Dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing or damaged teeth. They look and feel nearly identical to your natural teeth, offering long-lasting durability and stability by replacing both the root and the crown.
If you’re considering a single-tooth dental implant, here’s a step-by-step guide on the process and its benefits, so you can achieve a complete, healthy smile!
Benefits of Dental Implants 💪
- Preserve Jawbone Health: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss.
- Prevent Facial Sagging: Maintain facial structure even when teeth are missing.
- Restore Chewing & Speaking Function: Enjoy improved comfort and efficiency when eating and talking.
- Boost Self-Confidence: A natural-looking smile can transform your self-image.
- Prevent Shifting of Teeth: Implants keep surrounding teeth in place, reducing risks of cavities and gum disease.
The Dental Implant Procedure 🔍
Step 1: Consultation
- Initial Evaluation: Meet with your dentist to review your oral health and expectations.
- 3D Imaging: We use a Cone Beam 3D Imaging scanner 📸 to assess your oral anatomy and ensure you have sufficient bone mass.
- Bone Grafting (if needed): If your bone mass is low, a bone graft may be recommended at this stage.
Step 2: Tooth Extraction
- Removal of Damaged Teeth: If the problematic tooth is still in place, it will be extracted.
- Many extractions are performed in-office for your convenience.
Step 3: Bone Grafts
- Building a Foundation: During a bone graft, a small opening is made in the bone, and sterilized bone material is inserted to serve as a scaffold for your natural bone to grow around.
- A dissolvable membrane and stitches may be used to secure the graft.
- Healing Time: Typically, 4-6 months are needed for the graft to heal sufficiently.
Step 4: Placing the Implant Post
- Surgical Insertion: A titanium implant post is carefully placed into the jawbone.
- Osseointegration: Over 3-6 months, the post fuses with your bone, creating a sturdy foundation.
Step 5: Placing the Abutment
- Connecting Component: After confirming osseointegration, the gum is reopened and a stainless steel abutment is attached to the implant post.
- Healing: The gum is then closed over the abutment, and a 2-week healing period follows.
Step 6: Placing the Crown
- Final Restoration: Your custom-made dental crown is placed on top of the abutment.
- The crown is designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless, attractive appearance.
Step 7: Maintenance
- Ongoing Care: Caring for your dental implant is simple – brush, floss, and attend regular dental check-ups just like you do with your natural teeth.
- With proper care, the implant post can last a lifetime, while the crown may need replacement every 7-10 years due to normal wear.
Schedule Your Consultation 📞
Ready to transform your smile? Our expert team at Manhattan Dental Spa is here to help you decide if dental implants are right for you and guide you through the entire process.
Call our Murray Hill, NYC office at 212-683-2530 or book your appointment online today!