Dental Implant
Manalapan, NJ
 A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth surgically implanted into your jaw to support a denture or bridge. Dental implants are designed to resemble your natural teeth closely; hence they have no adverse impact on the surrounding teeth. They are custom-made to replace missing teeth permanently. Thanks to technological advancements implants can be used to support a single dental crown, a fixed dental bridge, or even a full-arch restoration!
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the optimal solution for individuals with missing teeth. These tooth replacements are designed to restore the natural appearance and functionality of your teeth. While dentures are known for being cost-effective, they can be uncomfortable and are not permanent. Bridges, although commonly used, rely on neighboring teeth for support. In contrast, dental implants are supported by the jawbone, ensuring that they do not impact the adjacent natural teeth in any way.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer numerous advantages. The primary benefit is their ability to enhance oral function, allowing you to eat, bite, and chew food like natural teeth. By closely mimicking real teeth, implants also improve your overall appearance, boosting your confidence and self-esteem. Unlike dentures that can slip and hinder clear speech, implants provide stability, enabling you to speak clearly without hesitation. Furthermore, implants stimulate the jaw and prevent bone loss while requiring minimal maintenance. They are also long-lasting, potentially lasting a lifetime for some individuals.
The Dental Implant Placement Procedure
Dental implant procedures typically involve a team of specialists. The key professionals involved include an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in addressing jaw, mouth, and face issues. Additionally, a prosthodontist, a dentist specializing in creating and placing artificial teeth, is required. The process may also involve a periodontist, a dentist specializing in treating gums and supporting bone structures. In some cases, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may also be involved in the treatment process.
You will undergo dental exams, 3D scans, and X-rays before you get an implant. The dentist will create a personalized treatment plan after reviewing your medical history and considering various factors. To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, the dentist will administer an anesthetic to minimize discomfort or pain. It's important to note that the entire process may span several months to achieve optimal results.
After the extraction of the problematic teeth, the extraction site(s) will typically require about two months to recover fully. In some cases, jawbone grafting may be necessary. The next stage, or implant placement, involves the surgical insertion of the dental implant into the upper jaw. The abutment will be placed once the bone has healed and formed around the implant. The duration of the recovery process can vary, with a possible timeframe of up to six months, depending on the condition of the jawbone. Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress and ensure the absence of any infection. Finally, the artificial tooth will be securely placed to complete the dental implant procedure.
What to Expect After the Procedure
You may experience some pain in the surgical region after the surgery. You may also notice gum swelling, mild bleeding, and soreness around the dental implant. You can manage these discomforts by taking painkillers and antibiotics as your dentist may prescribe. It is advisable to consume soft meals during the initial recovery phase. Visit our dentist at Douglas A. Block, DDS & Charles G. Kocun, DMD for a dental implant procedure. Call us today at (732) 536-2482 for more inquiries.
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