Dental Implants

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are posts made of titanium or ceramic that are put into your jawbone to hold artificial teeth in place. [3] These screw-like posts are surgically placed into your jawbone to provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth. [4] Dental implants stay in place better and work better than dentures or bridges that rest on top of the gums. They are made to look and work like natural tooth roots.

There are different types of dental implants to address various needs:

Single Implants

If you’re missing just one tooth, a single implant can be surgically placed to support a custom-made crown, restoring both the function and appearance of the missing tooth. [3]   

Multiple Implants

Several implants can be placed in the jawbone in a strategic way to replace multiple missing teeth. These implants then support a bridge or denture, providing a stable and natural-looking solution for multiple missing teeth. [3]

Full Arch Implants

For individuals missing all their teeth in an upper or lower jaw, full arch implants can be strategically placed to support a complete denture. [3]  This innovative technique offers superior stability compared to traditional dentures, improving comfort and confidence.

You and your dentist can work together to get your smile and function back by choosing the right type of implant.

Benefits of Dental Implants: A Lasting Investment in Your Smile

There are many benefits that dental implants have over traditional tooth replacement techniques. Here’s why they might be the perfect solution for you:

Long-lasting and Stable 

Unlike dentures that can slip or become loose over time, dental implants fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. [4] This creates a strong and stable foundation for your replacement teeth, ensuring they function and feel just like natural teeth for many years to come, potentially even a lifetime with proper care.

Improved Chewing Function

It may be difficult to properly chew some foods if you are missing teeth. Dental implants, by replacing the tooth root and mimicking the natural structure of a tooth, allow you to enjoy a wider variety of foods with confidence and improved chewing ability. This can lead to better digestion and, potentially, a more balanced diet. [5] 

Enhanced Speech

Missing teeth, particularly front teeth, can impact your pronunciation and speech clarity. Dental implants restore the natural structure of your teeth, improving your ability to enunciate properly and speak clearly. [5]  

Natural-Looking Aesthetics

Dental implants are topped with custom-made crowns that are designed to match the color, size, and shape of your surrounding teeth. This creates a natural and seamless look, restoring your beautiful smile and boosting your confidence.

Confidence Boost

One of the best things about dental implants is that they can make you feel better about your confidence. A complete and natural-looking smile can empower you to smile freely and project confidence in social settings.

You can improve your oral health, overall health, and confidence with dental implants. They replace missing teeth in a way that lasts, so you can enjoy a healthy smile for years to come.

Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants? A Personalized Approach to Restoring Your Smile

Dental implants are a fantastic option for many people, but it’s important to understand if they’re the right fit for you. Here are some key factors to consider:

Good Oral Health in General

Dental implants require a healthy foundation in your jawbone and gums. [6] If you have active gum disease or other oral health concerns, your dentist may recommend treatment to achieve optimal oral health before implant placement.

Sufficient Jawbone Density

For dental implants to work, the implant has to fuse with your jawbone. This is called osseointegration. Having enough density in the jawbone is important for implant placement and long-term stability. [6]  Sometimes, bone grafting is needed to rebuild the jawbone before implant surgery.

Overall Health

Certain medical conditions may impact your candidacy for dental implants. During a consultation, your dentist will discuss your medical history to ensure dental implants are a safe and suitable option for you.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Regaining a complete and functional smile with dental implants involves a multi-stage process. Here’s a simplified overview of what you can expect:

Consultation and Planning

It all starts with a comprehensive consultation with your dentist. They will:

• Examine to see if you are qualified by looking at your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
• Discuss your medical history to ensure implant suitability.
• Review your desired outcome and answer any questions you may have.
• Utilize advanced 3D imaging technology, such as cone beam CT scans, to create a detailed picture of your jawbone structure. This allows for precise planning of implant placement for optimal results.

Implant Placement

Once the treatment plan is established, the implant placement surgery takes place. Local anesthesia is used to ensure minimal discomfort during the procedure. Your dentist will carefully create a small opening in the gum tissue and surgically place the dental implant(s) in the predetermined jawbone location.

Healing and Osseointegration

Following implant placement, a healing period ensues. During this time, the jawbone fuses with the implant surface through osseointegration, creating a strong and stable foundation for the replacement teeth. This healing period typically takes several months.

Crown Placement

Once the implant is fully integrated with the jawbone, your dentist will attach a custom-made crown to the implant post. This crown is designed to seamlessly blend with your surrounding teeth, restoring both the function and aesthetics of your smile.

Cutting-edge technology for the best results

Dental implant dentistry leverages advanced technology throughout the process. 3D imaging, as mentioned earlier, plays a crucial role in precise implant placement. Additionally, computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies can be used to fabricate custom-made crowns for a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.

For a long-lasting and confident smile, your dentist can make sure that the dental implant procedure goes smoothly and successfully by using cutting-edge technology along with their years of experience.

Considering Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer a life-changing solution for missing teeth. If you’re looking for a permanent, natural-looking, and functional way to restore your smile, dental implants might be the perfect choice for you.

Here at Englewood Dental, NJ, we have a team of experienced and qualified dentists who are passionate about implant dentistry. We utilize the latest advancements in technology and techniques to ensure a successful and comfortable implant experience for our patients. Our team is dedicated to listening to your concerns, understanding your goals, and creating a personalized treatment plan to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

The best way to determine if dental implants are right for you is to schedule a consultation with our dental team. During this consultation, we will:

• Conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
• Discuss your medical history and desired outcome.
• Answer any questions you may have about dental implants.
• Explore treatment options and create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs.

Many of our patients come to us feeling defeated by years spent trying to get their dental pieces to fit in with their lifestyle. Our team of New Jersey implant dentistry professionals understands how hard it can be to eat what you want and live your life free of embarrassing loss of dental function when you are wearing ill-fitting or improperly administered partials and dentures. That is why Dr. Minichetti established The Dental Implant Learning Center in Englewood, New Jersey, where dentists are trained in the proper way to place and restore dental implants. If your smile is missing teeth, you’ll be in great hands with Dr. Minichetti and our team of New Jersey implant dentistry specialists!

Dental implants are useful for many reasons besides just replacing missing teeth. They offer a durable, stable solution that lets you talk clearly, smile with confidence, and eat a greater range of foods. Dental implants can give you confidence and the freedom to smile in every part of your life because of their natural-looking aesthetics.

Invest in your smile, invest in your confidence. Contact our dental clinic today to schedule a consultation and explore the possibilities of dental implants!