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Dental Implants — Park Slope, NY

Rebuild a Beautiful, Functional Smile

An older woman with dental implants in Park Slope

The latest innovations in dentistry make it possible to preserve natural teeth for longer than ever. Unfortunately, tooth loss is still a problem. Conventional dental prosthetics are effective; however, they only replace the portion of the tooth visible above the gum line. As an alternative, you can choose dental implants in Park Slope, which recreate the entire tooth structure from the root up. This allows you to enjoy a close replica of your natural smile that can last for a lifetime. To learn more about dental implants, give The Dental Spa of New York a call!

Why Choose The Dental Spa of New York for Dental Implants?

What Are Dental Implants?

Diagram highlighting components of a dental implant in Park Slope

Dental implants are the only method of tooth replacement that work to mimic the tooth root in every way possible, ensuring true longevity for your missing tooth or teeth. The titanium post integrates with natural bone tissue similar to that of other implants, such as hip or knee replacements. Once the implant has fully healed, a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached and make your smile complete! You can have confidence knowing your oral health is protected from the many side effects that come with tooth loss and eat all your favorite foods without worry.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

dental patient holding a hand mirror

The process of rebuilding your smile with dental implants will take several steps to complete. As you’ll soon find out, though, the unmatched longevity and reliability that they provide makes dental implants well worth the wait! Our office works with the most qualified professionals in our network for each step in your treatment plan. While the details of the process can vary a bit from one patient to the next, here is a basic outline of how dental implants work in Park Slope.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

implant dentist in Park Slope showing a patient their dental X-rays

The dental implant process begins with an initial consultation, during which Dr. Sapienza will evaluate your oral health to ensure you’re a candidate for dental implants. This will also involve reviewing a CT scan to look for any potential complications. Based on the results, you might need additional procedures before moving forward, like tooth extractions or periodontal therapy, to increase the chances that your treatment will be successful. At this consultation, Dr. Sapienza will go over an estimated timeline for your treatment. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask him any questions you may have.

Dental Implant Surgery

dentist examining a patient’s mouth

Once your mouth is ready to support dental implants, we’ll help you schedule your placement surgery. Dr. Sapienza works closely with local specialists to ensure that you’re receiving the highest quality care possible.

Your implant dentist in Park Slope will help you feel comfortable by numbing your mouth and administering sedation before making small incisions in your gums. Then, your implants are inserted into the jawbone at precise locations and angles. Protective caps are placed atop the implants, and you are sent home to begin the healing process.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

close-up of a woman with a dental implant

Over the next four to six months, your implant posts will actually fuse to the surrounding bone and tissue through a process called osseointegration. Although osseointegration takes a while to complete, the end result is a sturdy, lasting foundation for your new teeth. During this time, you will most likely receive a “temporary” restoration so that you won’t have to go without teeth any longer.

After osseointegration, the oral surgeon will attach metal fixtures called abutments on top of your implants. These connectors are what will allow Dr. Sapienza to secure your new teeth in place.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

dentist placing a crown on top of a dental implant

Once you have finished healing from your abutment placement, your dental implants in Park Slope should be ready to support your restoration. You’ll return to our office to have your custom dental crown, bridge, or denture attached to your implants. Thanks to the materials we use, your new pearly whites should look extremely lifelike. In fact, other people shouldn’t even be able to tell that they’re not your “real” teeth!

Benefits of Dental Implants

3D illustration of a dental implants and surrounding teeth

Dental implants are swiftly becoming one of the most popular tooth replacement options with over 500,000 people choosing them each year. Because they can rebuild the entire tooth structure due to their unique placement in the jaw, they allow you to experience an amazing variety of advantages that you won’t be able to get with other options. Read on below to learn about some of the life-changing benefits of dental implants in Park Slope.

Day-to-Day Benefits

Man in grey t-shirt smiling with apple and thumb up

  • Confidence: It can be difficult to smile, speak, and feel good about yourself if you have an ill-fitting denture or missing teeth. Dental implants allow you to show off your grin in any social or professional setting while speaking with ease with a boost in confidence and self-esteem.
  • Appearance: Dental implants placed by an implant dentist in Park Slope look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, giving you a replacement that is the next best thing to a natural smile. In fact, the implants allow your restorations to mimic the way that your teeth emerge from the gums because they are rooted in the jawbone.
  • Diet: Do you avoid certain foods because they are hard to eat? Whether it’s missing teeth, or an unstable denture, it’s difficult to enjoy your meals. However, implants allow you to eat anything, giving you a more delicious and nutritious diet daily.

Health Benefits

Woman with grey hair smiling with arms crossed

  • Dental health: Unlike dental bridges, dental implants don’t require the removal of healthy tooth enamel, keeping your smile as preserved and natural as possible. Plus, dental implants can be cared for like your original teeth, making dental care at home much easier than dentures.
  • Bone health: Your jawbone requires stimulation from teeth to stay healthy and strong. When you lose teeth, it loses some of the stimulation that it was getting, eventually leading to deterioration and even additional tooth loss. Dental implants are the only replacement that stimulates the bone to keep it strong and full!
  • Overall health: Research shows that dental implants decrease risk of common issues like gum disease, which helps with overall health and the costs associated with it.

Long-Term Benefits

Couple smiling together outside with green background

  • Predictability: One of the most impressive stats about dental implants is that they have a success rate of 95% even after 10 years, making them incredibly predictable even though they require a minor surgery.
  • Longevity: Dental implants in Park Slope can last for decades and even the rest of your life with proper care. This is much longer than other options like dental implants or bridges, which will require replacement every 5 to 10 years.
  • Cost: While implants come at a higher cost initially, they can end up saving you money in the long run. That’s because they help you avoid necessary replacements in the future, saving you money on restorations and the dental visits that come with them.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Diagram of an integrated dental implant in Park Slope

A dental implant is comprised of 3 parts: an implant post, an abutment, and a restoration. Depending on the number of teeth you’re replacing, your treatment plan will vary slightly.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Smiling woman with dental implants in Park Slope touching her face

The only way to definitively know if dental implants are right for you is to see us for a consultation, where Dr. Sapienza will examine your mouth before making any recommendations. However, good dental implant candidates usually:

  • Are committed to diligent at-home oral hygiene
  • Are missing at least one tooth
  • Have a strong enough jawbone to accommodate implants (or be willing to undergo a bone graft first)
  • Do not use tobacco products

Missing One Tooth

A titanium implant post is inserted into your jawbone to act as a new root. An abutment is placed on the post to connect your custom-made crown.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Two or more missing teeth in a row can be replaced with an implant bridge. A dental implant at either end anchors the bridge to your jawbone instead of relying on your adjacent teeth for support.

Missing All Teeth

Your denture can be secured to your jawbone using 4 to 6 dental implants. This permanently eliminates slipping and irritation, a common problem with traditional dentures.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Diagram of an implant bridge and its components

There isn’t a set fee for dental implants because the cost is based on several factors, like the number of teeth you’re treating and your dental insurance. We’ll provide you with a custom estimate and discuss your payment options to keep your new smile affordable.

Types of Dental Implants

Model of a dental implant in Park Slope resting on money

A dental implant is different because it recreates the tooth from the root up, and therefore has multiple components. Each component has a separate cost. Therefore, you can assume you’ll pay more if you need to treat multiple teeth. We’ll provide you with a personalized estimate during your initial consultation and discuss the fees associated with your procedure.

What are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?

Diagram of a dental implant in Park Slope

Unlike other treatments, the process of replacing a tooth with a dental implant takes several steps. Each phase of your plan has separate fees. This can make it easier to pay for your new smile because you won’t need to cover the entire amount at once. Every plan differs, but here’s what you can expect your estimate to include:

  • Initial Consultation
  • Additional Procedures
  • Placement Surgery
  • Abutment
  • Restoration

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

A man with dental implants in Park Slope smiling

You’ll initially pay more for dental implants in Park Slope than other treatments, but they are the most affordable long-term. They are proven to last for decades with the right aftercare, so you should never need to stress about paying for new ones in the future.

As the only treatment to replace the root, a dental implant will preserve your jawbone to stop your teeth from drifting. Your remaining teeth will have the support they need to stay in place to lower your risk of several issues, like cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. This reduces your overall oral health expenses to save money down the road.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Older man with dental implants in Park Slope using a phone

Every policy differs, but most plans offer some coverage for dental implants. After reaching your annual deductible, you can use your yearly allowance to help offset the cost of certain steps in your treatment, like your consultation, periodontal therapy, or restoration. A member of our team will file the necessary claims to lower the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. We’ll help you find the solutions you need to cover any remaining balance.

Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions

Woman examining her smile with an implant dentist in Park Slope

For the first few days, it’s normal to experience soreness, and you may even bruise. Take any prescribed pain medication as directed to relieve discomfort. Applying a cold compress to your cheek for 10 minutes at a time may help as well. It’s also vital to only eat soft foods for the first 48 hours and avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, or rinsing or spitting too forcefully during this time.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

Implant dentist in Park Slope showing patient her smile

With the right aftercare, dental implants could last more than 30 years or even the rest of your life! This makes them the longest-lasting tooth replacement available today. However, they will only last this long if you take good care of them. Here are the steps you should be taking to keep your dental implants in good shape.

Make Oral Hygiene Priority

Woman holding toothbrush

Dental implants cannot get cavities, but you should still practice excellent oral hygiene. In addition to keeping your surrounding teeth in good shape, sticking to an excellent oral hygiene routine can prevent other dental problems, like gum disease, that can cause your implants to fail. Remember to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash every day.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Man eating healthy meal

One of the many benefits of getting dental implants is the fact that you don’t need to worry about any eating restrictions. You can easily enjoy nutritious meals without struggling to chew. Just remember that enjoying too many foods that are hard, sticky, or sugary can be problematic for your oral health, so it pays to be cautious.

Break Bad Habits

Man crushing cigarettes

Refrain from smoking or using other tobacco products immediately after your dental implant placement. This can slow down healing and increase your risk of developing an infection. Don’t use your teeth as tools either. You could end up accidentally damaging your dental implants or surrounding teeth. Instead, try to find some scissors, pliers, a bottle opener, or another tool that can help you complete your task safely.

Protect Your Dental Implants

Rugby player wearing mouthguard

Your dental implants may be strong, but they aren’t indestructible. You should always wear a mouthguard to protect your dental implants and natural teeth when participating in sports. If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a nightguard to protect your implants from additional wear and tear.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Woman at dentist in Park Slope

You should always attend regular cleanings and checkups twice a year. This way, we can monitor your dental implants and spot any issues as easily as possible. By catching potential problems now, you can keep them from becoming more serious and leading to great consequences.

Dental Implants FAQs

an example of dental implants in a plastic jaw

Investing in dental implants to effectively replace any number of missing teeth can be incredibly worthwhile. You’ll be sure to appreciate a wide range of advantages to both the look and function of your renewed smile for many years to come. Still, you may have some concerns about the procedure before diving into anything. To help you understand as much as possible, our team has collected and answered some of our most common questions about dental implants in Park Slope. Keep reading to learn more or reach out to our office today to schedule your appointment.

Does It Hurt to Get Dental Implants?

Although you’ll undergo oral surgery, it won’t be as unsettling as it sounds. You’ll first be given a local anesthetic to completely numb your mouth so that you’re pain-free throughout your visit. Your surgeon may even provide you with sedation dentistry to help you remain calm and entirely relaxed during the procedure, especially if you’re feeling nervous or afraid. While you shouldn’t experience any discomfort from your treatment, it’s normal to feel some soreness or sensitivity in the surgical site once the numbing effects have worn off. Fortunately, this can easily be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers along with a cold compress to alleviate any swelling. If you notice any pain that persists after a few days, notify us immediately.

Do Dental Implants Feel Natural?

While traditional tooth-replacement options, like dental bridges and dentures, offer a reliable solution for restoring your smile, they typically rely on either your other natural teeth or your gumline to remain still. Dental implants, however, will be anchored directly to your jawbone, serving as your new tooth roots. This allows your results to feel much more like your original pearly whites. Since they’re also biocompatible, you shouldn’t expect any sensitivity, jaw discomfort, gum irritation, or shifting restorations. After a successful osseointegration process, you’ll be free to enjoy your favorite foods and show off your smile like you used to!

Can I Get Dental Implants If I Smoke?

Most people are aware that tobacco products can increase the risk of complications like oral cancer. However, they’re also incredibly detrimental to dental implant success. By smoking or chewing these substances, you can end up delaying or interfering with your healing process. Osseointegration is perhaps the most important part of the dental implant procedure, so you’ll need to avoid using these products throughout your treatment. This will also help you avoid issues like infection, which can end up weakening and/or destroying the connective tissues that’ll hold your implants in place. At the very least, keep away from tobacco products two weeks before your appointment and a month after that.

Am I Too Old or Young to Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the effective and sought-after solutions for renewing missing pearly whites. That said, not everyone may be eligible for undergoing the procedure. In many cases, we do not recommend this treatment for people who are too young or haven’t fully developed their jawbones yet. This timeframe can also vary, as boy’s teeth mature around 18 years old while girl’s teeth mature around 16 years old. Rule of thumb: if your gum tissue is strong and healthy, and your jawbone is fully developed and dense, then you should be a candidate for dental implants. Feel free to schedule a consultation with our team so that we can help determine if your oral health is sufficient for starting this procedure.