- Socket preservation. Sometimes called ridge preservation, this type of graft is placed in the socket immediately after a tooth extraction. It fills the void left behind by the missing tooth and prevents the sides of the socket from caving in.
- Ridge augmentation. If your teeth have been missing for a while, the supporting jawbone may be thinner than it was before. Ridge augmentation increases the width and volume of the jawbone so it can provide a stable foundation for implants or other restorative options.
- Sinus lift. The maxillary sinuses sit just above your upper back teeth. If the upper back teeth are missing, the sinuses can drop down and invade the space once occupied by the teeth roots. In this scenario, you wouldn’t want to place implants because they would penetrate the sinus membrane. To address this problem, your oral surgeon or periodontist can perform a sinus lift. This procedure raises the sinus back to its proper position. A dental bone graft is then placed underneath the sinus, creating a solid foundation for dental implants later on.
- Periodontal bone graft. Infection from gum disease can erode the bone that supports the teeth. This can cause the teeth to become loose. A periodontal bone graft is placed around an existing tooth to reduce mobility and provide additional support.
Dental Implants in Ardsley, NY
Did you know…
Unlike your natural teeth, dental implants aren’t affected by tooth decay.
the 4-step dental implant process
The Initial Consultation
It's no secret that dental implants are considered to be one of the more complex treatments in dentistry. Since they carry a very high level customization, an initial consultation will be needed to ensure the most successful treatment possible. This typically involves a general exam, x-rays, and a CBCT scan. The more we can understand the specific aspects of your health and current oral structures, the better we can create a treatment plan that meets your needs.
DEntal implant surgery
Once we know how many teeth you intend to replace as well as your jawbone's current density and volume, we can move forward with surgery. The placement stage involves creating a small incision in your gum tissue and creating a hole inside your jaw for the implant to fit into. Once placed, the gum tissue will be stitched closed so that the healing phase can begin. At this point, a temporary restoration may be provided, especially if you are replacing a tooth that's visible in your smile.
Healing & Osseointegration
Osseointegration is the process in which a titanium implant becomes part of your natural bone and gum tissue. Depending on where the implant was placed, this step could take as long as four to six months. During the healing period, you'll come back to our practice every so often to confirm that the implant is healing properly. An abutment attaches your restoration and implant together while providing a stable foundation for your bite. The abutment may be placed during your initial surgery or at a later date after gum tissue has already healed. A healing abutment may also be placed after the bone has integrated but the gum tissue still requires additional healing.
Creating the Prosthetic
Once all bone and gum tissue has healed, you'll receive your permanent restoration. This could be an implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture, depending on the extent of your tooth loss. Our dentists will make sure that your restoration keeps your bite even after placement. If your restoration doesn't feel right, they'll make any adjustments necessary to ensure that your bite feels as natural as your new smile looks.
Dental Implant Options
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Single Tooth Implants
Single tooth implants are the most-commonly used dental implant, and consist of two primary parts. The dental implant, or post, is a rod made of titanium and shaped like a screw. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is attached to the implant post, and is used to complete the restoration.
To place a single tooth implant, the post is embedded directly into the jaw, where it bonds permanently with the surrounding bone tissue. While the gum is healing, a dental crown is crafted, and is eventually attached to the implant post with an “abutment.” This dental crown will mirror the shape, function, and appearance of a natural tooth to give your smile a natural look and feel. Made from durable materials, single tooth implants can last for decades, and, unlike a partial denture, will never shift, or move around.
Full-Arch Implants
Full-arch implants are a secure, durable alternative to traditional dentures for those patients who are missing all, or most, of their teeth. By placing a series of 4-6 dental implants per arch, you can enjoy the look and function of a new smile that can stand the test of time.
These dental implants function like artificial roots that allow fixed dental bridges or a set of removable implant-supported overdentures to permanently bond to the jaw and gum line to restore your smile. Full-arch implants look and feel much more natural than traditional dentures, and will never shift or move when you eat or speak.
Bone Grafts
Bone grafts add volume and density to your jaw in areas where bone loss has occurred and promote regrowth. Patients who are experiencing weakened jawbones due to tooth loss, periodontal disease, or simply the natural aging process may be good candidates for bone grafts. Bone grafts are necessary in many instances to ensure a patient’s jaw bone will be strong enough to retain a dental implant.
In most cases, bone grafts for dental implants must heal completely before the actual implant is placed. Because each person is unique, recovery times vary. In rare instances, your dentist may be able to place a bone graft and a dental implant at the same time. But this is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Did you know…
Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime.
Have questions about implant dentistry? Find answers here.
How are dental implants made?
Dental implants are made of two main parts: the implant itself, which is a screw-shaped titanium “post”, and the restorative component, usually a dental crown and abutment. A wide range of post sizes are available to ensure every patient gets an implant that fits their smile perfectly. On the other hand, the restoration is a custom-made prosthetic. Once your Ardsley dentist has completed the placement of your dental implant, they will create impressions of your teeth and gums to send to a dental lab.
The lab will use these impressions to craft a long-lasting dental implant restoration. Most are crafted out of porcelain or another durable composite material. Once the restoration is complete, the lab will send it back to our office, and you’ll come in for your final visit. Your dentist will complete the restoration by securely affixing your dental prosthetic to your implant.
How long do dental implants last?
Placed properly, and maintained with good oral hygiene habits, dental implants can last for decades. It’s very common for patients to keep their implants for the rest of their lives.
The restoration, on the other hand, may not last as long. Although restorations like dental crowns, bridges, or overdentures are made from durable materials, they are still exposed to regular wear from chewing and biting. Over time, restorations will likely need to be replaced to keep your smile healthy and functional.
Can dental implants get infected?
Although it’s a rare complication, dental implants can become infected. Known as “peri-implantitis,” a dental implant infection is generally the result of the implant not being kept clean or cared for properly after surgery.
To avoid peri-implantitis and maintain your oral health, carefully follow your dentist’s instructions during recovery, and be sure to brush and floss regularly once your implant is healed.
Will dental implants stop bone loss?
Yes. Bone resorption, or bone loss, occurs when your jaw is no longer stimulated by the natural pressure that comes from chewing and biting. Losing a tooth stops this regular stimulation, causing the jaw bone to weaken over time.
Dental implants bond directly with the jaw bone, acting as artificial roots that transmit the force of chewing and biting into your jaw bone, providing stimulation and pressure to keep you from losing bone density.
Can dental implants be done in one day?
There are indeed several types of dental implants that can be completed in a single visit. The restoration will be a temporary appliance to keep your bite functional until you have finished healing from your dental implant placement surgery. With this temporary restoration, you’ll be able to speak and eat normally throughout the healing process.
Throughout the healing process, which usually lasts between 3-6 months, your dentist will schedule a series of follow-up visits, to monitor your progress and to take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will be sent to our dental lab, where they will be used to create your own custom-made restoration, which will be a more permanent, durable, and natural-looking prosthetic than your temporaries.
Did you know…
Dental implants are made of titanium, one of the most durable, and lightest metals.