Dental Implants FAQ's
What is a dental implant?
Will a dental implant feel natural?
What are the benefits of a dental implant?
Who is a candidate for a dental implant?
What is the process for receiving a dental implant?
How do I maintain my dental implant?
How long do dental implants last?
A: A dental implant is a replacement tooth made of three parts:
- A small, metallic post acts as the root for the crown. The jawbone will fuse to this biocompatible cylinder so that the crown or denture can be secured to the mouth much like the natural teeth.
- An abutment fits over the implant post protruding from the gums. The abutment attaches the crown to the implant post.
- The crown is the only exposed part of the implant, once the procedure is complete. The crown is made to look and function as a natural tooth. To replace multiple teeth, a bridge, partial, or denture can be secured to dental implant posts.
Q: Will a dental implant feel natural?
A: A dental implant is more likely to feel like your natural teeth than traditional dentures, partial dentures, or a bridge. Attached to your jawbone by a post that mimics the root of a natural tooth, an implant will not allow your prosthetic to wobble, slip, or slide out of place. Dental implants can function almost exactly like natural teeth.
Our natural teeth have a periodontal ligament located at the connection of the root and jawbone. Periodontal ligaments allow the teeth to absorb shock and pressure when chewing and speaking, much like ligaments in our legs allow us to absorb shock when running or jumping. Unlike natural teeth, dental implants do not have a periodontal ligament. This may be the only difference a dental implant recipient feels.
Q: What are the benefits of a dental implant?A: A missing tooth can affect your appearance, the way you speak, how you eat, and other fundamental aspects of everyday life. With a dental implant, Dr. Kobak can help you feel more like yourself. Implants are more stable and secure than dentures or partial dentures, so patients with dental implants do not have to worry about a poor fit or embarrassing slippage. Unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth because they are secured to the jawbone.
When a patient loses several teeth, he or she can be susceptible to atrophy of the alveolar bone, or shrinkage of the jawbone. The jaw will regress in size and width when it is not stimulated by teeth roots. Alveolar atrophy occurs much more rapidly than other types of deterioration, which is why it is imperative to have a missing tooth replaced. Dental implants provide the stimuli that keep a jawbone from deteriorating.
If you are experiencing chronic toothache from a problematic tooth, a dental implant can replace the tooth that is causing pain. A toothache usually results from a deep cavity or fracture, but may also occur when a tooth sustains internal infection. Inside the center of a natural tooth is the pulp, which contains the nerve. The nerve sends pain signals from a tooth to the brain. A dental implant does not contain any nerves that will perceive pain or discomfort in the artificial tooth.
Unlike a bridge, which must be attached to the surrounding teeth, a dental implant is anchored independently. It attaches to the jawbone instead of abutment teeth. Therefore, the structure of the surrounding teeth can be preserved and chewing will feel more natural.
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. In most cases, a dental implant will not have to be replaced.
Q: Who is a candidate for dental implants?A: Almost any adult can receive dental implants. Children whose bone structure is still developing are not candidates for implants, since the attachment site of the artificial tooth with shift as the bone grows. However, oral bone structure is typically developed by adolescence. Other considerations include medical history, jawbone health, and individual needs of the patient. Committed to patient satisfaction, Dr. Kobak will ask questions about these considerations and address all of your concerns about dental implants when you come in for a consultation.
Q: What is the process for receiving a dental implant?A: A dental implant is typically placed in two phases. Before the process can begin, at a preliminary appointment, you'll undergo an evaluation for candidacy and we'll take X-rays to analyze. If candidacy is confirmed, we can schedule implant placement. During this appointment, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb where the artificial tooth will be implanted. Dr. Kobak will gently insert the small, metal cylinder, acting as the root of the artificial tooth, through the gums and into the alveolar bone, or jawbone. Expect a healing period of three to six months while the implant post fuses to the jawbone.
In the second phase of the procedure, Dr. Kobak will check that the implant post has successfully bonded with the bone. If the bonding—also called oseointegration—is complete, the crown—the only visible part of the implant—will be secured to the abutment piece, which attaches to the artificial root. Alternatively, you may have a denture secured onto a few implants. Because we care about your oral health and the longevity of your implant, Dr. Kobak will take time to go over the details of cleaning and maintaining your new dental implant so that it can last you a lifetime.
Q: How do I maintain my dental implant?A: For the longevity of your dental implant and good oral health, clean and maintain your new implant every day. Food trapped between the implant and your surrounding teeth can cause bacteria to build up, making your gums vulnerable to disease. Plan to brush and floss your implants the same way you would brush and floss your natural teeth. You'll also need to attend regular cleanings and checkups as directed by Dr. Kobak.
Q: How long do dental implants last?A: In most cases, a patient's dental implant will last a lifetime. With proper dental care and regular cleanings, a dental implant will not have to be replaced.
Schedule Your Visit Today!
We invite you to call 516-433-2211 and make your appointment with Dr. Kobak. Whether you need a checkup, you’d like to discuss smile makeover procedures, or you’re interested in improving your oral health with restorative dentistry, Syosset Dental is here to help. Our office is conveniently located in Syosset, NY near all the major highways, easily accessible from almost any location in Nassau, Suffolk or New York City. Be sure to visit our blog and subscribe for updates, and join our conversation on Facebook, too!
