Dental implants: how they replace missing teeth, and what to expect

Losing a tooth is common. Decay, gum disease and injuries all take their toll, and most adults have lost at least one permanent tooth by middle age. Whatever the reason, a gap affects more than your smile: it can change how you chew, how you speak and, over time, the health of the teeth around it. Dental implants are the closest thing modern dentistry has to a natural tooth.

Why replacing a missing tooth matters

When a tooth is lost, the teeth next to it tend to drift or tilt into the space, and the opposing tooth can move toward it. This can change your bite and make the area harder to clean.

The jawbone also needs stimulation from a tooth root to stay healthy. Without it, the bone in that area gradually shrinks. When several teeth are missing, this bone loss can reduce support for the lips and cheeks, which is why missing teeth can make a face look older.

How a dental implant works

An implant is a small post, usually titanium, placed in the jawbone where the root of the missing tooth used to be. Over the following months the bone bonds to the implant, a process called osseointegration. Once healed, the implant acts as a stable, artificial root that can support:

• A single crown to replace one tooth.
• A bridge to replace several teeth in a row, without relying on natural teeth for support.
• A denture, held firmly in place by implants instead of resting on the gums.
• A full arch of fixed teeth on as few as four implants, known as All-on-4™.

Implants compared with bridges and dentures

A traditional fixed bridge is anchored to the teeth on either side of the gap, which have to be reshaped to hold it. An implant stands on its own, so the neighboring teeth are left untouched.

Dentures rest on the gums, and some people find they shift while eating or speaking. Implant-supported teeth are fixed in place or clip securely onto implants, so they feel and function much more like natural teeth. And because an implant replaces the root, it helps preserve the bone in a way that bridges and dentures can’t.

Bridges and dentures are still the right choice in some situations. We’ll go over all your options, including cost and timing, so you can decide what makes sense for you.

What treatment involves

1. Consultation and planning. We examine your mouth, take digital X-rays and discuss your goals. This tells us whether there is enough healthy bone for an implant, or whether bone grafting is needed first.
2. Placing the implant. The implant is placed in the jawbone by a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or periodontist, usually under local anesthesia. Most people find the recovery easier than they expected.
3. Healing. The bone bonds to the implant over a few months. A temporary tooth can often be worn in the meantime.
4. The final tooth. A custom crown, bridge or denture is made to match your natural teeth in shape and color, and attached to the implant.

Who is a good candidate?

Most adults in good general health who have lost a tooth can be considered for implants. Healthy gums and enough jawbone are important, and gum disease should be treated first. Smoking and some conditions, such as poorly controlled diabetes, can slow healing and affect long-term success, so we’ll review your health history with you.

Caring for your implants

Implants can’t get cavities, but the gums around them can still become inflamed. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, and keep up with regular checkups and cleanings. With good care, implants can last for many years.

Ask us about dental implants

Dr. Winter and our team will plan your treatment with you, coordinate with the specialist who places the implant, and create your final tooth, answering your questions along the way. Learn more about Implant Dentistry at SmileNY Dental, or contact us to schedule a consultation.