Traditional Dental Implants

 

Today, there are several types of dental implants to choose from. But the most popular and commonly used design is traditional dental implants. These straightforward tooth replacement restorations are predictable, minimally invasive, and one of the best ways to restore your missing teeth.

 

Traditional dental implants give you the liberty of smiling with confidence and enjoying all of your favorite foods. There are no special restrictions or removable appliances to wear. It’s almost like having your natural smile all over again.

 

Design of Traditional Dental Implants

 

A traditional dental implant uses an independent, rod-like structure to mimic the shape and size of a natural tooth root. Unlike the implants from decades past, modern versions are less invasive and streamlined in design. This advantage allows for predictable and comfortable placement almost anywhere in your mouth (as long as there’s enough space and bone support.)

 

When your implant is installed, its shape prevents any alteration to your adjacent teeth. That way you can maintain natural tooth alignment and spacing throughout your mouth. Plus, there is no irreversible damage to your healthy teeth since implants are self-supported.

 

 

Materials Used in Traditional Dental Implants

 

Aside from a few exceptions, nearly all dental implants are made from titanium. Titanium is hypoallergenic, so it’s ideal for surgical procedures such as dental implants or joint replacement. Additionally, titanium triggers a natural response in our bodies that’s called “osseointegration.” This process is when your body senses the titanium and as a result, triggers new bone development immediately around the implant, fusing to its surface. As a result, your implant becomes permanently attached to the surrounding bone, adding to its integrity.

 

 

Uses for Traditional Implants

 

A dental implant offers several opportunities for tooth replacement, depending on your individual needs.

 

For instance, an implant can be placed between two healthy teeth and topped off with a porcelain crown, blending in with the rest of your smile. Or if you have a few teeth in a row that are missing, we can use two implants (one on either end of the space) to support a dental bridge that spans the entire length of the opening. Like the crown, your bridge is matched in color and shape to resemble your adjacent teeth.

 

 

Traditional Implant Care and Maintenance

 

The day-to-day maintenance of traditional dental implants is relatively straightforward. We simply ask that you brush and floss around your implant daily, treating as if it were a natural tooth. This includes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to lift away plaque, especially at the gumlines. When flossing, wrap the floss snuggly around the implant to wipe up and down near the gums. If for any reason you notice bleeding or inflammation, please let us know.

 

Schedule regular six-month cleanings at our Suffolk County office to have your implants professionally cleaned. We will use special instruments to lift away stain or tartar buildup that accumulates between your checkups.

 

Although implants do not develop cavities, our Long Island dentists will need to ensure that the bone and gums around them stay healthy. Otherwise, there is a potential for your implant to fail (which, fortunately, is quite rare.) The great news is that with the proper maintenance, your new dental implants can easily last for the rest of your life.

 

 

Who is a Candidate for Traditional Dental Implants?

 

Candidacy for getting dental implants used to be much more restricted than it is today. An ideal candidate for modern implant treatment is someone who has relatively healthy gums (no periodontal disease) and adequate bone support. But even if you have signs of bone loss, our Long Island implant dentists may be able to place a graft that adds additional support if needed.

 

If you have active gum disease, that periodontal infection will need to be treated first. Even if it’s on adjacent teeth and not where the implant is being installed. Since peri-implantitis (the implant form of gum disease) is a risk to your implant success, your mouth should be free from periodontitis symptoms like swelling or bleeding.

 

Be sure to review your medical history – as well as any medications that you’re taking – with our Suffolk County dentists. There are certain health conditions and prescription drugs that can interfere with dental implant placement and success. For example, blood thinners or hormone replacement therapy.

 

 

The Traditional Dental Implant Treatment Process

 

There’s a relatively predictable process when it comes to getting traditional dental implants. If you’re having your treatment completed at our Long Island multi-specialty general clinic, you can expect the experience to look something like this:

 

Step 1. The Consultation

Your initial examination and consultation will involve a series of photographs, X-rays, and impressions of your teeth. We’ll discuss what goals you have for your smile and if dental implants are the best option. Sometimes the consultation is combined on the same date as your…

 

Step 2. Treatment Planning

Your care plan will involve a printed list of what’s involved (treatments, appointments, and costs.) You’ll meet with our patient coordinators to discuss any insurance or financing information.

 

Step 3. Implant Placement

Now it’s time to place your implants. Usually, local anesthetic is all that’s needed to keep you comfortable! If you require grafting or extractions, those may need to be completed first and then the placement of your implant occurs at a later date. Each case is unique, which is why the previous treatment planning step is crucial to each of our patients.

 

Step 4. Restoration of Your Implant

When your implant is completely integrated with the bone, we’ll replace any temporary restorations with a permanent, custom dental crown, or bridge.

 

Do You Love the Way Your Smile Looks?

 

Dental implants are an amazing way to regain your self-confidence if your life has been affected by missing teeth. We encourage you to visit Sachem Dental Group to find out how traditional dental implants can help you enjoy a healthier, happier smile! Call us today to request your first visit.