Dental Implants & Bone Grafting

The implants themselves are tiny titanium threaded screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small extensions (abutments) that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implants. These abutments provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. With an overall success rate of about 95% and almost 50 years of clinical research to back them up, dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. During the first procedure, implants are placed within the jawbone. This surgery is usually accomplished with IV sedation and local anesthesia and there is usually minimal post-operative discomfort. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually integrating with the jawbone. Patients are usually able to wear temporary replacement teeth and eat a soft diet during this time.

After the implant has integrated into the bone, the second phase begins. The implants are uncovered and small posts (abutments) that will protrude through the gum are attached. These abutments will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. The entire course of implant treatment usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily activities.

In selected cases, implants can be placed at the time of tooth extraction, minimizing the number of surgeries as well as the overall treatment time.

Almost anyone can have dental implants. If you are considering implant treatment an evaluation visit will be scheduled. At that visit, we will review your medical history and perform a comprehensive clinical and radiographic evaluation. If you can have routine dental treatment, you can generally have an implant placed. While precautions are advisable for certain conditions, patients with such chronic diseases as high blood pressure and diabetes are usually successful candidates for dental implant treatment. Although smoking lowers the success rate of implants, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of getting them. Whether you are a young, middle-aged or older adult; whether you need to replace one tooth, several teeth, or all your teeth, there is a dental implant solution for you. With the exception of growing children (implant tooth replacement in children is usually deferred until their jaw growth is complete.), dental implants are the solution of choice for people of all ages.

In general terms, there must be sufficient jawbone structure present to allow implant placement. In marginal cases, surgical techniques such as bone grafting can often be done to allow implant placement. These various options can be discussed during an evaluation visit with our doctors for dental implants in NYC.