Dental Implants

There are various ways that people lose their natural teeth, ranging from injury to infection. It can be challenging to deal with the loss of your teeth, both cosmetically and because of health concerns. Fortunately, dental implants are one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth to improve oral health and restore the patient’s smile. One of the most significant advantages of this procedure is that the implants look no different than natural teeth and provide long-term support for the patient’s oral health.

At Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group, we understand the power of a good smile. We know that our patients need oral specialists who care about their oral health and their smiles. When it comes to patient care, Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group in Elizabeth is unmatched. Start your journey towards improving your oral health today with dental implants by learning about dental implant surgery and how it may benefit you.

An Overview of Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery is performed to replace tooth roots with metal, screw-like posts that function and look like natural teeth. Dental implants in Elizabeth, NJ are often preferred to dentures or bridgework, which don’t fit as well and may not last as long or be as cosmetically pleasing.

How dental implant surgery is performed depends on the type of implant used and the conditions of the jawbone. Furthermore, dental implants may involve several procedures to create more support for the implant. Dental implant surgery is usually performed in stages with healing time between procedures. The process involves multiple steps, including:

• Damaged tooth removal
• Jawbone preparation—grafting (when needed)
• Dental implant placement
• Bone growth and healing
• Abutment placement
• Artificial tooth placement

The entire process may take months from start to finish. Most of that time is devoted to healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in the jaw. The patient’s condition determines the specific procedure done or the materials used. In some cases, certain steps can sometimes be combined. In general, dental implants in Elizabeth, NJ may be the right for a patient if the following apply:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have a jawbone that’s reached full growth
• Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft
• Have healthy oral tissues
• Don’t have health conditions that will affect bone healing
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• Want to improve your speech
• Are willing to commit several months to the process

Every patient is unique. Therefore, the approach to their dental implant must be catered to their needs. At Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group in Elizabeth, we understand the importance of approaching each situation with careful attention to detail. We are committed to providing our patients with the personalized care and treatment they need. 

Reasons for Dental Implants

If you have recently had a tooth removed, getting a dental implant may be a primary reason to preserve your oral health. Without it, you might experience jawbone deterioration, which can change your facial structure. Implants are ideally placed soon after a tooth is extracted.

Teeth rely on their roots and neighboring teeth for support. Losing a tooth causes surrounding teeth to shift, become unstable, and potentially fall out. Dental implants can prevent this by supporting the surrounding teeth, allowing you to smile confidently.

Implants help prevent:

• Jawbone loss
• Changes in facial structure
• Additional tooth loss
• Problems with dentures
• Self-consciousness about your smile

Another reason to get dental implants is if you are already wearing dentures. Dentures rest on your gums and do not stop the jawbone from deteriorating. Conversely, implants apply the necessary pressure to keep the jawbone healthy. Without an implant, jawbone loss and facial changes are likely, making it difficult to adjust dentures comfortably for pain-free chewing. Unlike dentures, implants are secure and will not slip, enabling natural eating, speaking, and smiling. 

Lastly, a common reason may be if you are considering a dental bridge. A dental bridge fills the gap of a missing tooth and is held in place by crowns on adjacent teeth. To fit a bridge, our dentists need to remove some enamel from the surrounding teeth, which is irreversible. We favor implants to preserve as much natural tooth enamel as possible.

Implants are more robust than bridges as they are anchored directly into the jaw, offering greater stability for smiling, speaking, and eating. They are also durable, ensuring a long-lasting, healthy smile.

What Happens If You’re Missing All Upper or Lower Teeth?

Individuals who are missing all of their upper or lower teeth may assume that traditional dentures are their only option for a beautiful smile. However, there are several implant options available that can restore your oral health and the cosmetic appearance of your teeth, including the following:

• Ball attachment dentures: These dentures are attached by two or more anchor implants in the jaw. While these dentures will be more stable than traditional dentures, you may still experience minor movement with this option. 

• Bar attachment dentures: Bar attachment dentures are anchored by four to six implants connected by a bar. Your dentures will be made to snap into place on the support bar, offering more stability. 

• Screw retained dentures: By placing five or more implants for the denture to adhere to. This option provides stability and the ability to clean under the denture without removing it. 
• Individual implants: While this surgery typically requires eight or more implants, this solution offers the most permanent and natural feeling and looking replacement to your original teeth. 

Your oral surgeon will perform a comprehensive exam and determine the best course of action for treatment depending on your unique needs.

What Are The Different Types of Dental Implants?

The two main materials used for implants are titanium and zirconia. There is extensive research and testing that goes into developing new implant materials, including the chemical and physical properties. These dental materials are resistant to corrosion and fracturing while having the proper composition and microstructure.

Titanium Dental Implants

Titanium implants are still the most commonly used. One of the main benefits of titanium is that it doesn’t disturb the jawbone. When a titanium implant is placed, the bone is still able to grow next to the implant as it would around a natural tooth, which allows the implant to last longer.

Titanium implants are also the most cost-effective and versatile option. Most titanium implants are not made out of pure titanium but of titanium alloys. This allows the implant to be stranger and safer for those that may be allergic to titanium. Titanium is a biocompatible material that closely resembles the human body making implant fusion to the bone easier.

Zirconia Dental Implants

Unlike titanium, zirconia implants are recent in the dental implant industry. Many patients have concerns with titanium implants due to potential allergies or putting metal in their bodies. Zirconia makes a great metal-free alternative. Zirconia is used for making bridges and crowns. The material fuses to the bone very similarly to titanium as well.

One of the most prominent things to note about zirconia implants is that they have not been around for as long as titanium implants have been, so the testing level of the material is not the same. However, zirconia dental implants have two strong advantages over titanium implants:

• There is no dark metal color showing through the gums
• While zirconia can fracture easier than titanium, they are less susceptible to corrosion

Ultimately, the material used for dental implants is determined by the patient’s needs. While you may be unsure of which material is best, an oral specialist will provide you with the necessary information so you can make well-informed decisions on your oral health.

When Is Bone Grafting Necessary for a Dental Implant?

If the patient’s jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft, they may need bone grafting before they can proceed with dental implant surgery. If their jaw can’t support the implant, the surgery will likely fail. A bone graft creates a solid base for the implant. In some cases, it can take several months for the transplanted bone to grow enough new bone to support a dental implant. 

However, some patients may only need minor bone grafting, which can be done at the same time as the implant surgery. The condition of the patient’s jawbone determines how an oral surgeon may proceed with a bone graft procedure.

After Implant Replacement

While we prioritize efficient and painless procedures, patients may experience some discomfort after the procedure. After your dental implant surgery, you can expect to experience the following symptoms:

• Gum swelling
• Face swelling
• Pain at the implant site
• Skin and gum bruising
• Minor bleeding

Follow your doctor’s instructions to mitigate your symptoms. They are often easily managed with antibiotics and over-the-counter pain medication. If your pain, swelling, or bleeding worsens in the days after your surgery, contact your doctor as soon as possible. 

Dental implant surgery has a high success rate, but the steps you take following your surgery can have a significant impact on your healing process. After your surgery, be sure to take the following steps:

• Practice meticulous oral hygiene: Even though your new teeth are artificial, you must still maintain your oral hygiene for your overall health. Keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy can prevent bacteria growth and infections.

• Attend your follow-up appointments: Be sure to attend your follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor your recovery and ensure you are healing properly. 
• Avoid harmful habits: Chewing hard foods, tobacco, or other products harmful to your natural teeth may also damage your new implants. Avoiding these harmful habits can help your healing proceed smoothly and extend the life of your implants. 

Following your procedure, your surgeon will provide more details about what to expect as well as detailed instructions to care for your new implants. If you have any questions about how to proceed after your surgery, contact us immediately for guidance. 

Need Dental Implants? Contact Elizabeth City Oral Surgery Group Today

At Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group, our priority is patient satisfaction. It’s vital to choose the best of the best when it comes to surgical procedures. We use the latest equipment, innovative treatments, and dental advances to ensure our patients get the best results. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you proceed with your dental implant surgical needs. Call (908) 663-5309 or complete our online contact form.