Replacing your missing tooth helps preserve your facial structure and prevent serious complications from developing. Often, we replace lost teeth using advanced and natural-looking dental implants. But how long will these new teeth stay in place? What can our Astoria, NY, patients do to ensure their new teeth last for many years to come?
The Implant Placement Process
If we find you’re a good candidate for the procedure, we will choose the optimal placement area and insert the dental implant directly into the jawbone via oral surgery. Once in place, the area will need to heal and as this happens, the jawbone tissue and dental implant bond, securing the implant like a new tooth root. We refer to this process as osseointegration, and this take about three to four months to complete. After the healing is complete, we add an abutment to the exposed dental implant that holds a dental crown in place. The crown addresses the visible portion of your new tooth and ensures you enjoy a lifelike replacement option. If you have several missing teeth, then we may place several implants to secure a bridge or even a fixed denture.
Long-Term Benefits
As we mentioned above, the dental implant bonds with the jawbone. Being made from biocompatible titanium means the body accepts the new dental implant as a tooth root, a process that stimulates the growth of jawbone tissue and helps ensure your new tooth has the ability to last for decades, possibly even a lifetime, with proper care and attention. By brushing and flossing your smile each day thoroughly and properly, and seeing us for checkup and cleaning visits, we can help safeguard your entire smile against the threats of infection and gum disease, issues that could lead to tooth loss and implant failure if left unchecked. With the right steps, you can enjoy a full smile for years to come!
The Risks of Untreated Tooth Loss
When you lose a tooth, the body takes notice and responds by suspending the flow of nutrients to the jawbone around the lost tooth. Without these regular doses of calcium and phosphorus, the jawbone tissue actually begins to break down. Over time, this process leads to further tooth loss and for some, negative impacts on the overall facial structure. Many may develop a prematurely aged appearance, and find they have trouble eating their favorite foods or speaking clearly. Don’t let tooth loss impact your smile, talk to our team about possible replacement options.
Ready for Long Lasting Tooth Replacement?
Our team wants to help you enjoy replacement for lost teeth that can last for decades to come. For more information on implant dentistry, then schedule a consultation, call Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
