Dental Implants

Missing teeth can affect a person in many ways, ranging from confidence issues to serious oral health problems. Fortunately, in today’s day and age, if you’re missing teeth, you do have several options, with dental implants being one of the best (depending on your specific circumstances). If you’d like to learn more about dental implants and whether they may be the right solution for you, please continue reading and reach out to the friendly and experienced dental team here at Aesthetic Dentistry of Staten Island today.

Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures or Bridges?

There are several ways to replace missing teeth, though dental implants are often considered one of the most durable and long-lasting solutions available today. That being said, whether implants are “better” than dentures or bridges will generally depend on your specific situation, your oral health, your budget, and the number of teeth you are missing.

For example, traditional dentures are removable appliances designed to replace multiple missing teeth. Dentures have certainly improved over the years, however, many patients still find that dentures can occasionally shift while speaking or eating, particularly as the jawbone changes shape over time.

Dental bridges, on the other hand, are fixed restorations supported by neighboring teeth. Bridges can work very well in certain cases, though they usually require adjacent healthy teeth to be altered or reshaped to support the bridge itself.

Dental implants differ because they are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they essentially function like artificial tooth roots. Once healed, the implant can support a dental crown, bridge, or even a full denture. Some of the primary benefits associated with dental implants are as follows:

• They are designed to look and function like natural teeth
• They help preserve jawbone density
• They generally do not slip or shift while eating or speaking
• They can last for many years with proper care
• They do not rely on neighboring teeth for support
• They can improve chewing strength and stability

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in New York?

Quite understandably, cost is often one of the very first concerns patients have when researching dental implants. Unfortunately, there is no universal answer regarding the exact price because treatment can vary significantly from one patient to another. There are several factors that can impact the total cost of dental implant treatment, including:

• The number of implants needed
• Whether tooth extractions are necessary
• Whether bone grafting or sinus lift procedures are required
• The type of restoration being attached to the implant
• The complexity of the case
• The materials used during treatment
• Whether sedation is used during the procedure

In many cases, dental implants cost more upfront than traditional dentures or bridges. However, patients should also understand that implants are generally designed to be a long-term solution. Dentures and bridges may eventually need replacement or adjustment over the years, whereas implants can often remain successful for decades when properly maintained.

Do Dental Implants Look and Feel Like Natural Teeth?

For many patients, one of the biggest concerns is whether dental implants will actually look natural once treatment is complete. Fortunately, modern dental implants are specifically designed to closely resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function. The visible portion of the implant restoration is custom-made to blend in with surrounding teeth. Dentists consider things such as:

• Tooth color
• Shape
• Size
• Alignment
• Overall smile appearance

As a result, many people are unable to tell when someone has a dental implant simply by looking at their smile.

Dental implants also tend to feel more natural than removable appliances because they are secured directly into the jawbone. Once the healing process is complete and the implant fully integrates with the bone, many patients report that their implants feel very similar to natural teeth while chewing and speaking.

This stability is important for several reasons. For example, loose dentures can sometimes create discomfort while eating certain foods, and they may occasionally shift while talking. Dental implants are designed to remain fixed in place, which can help patients feel more comfortable in social and professional situations.

That being said, patients should understand that good oral hygiene is still extremely important after implant placement. While implants themselves cannot develop cavities, the surrounding gums and bone still need to remain healthy to support long-term success.

What Problems Can Dental Implants Fix?

Dental implants can help address a surprisingly wide range of dental issues associated with missing or severely damaged teeth. While many people initially pursue implants for cosmetic reasons, the truth is that missing teeth can create several functional and oral health problems as well. Some of the most common issues dental implants may help address include:

• Single missing teeth
• Multiple missing teeth
• Full tooth loss
• Difficulty chewing food
• Speech problems caused by missing teeth
• Loose or uncomfortable dentures
• Jawbone deterioration
• Shifting surrounding teeth
• Bite alignment problems

When a tooth is lost and not replaced, the surrounding teeth can gradually begin shifting into the empty space. Over time, this may affect bite alignment and even increase wear on certain teeth. Additionally, because natural tooth roots help stimulate the jawbone, missing teeth can eventually lead to bone loss in the affected area.

Dental implants help address this issue because the implant post acts similarly to a natural tooth root. This stimulation can help preserve bone density and maintain facial structure over time.

In certain cases, implants can even be used to support full-arch restorations for patients missing all or most of their teeth.

Contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Staten Island

If you are considering dental implants in Staten Island, we are here to serve you! Contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Staten Island today so we can assess your circumstances and discuss your options.