Dental Implants in Midtown East

What is an implant?

Implants are artificial titanium roots that replace missing teeth. A tooth has two main sections, the root and the crown.  The root is the section of the tooth that is below the gumline.  When a tooth is lost or extracted, a dental implant acts as an artificial replacement for the root.

A Little History

In 1952, Professor Per-Ingvar Branemark, a Swedish surgeon, while conducting research into the healing patterns of bone tissue, accidentally discovered that when pure titanium comes into direct contact with living bone tissue, the two literally grow together to form a permanent biological adhesion. He named this phenomenon "osseointegration."

In today’s world, crowns and bridges made on dental implants should look and feel like your own teeth. Dental implants are a routine part of modern dentistry – no longer considered “experimental” or even “new.” Implants have revolutionized dentistry, and now they are the standard of care. Studies have found that the success rate for today’s dental implants is as high as 98 percent, with no or little discernable bone loss.

In the hands of a properly trained and skilled specialized dentist they are a safe, predictable and most often preferred alternative to old-fashioned bridges and dentures.

How Does It Work?
Implant treatment consists of two phases: a Surgical Phase and a Prosthetic (or Restorative) Phase. During Surgical Phase the implant (a titanium artificial root) is placed in your jawbone. It replaces the root of the missing tooth and fuses with the bone in a process called “osseointegration.”

Implant Placement

Implant Crown

	During Prosthetic Phase the implant is fitted with a crown.

Implant supported bridge

	Multiple implants can also be used to support a permanent bridge (replacing several teeth) which is cemented or screwed into the implants.

Today's implants are not susceptible to periodontal disease or tooth decay-the processes that cause breakdown and loss of natural teeth. They are considered permanent-and in most cases can last a lifetime.

Implants Vs. Bridge
There are also supporting reasons why implants are a better choice than fixed bridges:

• The cost: although the cost of implant treatment depends upon the number and type of implants placed, the replacement of a single tooth with implant treatment costs about as much as a dental bridge.
• A bridge necessitates "cutting down" adjacent teeth (even if they are absolutely healthy) for crowns (abutments that will support pontic, tooth replacing missing tooth). With an implant there is no need to involve teeth that do not need any treatment.
• With a bridge, some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth begins to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact.
• In the long term, a single implant can be more esthetic and easier to keep clean than a bridge. Gums can recede around a bridge, leaving a visible defect when the metal base of the bridge becomes exposed.
  
  

Implants vs. dentures
And there is good news for denture wearers; even complete dentures can now be supported by implants in what is called an implant supported denture (also known as overdenture).

• Edentulism (missing teeth) contributes to bone loss, making the "fitting" of traditional dentures difficult or impossible. Dental implants help stop the progressive bone loss and shrinkage of your jawbone by "mimicking" the roots of natural teeth.

• With dental implants, forget about unsightly partial denture clasps, which place damaging pressure on remaining natural teeth.

• An implant-supported denture is completely stable, with no slipping, no rocking and no falling out. There is also no longer any need to use adhesives or to be concerned about teeth that move.

• Speaking is much improved as well.

• When it comes to eating, your natural teeth absorb biting pressure of up to 540 lbs. per square inch. Long-time denture-wearers can often absorb no more than 50 lbs. per square inch. Dental implants, when properly placed, can withstand 450 lbs. per square inch of biting pressure.

• A full upper denture covers the palate of the mouth and reduces the ability to taste foods. When one uses dental implants, the palate is removed from the upper denture so one can taste and enjoy his/her food.
  

Post-implant care
Although proper oral hygiene is always recommended for maintaining good dental health, it is especially important when a patient has received a dental implant. Bacteria can attack sensitive areas in the mouth when teeth and gums are not properly cleaned, thus causing gums to swell and jaw bones gradually to recede. Recession of the jawbone will weaken implants and eventually make it necessary for the implant to be removed. Patients are advised to visit their dentists at least twice a year to ensure the health of their teeth and implants.


Before & After

Case 1
				Single tooth replacement.
Case 2
				Three teeth, previously restored with a bridge that had to be removed due to severe decay of an abutment tooth, were replaced with three implant supported individual crowns
Case 3 & 4
				Full mouth reconstruction with implant supported individual crowns and bridges.
Case 5
				Full mouth reconstruction with implant supported full dentures.