The loss of any adult teeth can have a significant impact on the strength and function of the smile. However, when the front teeth are lost, the aesthetics of the smile are also dramatically compromised. When replacing missing front teeth, Dr. Clifford Degel understands that we need to provide our Queens, NY, patients with a restoration that looks, feels, and acts as much like the natural teeth as possible.
Dental implants for the front teeth are often the best choice for those who have lost either a single tooth from the front of the mouth, or a set of teeth. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw to act as anchors for dental restorations. Dental implants provide patients with the closest replica for missing front teeth.
Dental Implant Candidates
Dental implants are a highly versatile dental restoration, so nearly all of our patients are ideal dental implant candidates. Dental implants can address the loss of a single tooth, a small set of teeth, or even an entire arch of teeth.
Dental implants can also replace teeth that have been lost from any area of the mouth, as long as the patient has enough bone structure to support the implants. Bone atrophy, or bone loss, begins as soon as a natural tooth is lost, so it is important that dental implant treatment begin as soon as possible. If a patient has already experienced some degree of bone degeneration, a bone graft can be performed to strengthen the jaw so that implants can be placed.
Aside from sufficient bone tissues, the only other requirement for dental implant treatment is good health. Dental implants are placed during a surgical procedure, so our Long Island patients need to be free of any conditions that could make surgery unsafe.
The Procedure
Dental implant treatment generally takes place in three stages. The first stage of treatment involves implant placement. An incision will be made in the gum line at the site of tooth loss. The implant, which is a small titanium screw, is placed through this incision, into the patient’s jaw bone. Once implants are placed, the incision is closed.
In the weeks following implant placement, the tissues of the jaw should heal around the implant. This process, known as osseointegration, fuses the implant to the patient’s natural jaw tissues so that it is held securely in place.
When the jaw has completely healed, a second appointment will be scheduled. During this appointment, a small metal post is attached to the implant. The post protrudes from the gum line so that it can attach implants to a dental restoration.
The final stage of dental implant treatment involves the placement of dental restorations. When the front teeth are missing, the most common dental restorations are a dental crown or dental bridge. The appropriate restoration will be bonded to the abutment to restore the crowns of the missing teeth.
Dental Implant Benefits
Dental implants are the most durable and secure treatment for missing teeth, which makes them very popular. However, dental implants offer additional benefits that are especially advantageous to those of our NYC patients who have lost front teeth:
- Dental implants look like the natural teeth
- Dental implants boost confidence
- Dental implants will not slip out of place or lead to embarrassing mishaps
- Dental implants are easy to care for, so restorations stay clean and adjacent teeth stay healthy
Contact Us
If you are looking for the strongest and most attractive solution for missing front teeth, dental implants are the answer. To find out more about dental implant treatment, and whether you are an ideal candidate for this procedure, send us a message at your earliest convenience, or schedule an appointment with Dr.
Clifford Degel at Astoria Dental Group by calling (718) 215-0510.
