The Complete Guide to Dental Implant Restoration: Everything to Know

If you are looking for a way to replace missing teeth, our dentists in New York, NY can help. This guide explains what to know about dental implant restoration.

By age 50, most Americans have lost about 12 teeth. Unfortunately, even a single missing tooth can cause oral health complications. The teeth surrounding the gap might begin to lean toward the empty space, causing a crooked smile as well.

Before that happens, talk to your dentist in New York, NY about dental implant restoration. What does the process entail, exactly?

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the implant restoration process today!

What Is Dental Implant Restoration?

Before delving into the procedure process, let's cover the basics. What exactly is dental implant restoration?

Dental implants are ideal for replacing missing teeth. Gaps in your smile could impact your self-confidence over time.

They could become a deterrent during social interactions, leading to self-esteem issues and embarrassment.

If you're embarrassed about the state of your smile, you're not alone. In fact, nearly 60% of American adults cover their mouths due to dental insecurities. Another 70% are self-conscious about their teeth and receive criticism from those closest to them.

Over 60% of Americans want to change something about their smiles, too. 

Missing teeth can also affect your oral health or ability to speak. You could develop a lisp or experience issues when chewing and digesting food. If these problems sound familiar, schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist in New York, NY.

Dental implants can restore your missing teeth, thereby:

• Restoring your smile
• Improving your oral health
• Boosting your self-confidence
• Improving your digestion
• Reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities

Dental implant restoration provides an alternative method of tooth replacement. You're no longer limited to traditional dentures to replace your missing teeth. 

The procedure involves creating an artificial tooth to replace the tooth you're missing. During the procedure, your dentist will attach the artificial tooth to an implant root. The implanted root will fuse with your jawbone over a period of months.

Once this process (osseointegration) is complete, your dentist will place the crown or artificial tooth atop the implant. The implant will serve as a permanent root for your new tooth!



Your dentist might combine your implants with other dental services to fully restore your smile. 

The Process

During your consultation appointment, your dentist will discuss the types of crown procedures used during dental implant restorations.

Usually, the implant restoration process involves two steps. How long the process is can vary based on the number of implants you need. Treatment duration can also vary if your dentist needs to first extract a broken or damaged tooth. 

For a single implant, the process usually takes one or two hours. 

Step One

First, your dentist or oral surgeon will prepare the bone that is receiving your dental implant. They'll need to place the implant into your jawbone to ensure stability. If you don't have enough bone available to retain the implant, your dentist might recommend an alternative treatment option.

A root-form implant will serve as the root for your new tooth. Then, your dentist will place the implant, which is often made of titanium.

You'll need to give the area three to six months to heal. During this time, the implant will integrate itself into the bone.

Then, you'll need to schedule a second surgery.

Step Two

If your dentist confirms the implant has adhered itself to your jawbone, they can then attach the implant abutment and crown.



Placing the abutment onto the implant will ensure it holds the new crown in place. Your dentist will need to open your gums to place the abutment atop the crown. 

Your new crown will look like one of your natural teeth, ensuring it blends in with your natural smile. Friends and family members won't recognize there's an implant in place. Instead, you can restore your smile with the utmost discretion.

After this step, you can leave with your beautiful new smile!

Benefits

During your consultation appointment, talk to your New York dentist about the pros and cons of implant dentistry.

Remember, this treatment option is an ideal alternative to dentures. Otherwise, the dentures can rub against your gums, causing discomfort. Implant dentistry, on the other hand, is a permanent way to replace missing teeth.

If there's a gap between your teeth, you could find it difficult to pronounce certain words. You might develop a lisp, too. Your implant could improve your speech by closing this gap.

A gap between your teeth can also make it difficult for you to thoroughly chew your favorite foods. You might eliminate nutritious foods from your diet as a result. An implant will make it easier for you to eat and chew properly.

Leaving a gap in your smile could cause your cheeks to sink inward over time. You might start developing wrinkles, too.

Replacing missing teeth with an implant could keep your skin smooth and facial features refined.

Remember, your surrounding teeth might lean toward the gap if you're missing a tooth. You might find it more difficult to brush and floss as a result. Neglecting to clear away bacteria and food particles can increase your risk of gingivitis or tooth decay.



With this procedure, you can restore and protect your smile for years to come.

Visit Your Dentist in New York, NY for Implant Restoration

Don't let missing teeth affect your appearance or oral health. Instead, talk to your dentist in New York, NY about the dental implant restoration process. They can walk you through your treatment options to determine if this is the best course of action for you!

With help, you can restore your smile and improve your oral health.

Want to discuss your treatment options with a local dentist? We're here to help.



Schedule an appointment today to get started.