If your smile is incomplete due to tooth loss, you can rebuild it with dental implants. Dental implants are a secure and permanent option for replacing missing teeth and their roots. However, not all patients are candidates for dental implants. Dr. Joel Levy, the skilled dentist at our office in Larchmont, NY, can tell you if dental implants would work for you.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most secure and versatile methods for replacing lost teeth. Just one dental implant can replace a single missing tooth. Alternatively, multiple dental implants together can secure bridgework or an implant-supported overdenture when several teeth are being replaced at once. What makes dental implants so secure is that they connect directly to the bone, naturally fusing with it over time. Therefore, candidates for dental implants must have enough bone to place an implant.

There are three parts that make up a dental implant: the implant itself, an abutment, and a crown. The implant looks like a small metal screw and this is the portion that is placed in the jaw bone. The abutment is attached to the implant and functions to hold the crown in position. The crown is the artificial tooth and is the only part visible above the gum line. The crown looks and functions exactly like a natural tooth so it easily blends in with the surrounding teeth. At our office in Larchmont, NY, our experienced dentist can help you decide if dental implants are the right choice for you.

Benefits of Dental Implants

A primary benefit of dental implants is that they make it possible to rebuild your smile after losing teeth. There are several other benefits as well. By rebuilding your smile, dental implants help reverse many of the unwanted side effects that occur when teeth are missing. Many problems caused by tooth loss, such as facial sagging, altered speech, and excess strain on remaining teeth, are improved by replacing them with dental implants.

Teeth provide support for facial muscles, so when teeth are missing the cheeks and jaw areas of the face begin to droop and sag. Teeth also help guide tongue positioning when speaking. The tongue can slip into the gaps where teeth are missing, altering a person’s speech. Additionally, remaining teeth endure excess strain by compensating for missing teeth. All of these problems are minimized or eliminated when dental implants replace lost teeth.

If you are ready to rebuild your smile, dental implants are the solution. To find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, schedule an appointment with our helpful dentist by calling the office in Larchmont, NY, at (914) 834-9534. Dr. Joel Levy also sees patients at our New York City location, which can be reached at (212) 986-2287.