A dental implant is very different from a bridge or denture. Instead of relying on suction or a crown to anchor the prosthetic in place, oral surgery inserts the new tooth into the jawbone like a natural root. Afterward, our team will place the restoration, the lifelike component that replaces the visible part of the new tooth. How do we restore dental implants? What does the process involve and what materials will we use?
Preparation and the Placement Process
First, we need to place the actual implant portion. We will examine your smile to ensure you are a viable candidate for the procedure. We want to look at the health of your gums and the strength of your jawbone tissue. In some cases, patients require a bone grafting procedure to strengthen the jawbone and allow us to secure a dental implant. Then, an oral surgeon will place the implant portion, inserting it directly into the jawbone tissue.
The Healing Period
Once placed, we will wait three to six months to allow the area to fully heal. During the healing period, the implant and jawbone tissue bond in a process known as osseointegration. The new tooth now acts like a natural root, preventing the loss of jawbone tissue and preserving your facial structure.
Designing and Fabricating Your Restorations
Once the area heals, we will create a restoration to top the implant. The restoration is typically a dental crown made from lifelike ceramic. This material is stain-resistant and can withstand powerful bite forces. In addition, ceramic mimics the translucent appearance of your natural tooth enamel, ensuring the new tooth matches your surrounding teeth.
We will attach the restoration with an abutment. Once complete, you will have a new tooth that can last a lifetime with proper care and attention. If you have any questions about the restoration process, or replacing missing teeth, the please contact our office today.
At Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, we can help you enjoy a whole smile again with dental implants. We have welcomed patients and families from Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
