Do you need to replace a missing tooth? Are you looking for a solution that will last for decades? Our Long Island implant dentist offers the best tooth replacement option in terms of form and function—dental implants.
When placed by an implant dentist, these appliances are stable, durable and attractive alternatives to a natural tooth lost to decay or injury.
Dental implants are screw-like structures that are inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth’s root. A standard dental implant is typically at least 3 mm in diameter, and they can range from 8-16 mm in length. The dental implant is topped with a small post that holds the prosthetic tooth in place.
The dental implant is made of titanium, and this material is central to the implant’s success. Titanium is biocompatible. That is, it is able to integrate with the bone material found naturally in the body. As a result, the implant fuses with the jawbone, making it practically indistinguishable from the root of a biological tooth.
This process does require that the patient have sufficient bone material to support the implant’s osseointegration. However, if a patient has significant bone loss, the remaining bone can be augmented to increase the likelihood of the implant’s success.
Dental implants work so well because they replicate the tooth’s roots. Rather than focus only on the visible portion of the tooth, dental implants replace the entire tooth structure.
After the dental implant is placed, it is topped with an artificial cap or crown. This crown is designed to the specifications of the patient’s smile. It is carefully crafted so that it blends in with the rest of the patient’s natural smile.
The dental implant’s structure offers numerous advantages over other tooth replacement methods. A dental implant stabilizes the jawbone just as a root does, preventing the erosion that can eventually put other teeth at risk.
Unlike fixed permanent bridges, which require crowns to be placed on adjacent teeth, dental implants have no impact on other teeth.
Dental implants are your best choice for tooth replacement. Contact Broadway Dental at 516.681.2525 to see if an implant is a possibility in your case.