Overview of Implant Placement

The Surgical Procedure

At Tribeca Oral Surgery, we are committed to restoring your smile and improving your oral health with the most advanced dental implant procedures. Dental implants are a safe, reliable, and long-term solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth. Our team of experienced oral surgeons specializes in providing high-quality implant care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. If you’re considering dental implants, understanding the procedure and what to expect can help you feel confident in your decision.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Dental implants have become the gold standard in tooth replacement for several reasons:

1. Natural Look and Feel: Implants are designed to mimic the appearance and function of your natural teeth. The custom-made crowns, bridges, or dentures that are placed on the implant post are tailored to fit your smile.
2. Long-Term Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. This is a significant advantage over traditional bridges or dentures, which may need to be replaced or adjusted over time.
3. Preserve Bone Health: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone underneath can begin to shrink. Implants help maintain bone density by providing the necessary stimulation to the jawbone, preventing further bone loss.
4. Improved Comfort and Confidence: Unlike dentures that can slip or cause discomfort, dental implants are securely anchored into your jawbone. This provides stability and comfort, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
5. Better Oral Health: Since dental implants don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support, they don’t affect the health of neighboring teeth, unlike traditional bridges, which require alteration of healthy teeth.

1. Normal

2. Tooth Loss

3. Healed Bone

4. Implant Placed

5. Healing

6. Implant Restored

The Dental Implant Process at Tribeca Oral Surgery

At Tribeca Oral Surgery, we ensure that the dental implant procedure is as smooth and comfortable as possible for our patients. Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved in placing dental implants:

1. Initial Consultation and Evaluation: During your consultation, our expert oral surgeons will carefully evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals for treatment, and take advanced imaging (such as X-rays or 3D scans) to assess the structure of your jawbone. This ensures that your dental implant placement is properly planned.
2. Implant Placement Surgery: The first step in the implant process involves placing the titanium implant into your jawbone. This surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, and in some cases, we may offer sedation options to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible.
3. Healing and Osseointegration: After the implant is placed, you will enter a healing phase that typically lasts between 3 to 6 months. During this time, the titanium post will fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, creating a solid foundation for the final restoration.
4. Abutment Placement: Once osseointegration is complete, we will attach an abutment (a small connector piece) to the implant. This abutment will serve as the support for the final restoration.
5. Custom Restoration: After the abutment is placed, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture will be created to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and color. This final restoration is securely attached to the abutment, completing your smile transformation.

Recovery and Aftercare

The recovery time for dental implants varies by patient, but the healing period typically takes between 3 to 6 months for the implant to fully integrate with the bone. During this time, you’ll need to follow specific aftercare instructions:

• Pain Management: Mild discomfort or swelling is common following surgery and can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Diet: During the initial healing phase, it’s important to avoid chewing on hard foods or the implant site. Soft foods like soups, yogurt, and mashed potatoes are recommended for the first few days.
• Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is critical to the success of the implant. Brush and floss gently around the implant area, and follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure proper healing.

Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure the implant is functioning properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long do dental implants last? With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) typically lasts 10-15 years, and may need to be replaced due to wear over time.

2. Does the dental implant procedure hurt? The procedure is generally painless due to local anesthesia. Most patients experience mild discomfort after the surgery, which can be managed with pain relievers. Sedation options are available for patients who experience dental anxiety.

3. How long does the entire dental implant process take? The process typically takes several months. After the initial implant placement, it takes about 3 to 6 months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. The final restoration is placed once the healing process is complete.

4. What if I don’t get dental implants? Choosing not to replace a missing tooth can lead to further dental issues, including shifting teeth, bite problems, and jawbone loss. Dental implants help maintain your oral health and prevent these complications.

5. Are dental implants covered by insurance? Dental implants may be partially covered by dental insurance, depending on your plan. We encourage you to contact our office to discuss your insurance benefits or explore flexible payment options.

6. What if I don’t have enough bone for an implant? In cases of insufficient bone, we may recommend bone grafting or sinus lift procedures to restore the bone and make the area suitable for implant placement.

7. Can I eat normally after dental implant surgery? Once your implant has fully healed and the final restoration is in place, you can resume eating normally. During the healing phase, we recommend sticking to soft foods to protect the implant.

8. How will my dental implants look? Dental implants are designed to match your natural teeth in appearance and function. With a custom restoration, no one will be able to tell the difference between your implant and your original teeth.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

At Tribeca Oral Surgery, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for our patients. If you’re considering dental implants or would like to learn more about how they can restore your smile, contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our expert oral surgeons. Let us help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile with dental implants!