top of page

Dental Implants

Dentist in Warren, NJ

Dental Implants

Dental implants represent the most recent and advanced method of replacing lost or  missing teeth. Invented in 1952 by a Swedish surgeon named Per-Ingevar  Branemark, dental implants today offer a highly effective, long-term  solution for replacing missing teeth to reestablish a fully functional  and attractive smile. Dental implants can be used to replace a single  tooth, multiple teeth or all of the upper and/or lower teeth.

What is a dental implant?

A dental  implant is a small, biocompatible post that is surgically positioned by  means of a minimally invasive procedure into the jawbone beneath the  gums. Once healing takes place and the implant integrates with the bone,  it behaves in much the same way as the root of a natural tooth to  provide support for an aesthetically appealing dental crown or bridge. A  period ranging from 3 to 6 months is required for the jawbone to fuse  with the implant via a process known as osseointegration.

What are the benefits of replacing lost or missing teeth with dental implants?

Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional methods of tooth replacement including:

  • Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.

  • With precise placement, good oral hygiene and routine care, dental implants can last for many years.

  • Dental  implants provide continued stimulation to the underlying bone to prevent  the bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing to preserve natural  facial contours.

  • Since implants behave like natural teeth, there is no chance that they will slip or dislodge like removable dentures when speaking or eating.

  • With dental  implants, it is possible to speak with ease as well as eat and taste all  types of food with virtually no restrictions.

  • Dental implants do not decay and will not develop cavities.

  • Unlike a fixed bridge, dental implants do not require any preparation or crowning of teeth adjacent to the edentulous area.

Who is a candidate for a dental implant procedure?

According to  clinical studies, dental implants have a demonstrated long-term success  rate of well over 95%. One key to the success and longevity of a dental  implant is that sufficient bone is present to provide stable support for  the implanted surgical post. If insufficient bone is present, a bone grafting procedure is often recommended prior to the placement of a dental implant.  Additionally, candidates for dental implants should be free of  periodontal disease and be aware that a continued, effective oral  hygiene routine and care is necessary to maintain a strong and  functional implant.

What is the process for getting a dental implant?

Treatment  planning a patient for the precise placement of a dental implant  involves advanced scanning technology and software to map out the  details of care from both a prosthetic and surgical prospective. In this  way a case can be planned and meticulously executed from the beginning  with the final restoration in mind. With advances in implant dentistry  multiple approaches to care are now being offered. In certain cases an  implant can be placed at the same time a dental extraction is performed.  This procedure is known as, “immediate dental implant placement.”  Additionally, it is also sometimes possible to place “same-day dental  implants.” With this procedure a temporary crown or bridge can be  attached to the implants at the same time they are placed. In all cases,  complete healing and osseointegration is required before the placement  of the final prosthesis.

What are the different types of Dental Implants?

Most dental  implants are made of titanium but are also available “metal-free”  zirconia. Both titanium and zirconia are biocompatible materials, which  integrate well with the hard and soft tissues in the jaw. Depending upon  the requirements of the case, a single dental implant can be restored  with a crown to replace one missing tooth, or multiple implants can be used to support a fixed bridge. In cases where all of the upper and/or lower teeth are missing a full-arch, implanted supported bridge can be placed. Special implants can also be placed for added support  and stability for removable overdentures or as anchorage devices in  orthodontics called “TAD’s” or Transitional Anchorage Devices.

bottom of page