What would you do to have strong, healthy teeth again? Traditional dentures aren’t always the best option. Explore what Sea Girt dental implants can do for your smile.
What happens when you lose a tooth?
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that most American adults between the ages of 20 and 62 have lost approximately 4 natural teeth. These smile gaps compromise the strength of adjacent teeth, deteriorate the jaw bone and strike a blow to self-image.
While traditional bridgework, partials and full dentures have their place in restorative dentistry, innovative dental implants rise above these tooth replacement solutions. Boasting a success rate of over 95 percent, according to the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, dental implants are truly artificial teeth, totally recreating their natural counterparts from root to crown.
Wall Township dental implants fill smile gaps
The dental implant has 3 parts:
- A titanium screw or cylinder placed into the jawbone during a simple, in-office surgery
- A metal abutment or post which extends the implant above the gumline
- A custom-made porcelain crown
Dr. Edward J. Dooley places dental implants in patients that have good general and oral health. These inventive prosthetics mimic the look, feel and function of real teeth–without the slippage, eating issues and bone and gum recession common to dentures.
How the Wall Township dental implant procedure works
Dr. Dooley examines the mouth and takes digital x-rays and other imaging before placing a dental implant. He ensures there is adequate, healthy bone to support the implant device.
With a decision made to proceed with the treatment, Dr. Dooley numbs the site, incises the gums and then drills a small hole into the bone. He inserts the titanium implant cylinder into the jaw and closes the site with sutures.
After several weeks of healing so the bone integrates with the implant, the dentist attaches the abutment and porcelain crown. The healing process, called osseointegration, is unique to dental implants and guarantees a secure implant placement. In fact, whenever a patient bites or chews on his fully healed implant, the jaw bone is exercised and strengthened.
Also, strategically placed in multiples, dental implants anchor bridgework and full dentures. Gone are the gooey adhesives, aged facial appearance and compromised chewing common to life with dentures.
Caring for a dental implant
The best candidates for dental implants routinely brush their teeth daily and floss every day, especially around implant sites. While dental implants do not decay as natural teeth do, they fall prey to peri-implantitis, an inflammatory and infectious condition similar to gum disease. Peri-implantitis threatens long-term implant retention as does tobacco use because of the toxins and heat of cigarette smoke.
Consult an expert
Dr. Edward Dooley is a fellow of the well-respected International Congress of Oral Implantologists. His educational background and expertise make him your best choice for placement of a dental implant. Contact Dooley Dental to speak with this outstanding dental team about tooth replacement with implants.
