Oral Surgery Group provides high-quality dental implants to patients in East Brunswick, NJ. Dental implants are one of the most popular and effective ways to replace missing teeth. Like a natural tooth’s root, a dental implant holds replacement teeth firmly in place without the need for support from adjacent teeth or removable devices. The completely permanent, self-supporting implants can be used to hold a single crown (prosthetic tooth) or a multi-tooth bridge. No other tooth loss solution is as long lasting or secure as dental implants, which is why most dental professionals recommend implants for any patient who is healthy enough to undergo an outpatient dental procedure.
Dental Implant Parts
Each dental implant generally consists of three parts, which come together to form one secure, natural-looking replacement tooth. The implant post, the abutment, and the crown (or prosthesis) all connect to form your finished implants. The post is a properly sized titanium screw that replaces your tooth’s root. This post stimulates the bone beneath the gums and prevents bone loss while it supports your new replacement teeth. The abutment piece is attached to this post. It acts as a connector piece between the post and your new crown or bridge attachment. The final piece is your crown or prosthesis. Your prosthetic tooth or teeth will be securely fixed to the abutment piece, allowing you to eat virtually anything you want without worrying about your teeth slipping or falling out of place.
Benefits of Dental Implant Placement
Most patients find that their implants look and feel identical to healthy natural teeth. Having the strength of a natural tooth allows you to eat the foods you love once again without worrying about a prosthesis coming out. The natural-looking crowns give patients a beautiful smile that they can show off with confidence. A few of the benefits dental implant patients receive include
- Long-lasting, secure replacement teeth (unlike dentures and bridges, which must be replaced after years of wear)
- Protection against bone loss and dental shifting
- A beautiful new smile
- Simple maintenance (floss and brush like natural teeth)
Dental implants are widely considered the best replacement option for patients who are candidates for outpatient dental procedures. Your oral surgeon will be happy to review your health history and help you determine if implants are the right solution for you.
The Dental Implant Placement Process
Getting dental implants usually involves two or three separate visits to your oral surgeon’s office. Your oral surgeon and your dentist will usually work together to complete your dental implant placement. First, you will come in for a consultation and oral exam so that your surgeon can review your condition. Sometimes a 3D X-ray will be recommended to help your doctor develop the most accurate treatment plan possible. Once you and your surgeon have decided on the best treatment option for you, you can schedule a date for your implant procedure.
The surgical procedure usually lasts somewhere between one and two hours, depending on the number of implants you plan on getting. After administering your local anesthesia or IV sedation, your surgeon will insert the dental implant into the bone. Once your implant is placed, the gums will be sutured to allow the implant to heal properly. If you receive immediate-loading implants, your abutments will be preloaded into your implant posts. Regular implants have the abutments and crowns attached at a later date, but a temporary prosthesis may be used before the permanent replacement teeth are placed. After the implant has fully healed and integrated into your bone, your surgeon and/or general dentist will place the final abutment and crown.
Before you receive the final crown, which is custom designed by your general dentist, your surgical site will need to heal. A few weeks or months will be required for the implant to integrate fully with the bone surrounding it. You will not be able to chew hard foods in the area of your implant until it is done healing. Patients must eat soft foods for a couple of days after the procedure, but most people are back to their normal routines after that. Your surgeon will go over the entire recovery process with you before your procedure. Patients find that their final appearance and function are well worth the wait.
Dental Implants in East Brunswick, NJ
If you live near East Brunswick, NJ, and you need dental implants, contact one of our offices today. We will be happy to help you schedule an appointment with one of our skilled oral surgeons, who will be able to help you find the best treatment option for your condition.