If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants offer a permanent solution. Through the care of Sheldon Kupferman, DDS, at Riverdale Dental Arts, residents of Riverdale, New York, and neighborhoods throughout the Bronx in New York City can restore their smile and their dental health with custom dental implant treatment. Schedule a one-on-one consultation today to get started, with easy online and phone booking options.
When most people think about missing teeth, they consider the aesthetic implications of a gapped smile. While there are certain cosmetic aspects to consider, missing teeth are also a serious dental health concern.
Each of your teeth is anchored directly into the underlying bone tissue of your upper or lower jaw. When you chew or bite down, you stimulate that bone tissue, keeping it healthy and strong.
Losing one or more teeth means you also lose that stimulation. This can cause your bone tissue to slowly wear away, a process called resorption. The connection between adjacent teeth and bone is weakened, which can cause additional tooth loss.
Missing teeth also change the force of your bite, placing undue pressure on the remaining teeth and allowing them to shift out of position. You might find yourself changing your diet to avoid food that is difficult to chew, which can affect your overall nutrition.
Dental implants are a permanent option for replacing missing teeth. Once in place, implants function just like your natural teeth, only they cannot decay.
Dental implants consist of a post portion that is anchored directly into your bone and serves as an artificial tooth root. The visible portion of an implant is the crown, and some implant systems use a small piece called an abutment to connect the post and crown.
Implants are durable and beautiful. While they are more expensive than dentures or dental bridges, they will never need to be replaced, something that must be factored in when considering other options.
The planning stage is the most important part of the dental implant process. Dr. Kupferman uses advanced technology to gather digital imaging and create your implantation plan.
Getting implants takes multiple visits. Once the planning stage is complete, you’ll come in to have the post portion of the implant placed within your jaw bone. You’ll receive numbing medication to help you rest comfortably during this part of the process.
Dr. Kupferman makes an incision in your gum tissue to gain access to the bone. He creates a small pilot hole to guide the post into your bone tissue. Once in place, he carefully closes your gums around the post to allow your body a chance to heal.
It takes time for your bone tissue to fuse to the implanted post. Once that process is complete, you’ll return to have the crown portion of the implant attached to the post, completing the implant procedure.
If you’d like more information about how dental implants can transform your smile, call the office to set up a visit, or book in just moments using the online tool.
