Are Dental Implants A Reliable Solution for Missing Teeth?

Studies estimate that 178 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth. The chance you may be missing a tooth increases as you age. Among the most common reasons for tooth loss include cavities, advanced gum disease, or physical injury. Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons offer advanced dental implants for individuals with a small or large gap in their smile.

Many people turn to temporary solutions, such as dentures, to replace a lost tooth. However, dental implants are a reliable and long-term replacement for missing teeth. So, what are dental implants, and how long do dental implants last? Implants are fixed posts made with biocompatible titanium material. The post acts as the root of the tooth, while the top supports a bridge or crown for beautiful results.

The first thing people notice about you is your smile. If you have a gap in your teeth, schedule a consultation at our Albany or Latham, NY office. Replacing missing teeth with implants is a wonderful alternative to removable dentures.

What are dental implants?

Missing teeth can make you feel embarrassed or self-conscious in social situations. You may even have trouble eating or speaking because the gap makes it too difficult. So, what are dental implants? An artificial tooth root is placed in your jawbone and bonds with your jawbone. We then place a restoration at the top of the implant for natural-looking results.

How we place dental implants

Dental implants are placed over the span of several appointments. For example, patients with advanced bone deterioration may require bone grafting before undergoing surgery. Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons begins your treatment with comfortable sedation options or local anesthesia. We then carefully create an incision in your gums. The titanium post is placed into the jawbone.

Over the following months, the post fuses into the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This is important because the jawbone needs to heal properly around the dental implant. Patients can then return to our clinic in Albany, NY for their final restoration.

How long do dental implants last?

So, how long do dental implants last? Implants are considered permanent as long as patients are willing to care for them consistently. The knowledgeable professionals at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can help you extend the life of your implants with simple tips and techniques. Some include:

• Participate in smart oral care: Brush and floss your teeth daily, in addition to attending yearly dental examinations.

• Use your teeth properly: Never use your teeth to bite down on hard objects. Dental implants can break or chip if you misuse them.

• Avoid smoking: Tobacco products are not only detrimental to your overall oral health but your implant as well. Smoking reduces blood supply to our gums and teeth.

Replacing missing teeth with implants

There are so many advantages to receiving dental implants in Albany or Latham, NY at our office. Are you interested in replacing missing teeth with implants? During an assessment at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, we can examine your teeth and gums to see if you’re a qualified candidate for this procedure. Our clinic is proud to offer long-lasting and reliable solutions that improve the health and appearance of your smile.