similarly, if you have lost all of your teeth, a full bridge or full denture can be permanently fixed in your mouth with a strategic number of implants.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures and Bridges

Unlike dental implants, bridges and dentures are not fixed to the bone. This can result in them being unstable, making it difficult to eat or smile with the confidence you want. Dental implants look, feel, and act more natural, just like your natural teeth. They also have a stronger biting force. Implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, which is definitely an advantage since this means they won’t compromise the health of your surrounding healthy teeth. Implants are also likely to last a lifetime, whereas bridges are only expected to last seven to ten years and even less if a root canal is required.