Despite our best efforts, it’s sometimes difficult to keep our teeth looking their best. Trauma or health problems beyond our control can result in missing teeth. However, more and more Long Island patients are finding out that they can restore their smile with dental implants!

Dental Implants Versus Bridges And Dentures

Dental implants are artificial teeth consisting of the implant and a dental prosthesis. The implant is bonded to your jaw bone, so a well-done Long Island dental implant can function exactly like one of your own teeth.

Until the development of reliable dental implants, dental bridges were usually used to “bridge the gap” of a missing tooth. However, to use traditional bridges, it’s normally necessary to augment three teeth. With dental implants, only one tooth is affected.

Dentures are typically only used in cases of medical necessity. If the degradation of multiple teeth has progressed to a significant level, such that it might be dangerous to leave them in the mouth, then removing all teeth is an option – but one to be avoided if possible.

The Process Of Getting Dental Implants

There are numerous steps in the process of getting a dental implant perfect for your mouth:

— The implanted screw is installed into the jaw through one or multiple incisions in the gums.
— For up to six months, the implant will heal and the jaw bone will naturally form around it.
— Temporary crowns may be put in during healing to maintain the aesthetics of your mouth.
— The abutment, a functional foundation for your new tooth, is installed above the implant.
— Your permanent dental implant tooth is created based on the abutment and then installed.

Although this might seem like an involved procedure, our Long Island patients report being very happy with their results. Breaking things down into multiple steps may take longer, but it helps your body treat your new tooth as its own!

Some Advantages Of Dental Implants

There are many advantages of dental implants:

— Your new implants look and feel like your original teeth, not an artificial replacement.
— Implants are very strong, helping to support biting and eating and maintain tooth spacing.
— Dental implants are durable and rarely need to be replaced once they have been installed.

When you need dental implants, it’s important to use a skilled and trustworthy provider. Stony Brook Dentistry of Suffolk County has been chosen by thousands of your friends and neighbors. Give us a call today so we can discuss options to suit you.