There are various ways that people lose their natural teeth, ranging from injury to infection. Dealing with tooth loss can be difficult, both cosmetically and because of health concerns. Fortunately, dental implants are one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth, improve oral health, and restore your smile. One of the most significant advantages of dental implants is that they look and feel no different than natural teeth, providing long-term support for your oral health.
At Legacy Oral Surgery, our Elizabeth oral surgeons know that our patients need oral care that prioritizes both their health and their smiles. Our team is committed to providing attentive, personalized care from your first consultation through your full recovery. Learn about dental implant surgery below to see how it may benefit you, then contact us to schedule an appointment.
- Restoring Oral Health with Implants: Dental implants effectively replace missing teeth, preserving oral health and aesthetics. They mimic natural teeth in appearance and provide long-term support.
- Comprehensive Implant Procedures: Legacy Oral Surgery offers a dental implant procedure involving several stages, including tooth removal, jawbone preparation, and artificial tooth placement. This surgical process requires meticulous planning and patient care throughout.
- Implants for Various Needs: Whether it is after tooth removal, as an alternative to dentures, or in place of a dental bridge, implants offer a reliable solution. They prevent jawbone loss, maintain facial structure, and enhance stability for speaking and eating.
- Personalized Care and Advanced Options: Legacy Oral Surgery provides personalized implant solutions, considering each patient’s unique situation.
An Overview of Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery is performed to replace tooth roots with metal, screw-like posts that function and look like natural teeth. Dental implants in Elizabeth, NJ are often preferred to dentures or bridgework, which may not fit as well or provide the same cosmetic results over time.
Dental implants provide strong support for various types of dental prostheses, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. They behave similarly to natural tooth roots, offering stability and comfort for individuals who have experienced tooth loss — allowing them to enjoy a complete smile and regain confidence in speaking and eating.
How dental implant surgery is performed depends on the type of implant used and the condition of the jawbone. Dental implants may involve several procedures to create more support for the implant, and surgery is usually performed in stages with healing time between each step. The process involves multiple steps, including:
The entire process may take several months from start to finish. Most of that time is devoted to healing and waiting for new bone growth in the jaw.
Every patient is unique, and the approach to dental implant treatment must be tailored to individual needs. At Legacy Oral Surgery, we are committed to providing each patient with the personalized care and attention their situation requires.
- Damaged tooth removal
- Jawbone preparation — grafting (when needed)
- Dental implant placement
- Bone growth and healing
- Abutment placement
- Artificial tooth placement
Reasons for Dental Implants
If you have recently had a tooth removed, a dental implant may be recommended to preserve your oral health. Without an implant, you may experience jawbone deterioration that can change your facial structure over time. Implants are ideally placed soon after a tooth is extracted.
Dental implants represent the most advanced system for replacing missing teeth, closely replicating the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.
Teeth rely on their roots and neighboring teeth for support. Losing a tooth causes surrounding teeth to shift, become unstable, and potentially fall out. Dental implants help prevent this by supporting the surrounding teeth and allowing you to smile with confidence.
Another reason to consider dental implants is if you are already wearing dentures. Dentures rest on your gums and do not stop the jawbone from deteriorating. Implants apply the necessary pressure to keep the jawbone healthy. Without an implant, jawbone loss and facial changes are likely, making it increasingly difficult to wear dentures comfortably. Unlike dentures, implants are secure and will not slip, enabling natural eating, speaking, and smiling.
If you are considering a dental bridge, it is worth noting that a bridge fills the gap of a missing tooth and is held in place by crowns on adjacent teeth. To fit a bridge, some enamel must be removed from the surrounding teeth — an irreversible process. We favor implants when possible to preserve as much natural tooth enamel as possible.
Implants are more reliable than bridges because they are anchored directly into the jaw, offering greater stability for smiling, speaking, and eating. They are also durable, supporting a long-lasting, healthy smile.
- Changes in facial structure
- Additional tooth loss
- Problems with dentures
- Self-consciousness about your smile
What Happens If You’re Missing All Upper or Lower Teeth?
Individuals who are missing all of their upper or lower teeth may assume that traditional dentures are their only option. However, there are several implant-supported options available that can restore both your oral health and the appearance of your smile, including the following:
Your oral surgeon will perform a comprehensive exam and determine the best course of action for treatment based on your unique needs.
- Ball attachment dentures: These dentures are attached by two or more anchor implants in the jaw. While more stable than traditional dentures, minor movement may still occur with this option.
- Bar attachment dentures: Anchored by four to six implants connected by a bar, these dentures snap into place on the support bar for added stability.
- Screw retained dentures: Supported by five or more implants, this option provides excellent stability and the ability to clean under the denture without removing it.
- Individual implants: This solution typically requires eight or more implants and offers the most permanent, natural-feeling replacement for your original teeth.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implant Surgery?
Determining whether you are a good fit for dental implant surgery is an important first step. Not everyone is a suitable candidate, but the evaluation process is straightforward. The ideal candidate should have healthy gums and sufficient bone to support the implant. If you have lost a tooth or teeth due to injury, decay, or disease, dental implants may be an excellent option. Dental implants behave similarly to natural teeth, providing strong stability and enhancing comfort and fit.
There are factors that can make the process more complex. For instance, smoking, chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, or prior radiation therapy to the head or neck area can affect healing and the success of the implant. These factors do not automatically disqualify you, but they are important to discuss with your oral surgeon during your consultation.
Young patients whose jawbones have not fully developed may need to wait before they are candidates for implants. Your oral surgeon will evaluate whether the timing is right and help you understand all available options.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?
The two main materials used for implants are titanium and zirconia. Extensive research and testing go into developing implant materials, with attention to chemical and physical properties. These materials are resistant to corrosion and fracturing while maintaining the proper composition and microstructure needed for long-term performance.
Titanium Dental Implants
Titanium implants are still the most commonly used. One of the primary benefits of titanium is that it does not disturb the jawbone. When a titanium implant is placed, bone is still able to grow next to the implant as it would around a natural tooth, which helps the implant last longer.
Titanium implants are also the most cost-effective and versatile option. Most titanium implants are made from titanium alloys rather than pure titanium, which makes them stronger and safer for patients who may have titanium sensitivities. Titanium is a biocompatible material that closely resembles the body’s natural structure, making implant fusion to the bone more effective.
Zirconia Dental Implants
Unlike titanium, zirconia implants are a newer option in the dental implant field. Many patients have concerns about titanium due to potential sensitivities or preferences against metal, making zirconia a strong metal-free alternative. Zirconia is also used for making bridges and crowns, and the material fuses to bone in a very similar way to titanium.
Because zirconia implants have not been available as long as titanium implants, the volume of long-term research is not yet comparable. However, zirconia dental implants have two notable advantages over titanium:
Ultimately, the material used for dental implants is determined by each patient’s needs and preferences. Your oral surgeon will provide the information you need to make a well-informed decision about your implant treatment.
- There is no dark metal color showing through the gums
- While zirconia can fracture more easily than titanium, it is less susceptible to corrosion
When Is Bone Grafting Necessary for a Dental Implant?
If your jawbone is not thick enough or is too soft, bone grafting may be necessary before proceeding with dental implant surgery. Without adequate bone support, the implant may not be stable enough to succeed. A bone graft creates a solid base for the implant. In some cases, it can take several months for the transplanted bone to generate enough new bone to support the implant.
Ensuring sufficient bone volume is crucial for a stable dental implant, as the implant’s long-term stability is directly tied to the quality of bone support at the time of placement.
Some patients may only need minor bone grafting, which can be performed at the same time as the implant surgery. Your oral surgeon will evaluate your jawbone condition and determine how to proceed with treatment.
How to Prepare for Your Dental Implant Surgery
Preparing for dental implant surgery begins with a thorough evaluation by your oral surgeon, which may include detailed X-rays or 3D images of your jaw to plan the best approach for implant placement. Your oral surgeon will also review your medical history to identify any conditions that could influence the outcome and discuss anesthesia options to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Our office uses state-of-the-art technology and care to ensure the highest quality of preparation and treatment for your dental implant surgery.
You will be given specific pre-surgery instructions, which may include guidelines on eating or drinking before your procedure — particularly if sedation is involved. You may be advised to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure given the after-effects of sedation. Your oral surgeon may also prescribe antibiotics to be taken in the days before surgery to help prevent infection. Following these steps closely will support a successful implant procedure and a smooth recovery.
What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery
After your dental implant surgery, it is helpful to know what to expect. The period immediately following the procedure is important for healing, and some discomfort is normal. You may notice swelling, bruising around the implant area, and minor bleeding. These symptoms are typical and should reduce over the first few days.
Pain management is an important part of recovery. Your oral surgeon may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe medication to help manage any discomfort. Sticking to soft foods for a few days is also advised to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the implant site.
Good oral hygiene is essential to successful healing. You will receive specific instructions on how to care for your mouth following surgery. This typically includes gentle brushing around the implant site and using a recommended mouthwash to keep the area clean without causing irritation.
In the weeks following surgery, follow-up appointments allow your oral surgeon to monitor healing and confirm the implant is integrating well with your jawbone. Healing times vary from person to person, so patience and following your post-operative instructions are key to the long-term success of your dental implant. Visit our patient resources page for additional guidance on caring for your smile after surgery.
Caring for Your New Dental Implants
Taking care of your dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth, with a few additional considerations to keep them in top condition. Regular brushing and flossing are essential — brush at least twice a day and floss daily to keep the area around your implants clean and free from plaque. Using a soft-bristle toothbrush helps avoid scratching the implant surface.
Regular visits to your oral surgeon are also important. These appointments are not only for cleaning but also for making sure your implants are holding up well. Routine checkups allow your care team to catch potential issues early and ensure both your implants and your overall oral health are maintained.
Be mindful of what you eat as well. While implants are strong, chewing on hard foods or ice can risk damaging them. A healthy diet and avoiding sticky or overly hard foods will help protect your investment.
Quitting smoking can also significantly benefit the longevity of your implants. Smoking can weaken bone structure and negatively affect the healing process, so avoiding tobacco is strongly recommended both during recovery and after.
Dental Implants in Elizabeth, NJ — Schedule Your Appointment
At Legacy Oral Surgery, our priority is your long-term oral health and satisfaction. Dr. Nancy Herbst and our team use the latest equipment, innovative treatments, and advances in oral surgery to help our patients achieve the best possible results with their dental implant procedures.
Call 908-585-4990 or complete our online contact form to learn more and schedule your consultation today.
