Dental Implants

If you have one or more missing teeth, dental implants offer a permanent solution. Implant dentistry is an area of specialty for Bella Pinkatz, DDS, of Kew Gardens Dental P.C., serving the neighborhood of Kew Gardens in Queens, New York City, New York. If you’d like to explore this option in greater detail, call or schedule a visit online at your earliest convenience.

Why is it so important to replace missing teeth?

When you think of missing teeth, you probably consider the aesthetic implications first. While a gap in your smile can make it hard to feel confident about your appearance, missing teeth pose serious dental health risks. 

Each natural tooth is anchored in the underlying bone tissue. Your jawbone is stimulated every time you bite or chew, which keeps the bone healthy and strong. Losing a tooth means also losing that vital stimulation. 

Your bone can begin to wear away, a process known as resorption. This can weaken the connection between adjacent teeth and bone, eventually causing additional tooth loss. 

Missing teeth also change the dynamics of your bite, placing extra pressure on your remaining teeth and allowing them to shift out of position. You might even notice changes in the way you speak. 

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option. Individual implants use an implanted metal post to replace the root portion of your tooth and an artificial crown to replace the visible tooth surfaces. Some systems use a small abutment to connect the post and crown. 

If you need to replace all your upper or lower teeth, some systems can secure an entire span of artificial teeth using just four implanted posts for the top or bottom. This can be a good fit for people lacking sufficient bone tissue for multiple implants. 

Do dental implants require special care?

Getting dental implants is a form of oral surgery and requires multiple visits. A healing period is necessary as your bone tissue fuses to the implanted post. 

Once this healing is complete and your dentist connects the crown portion of the implant, your restored tooth will look and function just like your natural teeth. Simply brush and floss normally and come into the office for routine dental exams and professional teeth cleaning every six months. Your dentist checks your implants during these visits. 

If you’re ready to learn more, book a consultation today at Kew Gardens Dental, P.C., either by phone or with a visit to the online scheduling page.