When you lose a tooth, there is no use for the bone that supported it and it begins to shrink. With less bone, you are more likely to lose adjacent teeth. Eventually, one or two missing teeth can be responsible for an entire missing bridge. There are ways to avoid losing all of your teeth just because one falls out or is extracted. The earlier you start your treatment, the better your chances of successfully getting dental implants in Queens, NY.
By having your dentist install an implant where your missing tooth was, you can preserve the bone and prevent further tooth loss. In order to place the implant, your dentist will have to make sure you have enough bone to support it. If your tooth has been missing for a while, you may have lost some bone. A bone graft procedure may be necessary to prevent the loss of the implant. After the bone graft, your dentist will begin the implant process.
Dental implants in Queens, NY are installed in stages. The first part of the procedure involves inserting a titanium screw into the bone. Over the course of a few months, the bone will accept the post and it will be secure in your jaw. The next step is to attach an abutment to the post. This piece of the implant is what holds the crown in place. With the post securely implanted in the bone and the abutment on top, the implant is ready for a crown.
Crowns look, feel and work like natural teeth. The crown is not removable so you will care for it like you do the rest of your natural teeth. The best time to talk to your dentist about the possibility of replacing one or more of your teeth with an implant is while the tooth is still in your mouth. At that point in time, you may have other, less invasive options. If your tooth is already missing, schedule a consultation with a dentist who has experience doing implants, such as Northern Plaza Dental Care. When you choose a skilled and experienced dentist, you can be sure that you have the highest chances of success with your dental implant.