Dental Implants in Saratoga Springs, NY

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth as well as providing a “fixed” solution to having a removable partial or complete denture.

Dental implants, which are inserted into the jawbones, are artificial replacements for tooth roots. Once these titanium implants fuse with the jaw bone they can be used to replace single missing teeth, used to support a dental bridge to replace multiple missing teeth, used to support a partial or complete denture with clips or attachments, or be used to replace all of the teeth permanently.

Dental implants have generated great excitement in dentistry because of the many advantages they have over other dental prosthetics and because of the unprecedented success rates they enjoy. Studies have shown that well-planned dental implants are typically between 95 -98% successful.

1. Replace One or More Missing Teeth, without affecting the adjacent teeth
2. Restore a Patient's Confident Smile
3. Improve Quality of Life, through improved function and speech
4. Maintain Alveolar Bone and therefore prevent changes to facial form and height
5. Support a Removable Denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

Patients facing the loss or extraction of a tooth, or those already missing one or more teeth, may find that the many benefits of dental implants make them an ideal solution for restoring a complete smile. Some of the most compelling benefits of dental implants include:

• Can permanently replace one or more teeth
• Takes the place of the natural tooth root rather than leaving an empty space
• Helps preserve bone and facial structure
• Can support dental restorations for a complete, beautiful, and functional smile without the hassle of removable restorations, adhesives, and other downsides

The implant surgery phase, the act of placing the implant into the jaw bone, is done by either an oral surgeon or a periodontist. The prosthetic phase, the act of restoring that implant with a single tooth, bridge, or denture, is done by a general dentist or prosthodontist. Experience Counts!! Possibly more than any other dental procedure, the success of the dental implant relies heavily on the knowledge and experience of the restoring dentist, in addition to the coordination between the restoring dentist and the surgeon placing the implants. All patients considering dental implants should be assured that our office is highly trained in restoring all types of dental implant systems. All of our dentists have done extensive graduate and postgraduate training in implant restorations and our office has been working closely with our referring specialists since the early use of implants in clinical practice. Additionally, we pride ourselves on our team-based approach to implant design and restoration. When choosing our office to restore your smile, you should know that not only will the dentist and specialist be in constant communication regarding your case but all implant cases are discussed amongst the dentists in our weekly implant study club, thus ensuring the most thorough treatment planning and pre prosthetic evaluation possible. Please do not hesitate to ask any of our dentists what training they have in implant procedures, how many implants they have restored, what implant systems they prefer, and why and what their personal success and failure rates are. In addition, you should know that our office, from dentist to hygienist, is committed to caring for you after the implants have been placed. With thousands of successful implant cases completed, we are confident that we will exceed your expectations.

Careful evaluation and treatment planning well before implant surgery is one of the keys to our success in dental implants. Our pretreatment evaluation will involve at least an initial consultation with our staff, a consult with the treating surgeon, and often a radiologist. Our consult will involve the completion of all necessary radiographs, evaluation of the periodontal health, the remaining dentition, and the space available between the upper and lower arches, as well as the health of the temporomandibular joint and a bite evaluation.

Two sets of casts (models) of the dental arches will be completed. The first is a record of how the teeth and surrounding structures were before the implants were placed. The second set of casts will be sent to a dental technician and the cast will be altered to display the final result of the implant treatment. Your treating dentist will now use this new cast to evaluate the effect of the implant on the occlusion and the relationship of the jaws to plan the proper implant design and provide the surgeon with a guide to the placement of the implants.

Once properly designed, the surgeon will place the implants and allow healing; this process can take up to 6 months and longer if needed. During the healing phase, the patient will be able to wear a temporary and avoid any cosmetic objections.

Once properly healed, the patient returns to our office for implant restoration. This procedure varies greatly depending on whether the implants will be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or support a denture. Your dentist will be happy to explain the procedure on a case-by-case basis. Implants can be a wonderful, life-changing decision. Their success depends on proper pretreatment planning and the experience to anticipate concerns and adjust accordingly. Our staff, our assistants, our hygienists, our dentists, and our referring specialists all understand the importance of communication and teamwork in this process and as our patient, you should feel secure in our dedication to the success of your treatment.

Is getting dental implants painful?
While the dental implant procedure does include a surgical incision into the gums, most patients don't find the procedure painful. Before we begin, the treatment area is completely numbed with a local anesthetic. We also offer sedation options to further enhance your comfort during the procedure. After the anchoring implants are placed, there is typically some soreness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort as the gums heal, but this is normal and usually easily controlled with pain relievers and ice packs.

How long does it take to get dental implants?
Dental implants are placed in two stages. First, the anchoring implants are placed. Then you'll wear a temporary crown or bridge while your mouth heals. About six months later, you'll come back and have your permanent crown, partial, or denture affixed.

Are dental implants safe?
Yes, for the majority of patients, dental implants are generally considered very safe and effective. Even though there are small risks with any type of surgery, no matter how minor, dental implants have been in use for more than 30 years with a higher than 97% success rate.

How long do dental implants last?
The anchoring implant is permanent and, in most cases, will never need another treatment. However, the crown, partial, or denture that attaches to it typically has a lifetime of about 15 – 20 years.

Can anyone have dental implants?
Any patient that has good overall oral health, healthy gums, and enough bone density can be a great candidate for dental implants. Patients that have periodontal disease, insufficient bone, diabetes, certain chronic disease, or who may be pregnant may not be candidates for dental implants. During your consultation, we will examine you to determine if dental implants are right for you.

Thanks to the innovations in modern dental technology, there are several approaches to address tooth loss with the lifelike visual appeal and function of dental implants. Our experienced team at Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry is proud to perform implant-supported restorative options as effective tooth replacements for Saratoga Springs, NY patients. To learn about your dental implant options for restoring severely compromised or lost teeth, arrange your dental exam at Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry as soon as you can. Let us create a strong, beautiful new smile for you that you can't stop smiling about.