Facts from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (aaid.com)
- More than 30 million Americans are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws
- 15 million people in the U.S. have crown and bridge replacements for missing teeth
- 3 million have implants and that number is growing by 500,000 a year
- 10% of all U.S. dentists place implants but that is increasing
- The success rate of implants has been reported in scientific literature as 98%
- Implants performed by U.S. dentists 5,505,720 (2006)
- Implants performed by U.S. general dentists 3,103,930 (2006)
- The dental implant market in the U.S. is projected to reach $5 billion by 2018
Questions to Ask When Selecting an Implant Dentist
- What treatment options do you use to restore missing teeth?
- How many implant procedures have you performed?
- What’s your success rate?
- What’s your education and training in implant treatment?
- Which technique* and type of replacement teeth or appliance do you recommend for me, and why?
- What steps are involved in the process and where and by whom are they performed?
- What should I expect throughout the process in terms of pain, recovery time, eating, etc.?
- Will I have teeth throughout the process?
- What type of anesthesia do you use?
- What are the risks of the treatment option you’re recommending?
- What are the benefits?
- Can you share before-and-after pictures of other patients you have treated?
The Process of Installing Implants
If one or more of your teeth fall out, you may qualify for dental implants as a way to permanently replace the missing teeth. In order to find out, schedule an appointment with our Rockville Centre dentist office by calling (516) 764-6339. We will examine your mouth and jawbone to determine if the procedure is right for you. Before we begin the procedure, your gums need to be healthy, and your jawbone needs to be strong. If we identify any cavities or signs of gum disease, we will need to treat it prior to the dental implant procedure.
Once you are cleared for the procedure, the staff at Joel Heller DMD will take an impression of your mouth to create a new tooth in a dental lab. Each synthetic tooth will match the size and shape of the surrounding teeth, along with having a perfect color match. This way your smile will appear completely natural once we complete the procedure. Many patients are satisfied with the results since no one can tell the difference between which teeth are real and which ones are synthetic.
Teeth restored with implants will not get cavities. A replacement tooth, or crown, does not decay like a natural tooth. However, you still need to brush, floss and care for it and your surrounding natural teeth in the same manner as natural teeth. Regular professional cleanings and dental checkups are also essential.
Rockville Centre Dental Implants
The next step in the procedure is to implant a metal post under the gum line. This aspect of the procedure is what sets an implant apart from other forms of cosmetic dentistry. The metal post is secured to the jawbone in order to create a durable, synthetic root system that rivals the strength of natural roots; with one exception that the metal cannot face infection. Over the course of a couple of months, the metal post and jawbone will fuse together. This creates a level of durability that cannot be replicated in other types of procedures.
Afterward, we will secure the new synthetic tooth to the metal post at the surface of the gums. The new tooth is attached so securely, that patients can eat their favorite foods, maintain an active lifestyle, play sports, and more, without fear of their tooth becoming loose or falling out. Patients can enjoy the benefits that come from never having to worry about their tooth again.
The team at Joel Heller DMD provide dental implants in a way that is comfortable and functional. We take the time to make sure that every aspect of the procedure is completed correctly – the first time.