Dental Implants in Hackensack
Is a missing tooth affecting your smile? Or do you have multiple missing teeth that are making it hard to bite or chew food? When you need tooth restoration solutions, dental implants may be the right option for you. These help improve your smile and make chewing easier to do.
But what exactly are they? And how do you know if they’re the best option for replacing missing teeth? At State Street Smiles, we offer dental implants in Hackensack, NJ. Our dentists, Dr. Edward Jackson and Dr. Dina Jackson, can determine if these are the right solution for you if you have one or more missing teeth.
Let’s go over what dental implants are — and how they can benefit your smile for years to come!
What Are Dental Implants?
When you’re missing a tooth, you need a way to replace it that stays securely in place. That’s what implants do. These titanium posts are designed to fit inside your jawbone. Once they’ve fused to the tissue around them, they serve as anchors that hold a custom-made dental restoration in place.
Dental implants generally have a few parts, though this can vary, depending on the type of implant. These parts include the following:
- Post that acts as a tooth root
- Connector or abutment piece that joins the post and restoration
- Dental restoration, such as a crown, dentures, or bridge
Top Benefits of Dental Implants
What types of advantages do these provide? Getting implants offers all of these benefits:
- Helps you bite and chew more easily
- Helps you speak clearly
- Enhances your smile
- Preserves your jawbone
- Provides added support and stability for dentures
- No enamel removal needed as with traditional bridges
- Offers a long-term solution for tooth replacement
- Stops neighboring teeth from shifting
What to Expect When You Get Dental Implants
The exact steps involved may vary, depending on what type you get. Most dental implant procedures start with having a post placed in your jawbone. You’ll have anesthesia to numb the area, preventing you from feeling anything.
After the post is placed in your jawbone, it needs time to fuse to the tissue surrounding it. Your jawbone also needs time to heal properly. This may take many weeks or months. But it’s an important step to ensure that your implant provides long-lasting support for your dental restoration.
When your jawbone has healed, the next step involves attaching the connecting piece or abutment to it. This will hold your dental restoration firmly in place for many years. Once the abutment is secured, our dentists will place the dental restoration on, whether that’s a bridge, crown, or denture.
Types of Dental Implants
Implants aren’t a one size fits all solution. Instead, we use different types based on what each patient needs. Some only need one tooth replaced. Others need to have multiple teeth in a row replaced. Our dental team will help you find the right type of dental implant, depending on your needs.
Single Implants
These are used when you have just one missing tooth to replace. These implants include the post, connector piece, and custom-made dental crown to help restore your smile or functionality.
Multiple Implants
Have more than one tooth missing? You may benefit from multiple implants that are used to hold a partial denture or bridge in place. This option can help you speak and chew with greater ease if multiple missing teeth affect these abilities.
Full Mouth Implants
Do you have a whole arch of teeth that are missing? Full mouth dental implants or full arch restorations may be the right option for you. These include four to six implants and a denture to provide better stability and improve functionality while eating or speaking.
Mini Implants
Traditional implants require you to have enough jawbone to support the posts. But if you don’t have an adequate amount, mini dental implants might be an option. These are smaller than traditional implants that aren’t as invasive as traditional implants.
When to Consider Getting Dental Implants
Have you experienced tooth loss from decay, damage, or other causes? Implants might offer a good solution for replacing one or more of your teeth. Note that you need to be at least 18 years old to get these. You’ll also need to have enough jawbone and no underlying conditions that might interfere with the healing process.
Our dentists will evaluate your tooth and gum health and go over your medical history to determine if you’re a good candidate for implants. Any of the following might cause us to discuss other options for you if you’re not considered a suitable dental implant candidate:
- Autoimmune diseases or other health conditions that affect healing
- Being a smoker
- Having severe tooth decay or advanced gum disease
- Having significant bone loss
FAQs on Dental Implants
Have questions about implants? These are some of the more commonly asked questions about these tooth replacement options.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
That depends on certain factors, such as your medical history and oral health. Our dental team will evaluate your situation before determining if implants are the most suitable option for replacing missing teeth.
Are there any disadvantages of dental implants?
Yes, there are a few to consider before deciding if you should get implants. They tend to be more expensive than other options for tooth replacement. The procedure can also take several months to complete and involve multiple visits. Implant failure can also happen due to infections or other causes.
How long do dental implants last?
The implants themselves can last for decades — but the restoration may need to be replaced sooner. Bridges and crowns may last for over a decade, while dentures might need replacing after several years. Note that proper oral hygiene and regular cleanings and exams help keep your implants in good shape over the years.
Do you take dental implants out like dentures?
No, they’re fixed in place. That means you don’t have to worry about removing them in order to clean them. They’re also more comfortable than traditional removable dentures.
How much do dental implants cost?
That varies considerably, depending on the type you get and other factors. We’ll provide you with an estimate of the cost you can expect to pay if you choose dental implants.
Schedule a Visit With Our Hackensack Dentists!
Are you wondering if implants are right for you? At State Street Smiles, our dentists can help you decide if you should go with this solution — or explore other options if needed. Visit us to discuss dental implants in Hackensack, NJ!
