Dental implants are inserted into the bone of the jaw where they act as a replacement tooth root. Unlike other forms of tooth replacement, dental implants do not address the missing crown, but rather provide a solid and reliable base for your dental restorations. Because they are secured by bone, dental implants have the potential of lasting for a lifetime, but much of this depends on the care you take of your implants after they have been placed.
If you are missing one or more teeth, please call 212-452-3344 to schedule a dental implant consultation at NYC Smile Design and learn more about the benefits of implant dentistry.
Osseointegration
Dental implants have multiple microscopic holes on their surface. These holes provide a foothold for osteoblasts and connective tissue, allowing for complete integration of the implant into your jaw. This process is known as osseointegration and it offers one of the most impressive benefits of dental implants: the replacement of a missing tooth root.
When a root is missing, the body will eventually absorb the minerals around the socket for use elsewhere. This causes the jaw to shrink and collapse, and is an unavoidable consequence of tooth loss. Dental implants alone address this problem, allowing them to preserve the structure of your face while holding your restoration firmly in place.
Dental bridges and dentures will need to be adjusted over time to conform to the new shape your jaw takes as it shrinks. Dental implants need never be adjusted because they prevent shrinkage from occurring in the first place. But this process cannot happen without your help.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
In order for the process of osseointegration to take place, you need to keep your implant and the surrounding tissue free of disease and decay. This requires a complete commitment to maintaining a strong daily routine complete with brushing after every meal and snack, and flossing both morning and night. When helpful, our New York implant dentists may suggest Remin Pro, an advanced toothpaste available at our office, to help strengthen adjacent teeth as well. This is entirely dependent on your needs and is best determined during your implant dentistry consultation. Regardless of the toothpaste used, your at-home routine will prove essential in helping your implant integrate into your jaw and stay there after your restorations have been placed.
If you have questions about caring for your dental implants or if you are ready to schedule a tooth replacement consultation, please contact NYC Smile Design today. We serve men and women living in New York City and surrounding areas of NJ, NY, and CT.
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