Losing a tooth to gum disease or an accident can cause more than just an aesthetic gap in your smile. When you lose a natural tooth, your other teeth begin to shift toward the gap. This can cause trouble with regular eating, biting, and even talking. For restorative and cosmetic purposes, dental implants are among the most effective options after tooth loss. Working with a qualified oral surgeon in Union City can help you determine if implants are right for you.
An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium, the same material used in many replacement hips and knees, and a metal well suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. The tooth can be either permanently attached or removable. Legacy Oral Surgery is here to help you rebuild a smile you are proud of.
- Dental implants offer a permanent solution for tooth loss, acting as synthetic tooth roots surgically placed in the jawbone for those seeking restorative and cosmetic dental solutions.
- Candidates for dental implants now include those with previously disqualifying conditions, such as insufficient bone density. Implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth with a bridge, or all teeth with a full denture.
- Dental implants help prevent bone deterioration and shifting of remaining teeth, providing a biocompatible and natural-looking solution for normal eating and oral hygiene practices.
- Legacy Oral Surgery offers advanced dental implant treatments including sinus lift augmentation, autogenous bone grafting, multiple teeth replacement, and computer-enhanced planning backed by over 35 years of combined professional experience.
Candidates for Dental Implants
Advancements in diagnostics and bone reconstruction have made it possible for those who have insufficient bone density, certain health conditions, or certain oral health habits to be considered candidates for dental implants. In the past, these factors would have disqualified many patients from treatment.
Implants are versatile. If you are missing only one tooth, one implant plus a replacement tooth may do the trick. If you are missing several teeth in a row, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge, which is a set of replacement teeth. If you have lost all of your teeth, a full bridge or full denture can be permanently fixed in your mouth with a strategic number of implants.
Patients who are uncomfortable with other treatment options such as dentures, partial dentures, or bridges may find dental implants to be a more permanent and comfortable solution.
Are Dental Implants a Solution for Missing Teeth?
Losing a tooth impacts not only your smile but also your overall oral health. If you are seeking a permanent and effective solution for missing teeth, dental implants may be the right choice. At Legacy Oral Surgery, we offer comprehensive implant solutions that address both the functional and aesthetic consequences of tooth loss with durable, natural-looking results.
The Implant Advantage
Dental implants closely replicate the structure and function of natural teeth. Composed of biocompatible titanium posts that fuse with the jawbone, implants provide a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth. This integration supports stability and stimulates the surrounding bone, preventing the deterioration that typically follows tooth loss.
Unlike traditional options such as bridges or dentures, dental implants offer a permanent fix. This eliminates the need for removable prosthetics and provides a level of confidence and comfort that other solutions cannot match. Whether you are missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or seeking to secure a denture, our oral and maxillofacial surgery team tailors implant treatments to address your specific needs.
Indications for Dental Implants
Dental implants are a versatile option for various scenarios of tooth loss. They are an excellent choice for individuals who have lost a single tooth due to trauma or decay. Additionally, implants can be strategically placed to support bridges for those with multiple missing teeth or to anchor a full set of dentures securely.
If you are looking for a solution that restores your smile and enhances your oral health, dental implants may be the ideal choice. They offer a long-term investment in your well-being, contributing to improved chewing ability, speech, and overall confidence.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many benefits to dental implants as a tooth replacement solution. Unlike other treatment methods, this is a permanent option that can help restore confidence in your smile, improve your bite, and support your overall health and quality of life.
Where you have experienced tooth loss, the bone may deteriorate in that region from lack of stimulation. This can cause your sinuses to sag, your jawbone to weaken, and your other teeth to shift. A dental implant helps address these problems by acting as a new placeholder for your natural tooth.
Because dental implants are composed of titanium and embedded into the jawbone, they offer a permanent solution to missing teeth. This treatment is also biocompatible, meaning it is a non-toxic solution unlikely to be rejected by the body. Implants are long-lasting and natural-looking, and the solid material allows you to eat the foods you enjoy while brushing, flossing, and chewing normally.
Dental Implant Treatments at Legacy Oral Surgery
At Legacy Oral Surgery, we offer various advanced treatments and patient-centered care for dental implant procedures in Union City, NJ. The following are the treatment options we offer.
Sinus Lift Augmentation
Often, the sinuses will enlarge following the loss of the upper back teeth. This can prevent the placement of dental implants in the upper back areas of the mouth since the sinus is an air-filled space and dental implants need to be surrounded by solid bone. A sinus lift augmentation is a surgical procedure that restores the sinus cavity to its original size and replaces the bone lost as a result of the enlarged sinus. This new bone graft typically takes nine to 12 months to heal before dental implants can be placed into the grafted bone.
Autogenous Bone Grafting
Occasionally, the ideal areas for dental implants do not have sufficient bone quantity to support the implants. In these cases, it is often necessary to “borrow” bone from another area of your mouth and perform a bone graft into the deficient area. Often, the area of choice is the chin or back of the jaw where your wisdom teeth once were.
Multiple Teeth Replacement
If you have lost more than one tooth, your oral surgeon can discuss your options for multiple teeth replacement. This may include multiple dental implants, an All-on-4, or a bridge. While dental implants are sturdier than bridges, bridges may provide a more cost-effective alternative for filling gaps in your mouth.
Implant Site Development
When a tooth needs to be removed due to infection, it is not uncommon to have lost bone around the infected area. In these cases, various types of bone grafting can be performed at the same time the tooth is removed to facilitate the placement of a dental implant at a later date.
Computer-Enhanced Treatment Planning
We use special software that enables us to evaluate your dental CT scan in three dimensions for bone quality, bone quantity, and bone location. This allows for the best possible placement of your dental implants and enables us to work closely with your restorative dentist to help achieve an ideal result.
After Implant Replacement
Once your dental implant restoration is complete, it is important to keep the area clean and free from infection. Dental implants can accumulate plaque and tartar just as natural teeth can. Whether you have one tooth replaced by an implant or several, a professional cleaning schedule is necessary to keep your implants healthy. The appropriate interval for these cleanings is determined by your individual needs.
If your implant does not integrate well or you need a replacement due to improper maintenance, Legacy Oral Surgery can help develop an appropriate plan of action for your specific situation.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation in Union City
If you would like to restore your teeth and your oral health with dental implants, speak with the team at Legacy Oral Surgery to assess whether implants are the right option for you. We see over 7,000 patients per year and offer innovative, effective, and patient-centered care that restores the look, feel, and function of your smile.
With over 35 years of combined professional experience, Dr. Nancy Herbst and our team have helped patients achieve meaningful improvements in their quality of life through dental implant treatment. We fully customize each treatment plan while utilizing state-of-the-art technology to deliver the best possible results. Fill out our contact form or call our Union City office today at (201) 601-9262.
