Dental Implants in New York, NY
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth and can help you regain an even, natural-looking smile. Because dental implants feel and function like natural teeth, you can enjoy virtually any food again. A dental implant is usually comprised of 3 parts: the dental implant, abutment, and dental crown.
The dental implant is the screw that will be placed into your gum line and living jawbone. The dental implant will act like the roots of your teeth and create a secure, stable base for your new tooth. Dental implants bond and adhere to your gums and jawbone through the process of osseointegration. This process is crucial to the success of your dental implants, as the bone of your jaw must successfully bond with the dental implant to have a stable base to place your new tooth.
The abutment connects the dental implant to your new tooth, also referred to as a crown. An abutment can hold a single tooth into a single dental implant, or in some cases, an abutment can even act as a connector to a set of new teeth that will be held by 1 or more dental implants.
The final tooth that will be placed is called the crown. In some cases of dental implant surgery, a temporary crown is placed immediately following your tooth replacement procedure. This is an impermanent tooth that will be used until your jawbone has successfully fused with your dental implant. In a separate procedure with our prosthodontist, a permanent crown will be placed on your dental implant that will be as strong and natural-looking as your natural tooth.
What types of dental implants are there?
Traditional Dental Implants:
Traditional dental implants use a metal screw and abutment to securely place a permanent crown. Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or several missing teeth. For a single missing tooth, 1 crown can be used to restore an even smile. If several teeth are missing, multiple dental implants can be used to replace these missing teeth. Traditional dental implants require 1 screw for each tooth that is being replaced. If you have 5 teeth that are missing in different parts of your mouth, you will need 5 individual screws to replace these missing teeth. In cases where a patient is missing the majority or all of his or her teeth, All-On-4® dental implants and All-On-6 dental implants are recommended.
All-On-4® Dental Implants:
While traditional dental implants require an individual screw for each tooth that is being replaced, All-On-4® dental implants use 4 anchor screws to securely fasten your dental implants to your gum line and bottom jawbone. The use of 4 secure anchor screws makes for a less invasive dental implant surgery and a quicker recovery time. Dr. Classi offers All-On-4® implants to replace missing teeth on the lower jaw only. All-On-4® dental implants are most often used when a patient has lost all of his or her teeth or the majority of his or her teeth. All-On-4® dental implants are a tooth loss treatment that can help create a full, even smile in just 1 dental implant procedure.
All-On-6® Dental Implants:
Similar to All-On-4® dental implants, All-On-6 dental implants require 6 anchor screws to successfully support your dental implants, as opposed to traditional dental implants, which require a single anchor screw for each individual tooth that is being replaced. All-On-6 dental implants are used to replace missing teeth of the upper jaw. Providing a natural-looking tooth replacement, All-On-6 dental implants provide a full set of teeth for your upper jaw.
Zirconia Dental Implants:
Zirconia dental implants are nonmetal dental implants that provide the most natural-looking results. Traditional dental implants are made of titanium and, in some cases, can discolor the gums and make them look unnatural. Because zirconia dental implants are ivory-colored, they provide aesthetically pleasing and more natural-looking dental implant results. In some cases, titanium dental implants have the possibility to corrode. Zirconia dental implants are made of biocompatible materials, so they are less prone to corroding. Long-lasting dental implants, zirconia implants can help restore your smile by replacing a missing tooth or teeth.
Implant dentures:
Implant dentures can restore your smile by replacing all of your missing teeth similar to dentures. Traditional dentures cause severe bone loss and unhealthy gums. Implant dentures are removable dentures that are securely connected to your jaw through dental implants. Implant dentures are sets of teeth that are placed and connected through an abutment to your dental implants. Unlike other forms of dental implants, implant dentures can be removed to be washed or cleaned. Implant dentures do no result in the same bone resorption as traditional dentures do. This is important to maintain healthy jawbone density. If you want a permanent tooth replacement that can still be removed, implant dentures may be right for you, as they are extremely secure and will not loosen but can still be safely removed to clean them.
What can I expect from dental implant surgery?
The details of your dental implant surgery will vary depending on how many teeth you are having replaced or what type of dental implants you will be receiving. To begin most dental implant surgeries, any unhealthy or damaged teeth will be removed. If you have bone loss or a jawbone that is not strong enough for dental implants, you may receive a dental bone graft. If your jawbone does not require a bone graft, Dr. Classi will place the metal implant into your jawbone. In most cases, your jaw will then heal until the bone properly bonds with the dental implant. This is important to form a strong, stable foundation for the dental implants. A few months after your first dental implant surgery, you will return to our office so that Dr. Classi can place an abutment. The final stage of your dental implant surgery will be when Dr. Classi places your permanent crown or crowns.
How long will it take to recover from dental implant surgery?
The length of your recovery time will vary depending on what dental implant procedure you are undergoing. If you receive All-On-4® dental implants, your recovery period will be shorter than if you were receiving 6 dental implants with 6 individual metal posts being placed in your jawbone. The fewer number of dental implants being placed will mean a shorter recovery time. Recovery time also depends if you are having teeth extracted or jawbone grafts. The majority of crowns are placed months after your initial dental implant procedure; on the other hand, if you are receiving teeth in a day, Dr. Classi is able to place a crown the same day as your dental implant surgery for immediate results.
Are dental implants natural-looking?
Dental implants are designed to feel, look, and function just like your normal teeth. With our in-house lab, our technicians are able to create a dental crown that is customized to compliment your smile. Crowns are individually colored, shaped, and refined to seamlessly blend with your natural teeth. Dental implants are stable, effective missing tooth replacements that cannot loosen or fall out as traditional dentures can. Dr. Classi is a dental implant specialist in NYC who focuses on creating a beautiful, healthy smile with dental implant surgery.
Does Dr. Classi offer revisional dental implant surgery?
Yes, Dr. Classi can remove dental implants and replace them with new dental implants in cases of failing implants. Dr. Classi will only replace dental implants if they cause pain, are ineffective, or are failing. If you have received dental implants from a less skilled oral surgeon, Dr. Classi can help you achieve a full smile with dental implant surgery.
Am I a candidate for dental implant surgery?
An ideal dental implant candidate has adequate jawbone density to support his or her future dental implants. If you do not have high enough jawbone density, you may be a dental implant candidate after receiving a bone graft for dental implants. A candidate for dental implant surgery is a patient who is in good overall health and is looking for a way to replace missing teeth. Dental implant surgery candidates must have healthy gums and be committed to maintaining a proper oral hygiene regimen.