While no one wants to face tooth loss, millions of Americans each year lose one or more teeth due to trauma, tooth decay, periodontal disease, or other issues that destroy teeth so badly that they eventually fall out. Maybe you’ve suffered a blow to the face or maybe you’ve been in a car accident that resulted in facial damage and tooth loss. Whatever the case, dental implants offer a long-lasting, natural-looking solution that not only restores your smile but also maintains the structure of your jawbone by preventing bone loss. The prosthodontic team at Chappaqua Dentistry stands ready to perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine which tooth replacement options would be best for your particular needs.

If dental implants are not the best choice for you, then our dental specialists will show you other options to restore the form and function of your mouth, teeth, and gums.

The Dental Implant Process

Using the word “process” here is critical because dental implants are more of a process than a singular event—unlike other dental procedures that can happen in one appointment. While you may have heard of “teeth in a day,” traditional dental implants involve a process called “osseointegration,” where the implant fuses with the jawbone to provide a stable, permanent foundation for your new tooth. Once that process is complete, you’ll be able to eat and speak with ease again. Implants provide a sturdier, more permanent alternative to dentures or bridges, which may shift or require additional maintenance.

It would be impossible to explain the entire procedure here. Our dental implant specialists like to show their patients their findings and how advanced dental implant technology works while you’re in the office. We utilize cutting-edge tools like 3D imaging to plan precise implant placement, ensuring optimal results. We even have an in-house dental lab that allows us to custom-make your dental fabrications here on-site.

Patient Testimonials

Here, however, we can present a condensed explanation of the dental implant process.

The areas of your mouth that are missing teeth must be prepared to receive the dental implants. Dental implants are titanium posts that integrate with the jawbone, a process that prevents further bone loss and strengthens the jaw. The number of dental implants required to restore your smile depends on many factors, one of which is how many teeth are missing. Other factors that must be considered are your existing jawbone density and overall health.

Your Westchester dental implant dentist surgically implants the titanium screw-like posts into your jawbone. In a process known as “osseointegration,” these implants fuse with your jaw, providing you with a stable, immobile tooth replacement. The process takes a few months, and because everyone heals at a different pace, it’s hard to predict exactly how long this part of the process will take for you.

Once traditional dental implants are placed, an abutment (a connecting piece) is added to prepare for the final step of the implant process, which is the addition of the artificial tooth, which commonly takes the form of a dental crown. This last stage of the dental implant process in Westchester is known as a “dental implant restoration.” Depending on your needs, your implant dentist may place a dental bridge or total or partial denture, ensuring a solution that fits your smile perfectly.

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Your Westchester dental implant dentist surgically implants the titanium screw-like posts into your jawbone. In a process known as “osseointegration,” those implants will fuse with your jaw providing you a sturdy, immobile tooth replacement. The process takes a few months, and because everyone heals at a different pace, it’s hard to predict exactly how long this part of the process will take for you.

Once traditional dental implants are placed, an abutment (a connecting piece) is added to prepare for the final step of the implant process, which is the addition of the artificial tooth, which commonly takes the form of a dental crown. This last stage of the dental implant process in Westchester is known as a “dental implant restoration,” instead of a crown, your implant dentist may place a dental bridge or total or partial denture.

A Bit About Bone Grafting

In cases where the jawbone lacks the necessary density, dental bone grafting is used to strengthen the bone and create a suitable foundation for the implant. This process allows for a sturdier place for the implants. Once your grafted bone has grown (or fused), it can serve the same function as the natural jawbone.

The highly trained prosthodontists at Chappaqua Dentistry can perform bone grafting on-site.

Call for a Dental Implant Consultation Today

If you would like to learn more about dental implants in Westchester or find out what other tooth replacement options may benefit you, please call Chappaqua Dentistry at (914) 238-8200. You may also fill out our online contact form, and one of our dental team members will reach out to answer questions or schedule a dental implant appointment.

FAQ

Just like a natural tooth, a dental implant or crown can break due to wear and tear, trauma, or biting on something hard. If your dental implant breaks, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately to prevent further complications such as infection or damage to surrounding teeth. In most cases, if the crown breaks, it can be replaced without affecting the titanium implant post. However, if the post is damaged, more extensive treatment may be required. Acting quickly ensures the best outcome.

Proper care for your dental implants is crucial to maintaining their longevity and function. Here are some steps to keep your implant, crown, and surrounding areas clean:

  • Brush the crown twice a day using a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
  • Brush around and under the implant crown to remove any debris.
  • Use an interdental brush to reach difficult areas around the implant.
  • Floss daily using implant-specific floss to clean between the implant and natural teeth.
  • Consider using an oral irrigator (water flosser) for added cleaning around the implant site.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups are essential to keep your implant healthy for years to come.

Determining if dental implants are right for you requires a consultation and examination with your dentist. Dental implants are an excellent option for most patients who have lost teeth due to infection, injury, gum disease, or even congenital conditions. However, certain factors should be considered:

  • Age – Dental implants are most successful in adults whose jawbone has fully developed.
  • Bone Loss – If you have significant bone loss, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be necessary to build a solid foundation for the implant.
  • Overall Health – Patients in good health, free from conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or severe heart disease, tend to have the best outcomes with dental implants.

Ask yourself:

  • Are you embarrassed to smile, speak, or eat because of missing teeth?
  • Do you find it difficult to chew certain foods?
  • Are you dissatisfied with loose or uncomfortable dentures or bridges?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, a consultation can help determine if dental implants are the best solution for you. If implants are not right for you, other options, such as dentures or bridges, are available. Each treatment is personalized based on your specific dental needs.

During the dental implant procedure, you will be anesthetized, so you should not feel any pain. Most patients report minimal discomfort, and any post-operative pain is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication. In fact, many patients can return to their normal routine the very next day.

For those who experience dental anxiety, we also offer conscious sedation to help you relax throughout the process. Your comfort is our top priority, and we’ll ensure that you are as comfortable as possible before, during, and after the procedure.

With proper care and maintenance, the titanium posts of dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, as they fuse with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. However, the crown, which is the visible part of the implant, typically lasts 20 to 30 years. Over time, the crown may experience wear and tear and could eventually need replacement. By practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups, you can maximize the lifespan of both the implant and the crown.

The cost of dental implants can vary depending on your specific needs and any additional procedures, such as bone grafting, that may be required. While the initial investment may seem higher than other tooth replacement options, dental implants are a cost-effective, long-term solution designed to last a lifetime with proper care. Routine maintenance involves regular oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, along with periodic dental check-ups. In some cases, the crown or prosthetic tooth may need replacement after 20-30 years due to normal wear and tear.

The duration of the dental implant procedure can vary depending on the individual case and whether any preparatory procedures, such as bone grafting or sinus lifts, are needed. On average, the process can take anywhere from six months to a year. This timeline includes the initial consultation, the surgical placement of the implant, healing time for the implant to fuse with the jawbone (osseointegration), and the final placement of the crown, bridge, or denture. Each step is essential to ensure the long-term success and stability of the implant.

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