If you’re missing teeth, you may think your only options are dentures. But you’re wrong. Here at DentAlign NYC of Midtown East, Manhattan, Dr. Kenn Kokosian can replace your teeth using dental implants that look and feel just like your natural teeth.
You may wonder if dental implants make the best choice for you, which is why we’re going to answer some of the most asked questions about the revolutionary dental treatment.
You aren’t alone if you don’t know anything about dental implants. Dental implants have been around since the 1950s, but only recently, with advances in dental technology, have dental implants become more readily available as an option for replacing missing teeth.
The dental implant itself consists of a titanium screw that acts like the root of your tooth. We surgically place the dental implant into your jawbone. A connector, also referred to as an abutment, is placed on top of your dental implant to hold your crown. And finally, a crown that looks like your natural tooth is affixed to the connector to replace the missing tooth.
More than likely, yes, dental implants can work for you. Though we need to conduct a thorough evaluation before we can say for sure, dental implants can work for almost anyone. The only potential holdback is that you do need enough jawbone to be able to hold the dental implant in place. But we can graft bone into your jaw, if needed, to support the implant.
Every case is different, so this question is tough to answer. We can provide you with specifics when you come in for your evaluation. If you have a fairly straightforward case, it may take only a few months from start to finish for us to complete your dental implants. But if you have a more complicated case or you need a bone graft, it can take up to a year and sometimes longer.
The reason dental implants aren’t a quick fix is that the implant itself needs to adhere to your bone before we can place your crown, which takes time.
There are numerous reasons dental implants are better than dentures. For starters, they’re permanent, which means:
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, your dental implants are the next best thing to your real teeth.
We also think dental implants are better than dentures because they help keep your jawbone healthy and strong because of the constant stimulation provided by the implant. With dentures, you don’t get the extra stimulation, which can lead to the deterioration of your jawbone. The implant also provides stability for your other teeth to help keep them in place.
Dental implants are durable and designed to last a lifetime. We recommend that you treat your dental implants like your natural teeth. They need to be brushed and flossed regularly. You also need to continue to visit us for your regular cleanings and checkups to help maintain good oral care and so that we can take care of any issues before they become serious dental problems.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, you should be thinking of dental implants, not dentures. To get all your questions answered, call Dr. Kokosian and his team today. Schedule your appointment online, or call 716-350-0665 to book.
