New York dental implants are carefully fabricated to exactly resemble the tooth or teeth they are replacing: in function, cosmetic appearance and feel. They essentially consist of a tiny titanium screw that is designed to fit neatly into a predrilled socket in the jaw bone at the site/s of the missing tooth or teeth, and are placed by one of our Oral Surgeons. A Prosthodontist will then place a durable and aesthetic ceramic crown or prosthetic bridge to the abutment of the dental implants. These are the components that are visible above the gumline and they are virtually indistinguishable from any natural healthy tooth. Because dental implants replace the entire tooth, from the root to the crown, they – unlike dental bridges or removable dentures – really feel like natural teeth. So, discomfort and self-consciousness are seldom problems.

Dental implants that are placed by our professional and highly qualified oral surgeons typically only incur minimal post-procedural pain or discomfort. Modern dental implant protocols, products, medical technology and computer software enable our oral surgeons to place dental implants via surgery that is as minimally invasive as possible. Fewer incisions and sutures mean less post-operative pain and swelling for the patient, as well as a faster recovery period. In any case, any discomfort can quite easily be managed with analgesics (painkillers), which will be prescribed to you by your oral surgeon.

There are some medical insurance companies that cover the cost of dental implants with their plans in special situations, but the reality of the situation is that many do not. The reasons given are primarily to do with dental implants being an ‘elective procedure’ to replace teeth that could have been restored another way, like with a removable denture or partial denture. However, with dental implants increasingly being shown to promote the long term health of the underlying jaw bone, and spare adjacent teeth from being cut down or “prepped” for a fixed bridge, they are being viewed less and less as something done purely for aesthetics. With the spotlight on dental implants as the most comprehensive and long term solution to tooth loss, the future may see more and more insurance companies offering coverage.

New York dental implants restore the important source of stimulation previously supplied by your tooth root. This stimulation (a result of the natural forces and pressures associated with eating) is responsible for maintaining a healthy volume and density of underlying jaw bone. Without this stimulation, this hard tissue begins to atrophy and waste away, resulting in an over reduction in volume. This leads to that aged and sunken appearance we typically associate with denture-wearers. New York dental implants assume the function of the tooth root and in doing so, prevent jaw bone atrophy. They also prevent bacteria from settling into the exposed tooth socket left by the missing teeth. So, whether the tooth you lost is visible or not, dental implants are in the best interest of your long term oral health and hygiene!

As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. It is for this reason that getting dental implants placed by a reputable and professional facility is so incredibly important. The risk of failure is typically around 2% for non-smokers and those with good oral health. Being a smoker and presenting with periodontal (gum) disease decreases the success rate somewhat, but with today’s advanced placement protocol, it does not necessarily compromise your candidacy for New York dental implants! Overall, however, the placement of dental implants is one of the most predictable and safe of all surgical procedures… and when it comes to surgery, ‘predictable’ is always a good thing!