Most of us grew up with a tooth fairy that would give us cash for every baby tooth we lost – some of us were awarded $1, while others were lucky enough to pocket $5. Those were the good ol’ days – when losing a tooth not only meant a brand-new tooth was on its way, but also meant money in our pocket.
Unfortunately, losing a tooth looks a lot different as you age. Your mouth isn’t sprouting a new tooth like it did in your childhood years, and there’s no money waiting for you under your pillow. The only thing you’re rewarded with is a massive gap in your smile – which isn’t much of a reward at all. In fact, it’s a nightmare!
So, what can the Staten Island community do to counter unwanted tooth loss as we age? Well, the good news is you have plenty of options – especially with the many technological and scientific advancements we’ve seen over the past few decades. Still, there’s one treatment that reigns supreme – dental implants.
A dental implant is a replacement tooth that mimics the appearance and function of a natural tooth. It consists of an implant body, abutment, and crown. The implant body is inserted into the jawbone and acts as the tooth’s root. The abutment attaches the crown (tooth) to the implant body – securing it in place.
Patients can also opt for dentures or bridgework, but dental implants are often preferred. Here’s why:
What are bridges? Bridges help ‘bridge’ the gap between two otherwise healthy teeth. It consists of two abutments (each with a crown on it) on either side of a pontic (artificial teeth that fill in the gap).
What are dentures? A denture is a removable prosthetic device that replaces missing teeth. Partial dentures replace one or a few teeth, while complete dentures replace the entire upper or lower jaw.
Dental implants offer a more natural look and comfortable feel – bridges and dentures pale in comparison. They don’t need to be removed and cleaned (as is the case with dentures), and the implant body can last a lifetime (unlike a bridge, which usually lasts 5-7 years). Implants are better in practically every category.
Undergoing dental implant surgery can be scary for some individuals, but the Staten Island community can rest easy knowing their teeth are in good hands at Healthy Smiles. From the initial consultation to the day your teeth are fully healed (and beyond) – the health and function of your teeth are our No. 1 priority.
Here’s a quick rundown of what patients can expect during the dental implant procedure:
Artificial teeth are designed to mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth, but don’t forget that they also require the same tender love and care as your natural teeth. That means practicing good dental hygiene (brush and floss twice per day) and scheduling regular follow-up appointments with your dentist.
There’s nothing worse than losing a tooth. It could result from an injury, disease, bad lifestyle habits, or the natural aging process running its course – either way, no one wants to part ways with one of their beloved teeth (let alone several, most, or all of them). Unfortunately, that’s the case for too many of us.
Here’s how dental implant surgery in Staten Island can transform your life:
Decayed, chipped, missing, and cracked teeth have finally met their match. Not only are dental implants designed to blend in with the rest of your teeth, but they’re also made to feel like the rest of your teeth – helping you relive the golden days when your teeth were fully functional, fully healthy, and fully apparent!
Dental implant surgery can be a life-changing procedure for the right patient, but that doesn’t mean it’s suitable for everyone – and it can actually do more harm than good if the circumstances aren’t right. Don’t worry – Dr. Joseph Cipriano (your friendly Staten Island dentist) can help you navigate your options.
At Healthy Smiles, we harness the latest technology to ensure each and every procedure goes exactly as planned. We take a restorative approach that monitors the patient’s progress through each stage of the process – from the initial consultation to the end of the healing process, we’ve got Staten Island covered.
If you’re interested in discussing the dental implant procedure in more detail or want to see if you’re a good candidate, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with Dr. Cipriano today – your new teeth await!
