Dental Implants
North Syracuse, NY

Your smile will always reveal who you are as it fortifies your self-esteem and projects your confidence level. If a broken or missing tooth is preventing you from smiling, affecting your ability to eat, or having great speech, having a dental implant will help. Here at Mahar Dental, we have a team of highly trained and experienced dentists who use modern technology to offer quality dental implant solutions.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant refers to a screw-like anchor used in place of natural tooth roots. Dental implants comprise materials compatible with the human body, like titanium. Attaching dental implants to the gum tissue and jawbone ensures a stable base for artificial teeth.

Types of Dental Implants

There are three main types of dental implants on the market. Our dentist will decide on the right dental implant type depending on the patient's situation.

Endosseous implants are made of either ceramic or ceramic coated with metal. They are screw or cylinder-shaped and are always placed within the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants comprise a metal framework attached to the top of the jawbone and below the gum tissue. Transosteal implants are U-shaped frames or metal pins passing through the gum tissue and jawbone to the mouth.

What is the Dental Implant Procedure?

During your first visit to the dentist, the damaged tooth is first removed and the implant placed on the jaw before inserting the screw to help prevent debris from getting inside. In most cases, it takes three to six months for the implant to fuse properly with the jawbone. During this period, the gum is well secured on the implant.

The implant will be uncovered during your second visit to the dentist. When the gum tissue has healed, the post and the implant will act as the new tooth foundation.

The last procedure is making the crown suit your natural teeth. This is after considering factors like color, shape, and size. The crown will be attached to the implant post bringing your lost, beautiful smile back to life.

Why Dental Implants?

Dental implants are sturdy, strong, and durable solutions for replacing missing teeth. Although there are times when they will require adjustments, it is cost-effective and easier to maintain dental implants.

Dental implants are made of titanium which makes them resistant to dental decay. Dental implants will also improve your confidence levels, appearance, and ability to chew foods you like comfortably. You will also live an active lifestyle and interact without worrying about your appearance. Implants are solidly fixed in the jawbone. This allows the teeth to be replaced in a way that resembles the natural teeth.

The jawbone in the gap will always deteriorate as there will be no stimulation due to lack of a tooth. The bone area will lose up to 25% volume when there is no implant within the first year.

Loss of jawbone will continue over the years. Dentures will even speed up bone loss since they always get loose. Since dental implants will replace the root and the tooth restoring normality in chewing, it will offer the required stimulation to promote natural bone growth.

Who Can Undergo Dental Implants?

Any person can have dental implants. However, any person who undergoes dental implants must fully develop bone tissue. For this reason, dental implants are not recommended for people below 18 years old.

Do Dental Implants Hurt?

Dental implants are comfortable and painless after healing. However, after surgery, the patient may experience mild pain and discomfort lasting approximately seven days but should not cause any discomfort. You can consider using oral sedation if you have anxiety with dental processes. Our dentists will always prescribe medications to help in handling the pain and helping avoid infection.

How Long Will a Dental Implant Procedure Last?

The dental implant procedure will last for one to two hours. Three to nine months after a successful dental implant, our dentists will start creating a dental bridge or crown placed on top of the post. Although the waiting period may seem long, having a successful dental implant is essential.

What is the Dental Implant Recovery Period?

The dental implant recovery period depends on the patient's dental and medical history, the jawbone condition before surgery, and the number of teeth to be replaced. The recovery period ranges from a couple of days to weeks, depending on the patient's circumstances. It will take a few days to feel normal. The healing process for the gum tissue and jawbone takes between three to six months.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants can last up to 20 years with proper oral hygiene, although there is a possibility they can last a lifetime. The lifespan of dental implants depends on how you look after your teeth.

How to Take Care of Dental Implants

Different types of dental implants will require extra care. Our dentists will ensure you are well-equipped with the right products, like special brushes, to help you take good care of your dental implants.

Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing infection around the dental implant. Ensure you perform a frequent, thorough cleaning and visit the dentist for professional maintenance practices like cleaning and checkups.

Make it a habit of brushing your dental implants at least twice a day when brushing your teeth. Use dental floss to clean around the implants daily. Ask the dentist for a special technique for dental implants. Invest in low-abrasive toothpaste as it will help reduce damage on dental restorations. A water flosser is an excellent addition to oral hygiene since it is effective in cleaning between the prosthetic teeth and reduces the population of bacteria in the mouth. Using antimicrobial mouth rinse at least twice a day will help ensure you remove bacteria and food particles, preventing gum diseases.

Are you a candidate for dental implants? Scheduling a consultation at Mahar Dental to learn more about dental implants is a great starting point. Dental implant specialists will thoroughly examine your oral health before suggesting the appropriate treatment plan that will help restore your confidence and smile. Contact us today by calling (315) 766-2770 to start your journey to a beautiful new set of teeth.