Dental Implants - Larchmont, NY Dentist
Missing teeth can be embarrassing, causing people to hide their smile and lose their self-esteem. The space created by missing teeth can easily become infected with bacteria, causing other teeth to shift out of place, and making it difficult for people to speak or eat correctly. Dr. Levy and the staff at Joel F. Levy D.D.S. – Laser Assisted – Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry are sensitive to the hardship a missing tooth can create. We provide dental implants so that our patients can regain their self-confidence, improve their health, and approach life boldly.
Installing dental implants is a complex procedure and patients throughout the 10538 area trust us to replace their missing teeth due to the stellar reputation of Dr. Levy. We know that there are multiple dental providers to choose from so Dr. Levy and the staff at Joel F. Levy D.D.S. – Laser Assisted – Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry are constantly looking for ways to improve the overall experience of our patients. Our office is conveniently located in Larchmont and we treat patients throughout New York, offering them the opportunity to restore missing teeth in a way that looks natural and beautiful.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.
Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by an Oral Surgeon or Periodontist – a specialist of the gums and supporting bone. After a period of several months, the implant will attach to the bone. It is at that time that Dr. Levy restores the tooth with an abutment and crown. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!
Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.
Reasons for dental implants:
- Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
- Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
- Restore a patient’s confident smile.
- Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
- Restore or enhance facial tissues.
- Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
- What does getting dental implants involve?
The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.
X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months. A custom abutment is then inserted into the implant, which will secure the crown to the implant. The crown is then cemented providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.
You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.
Facts from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (aaid.com)
- More than 30 million Americans are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws
- 15 million people in the U.S. have crown and bridge replacements for missing teeth
- 3 million have implants and that number is growing by 500,000 a year
- 10% of all US dentists place implants but that is increasing
- The success rate of dental implants has been reported in scientific literature as 98%
- Implants performed by US dentists 5,505,720 (2006)
- Implants performed by US general dentists 3,103,930 (2006)
- The dental implant market in the U.S is projected to reach $5 billion by 2018
Questions to Ask When Selecting a Dental Implant Dentist
- What treatment options do you use to restore missing teeth?
- How many dental implant procedures have you performed?
- What’s your success rate?
- What’s your education and training in dental implant treatment?
- Which technique* and type of replacement teeth or appliance do you recommend for me, and why?
- What steps are involved in the process and where and by whom are they performed?
- What should I expect throughout the process in terms of pain, recovery time, eating, etc.?
- Will I have teeth throughout the process?
- What type of anesthesia do you use?
- What are the risks of the treatment option you’re recommending?
- What are the benefits?
- Can you share before-and-after pictures of other patients you have treated?
