New Technology Means More Patients Are Dental Implant Candidates
If you suffer from missing teeth, you are likely among the growing pool of dental implant candidates. Located in the Queens area, Dr. Clifford Degel is a well-known implant dentist who is proud to offer his many years of experience and the latest technology to his valued patients. The gold standard in tooth replacement, dental implants are titanium posts embedded in the jaw that can support a range of restorations. Implants allow you to eat your favorite foods, improve your chewing ability, and enhance your appearance, speech, and self-esteem. To learn more, schedule a consultation today.
Video: Missing Teeth
If you have missing teeth, you understand the negative impact that can have on your life. In this clip, cosmetic dentist Dr. Clifford Degel explains the dental implants procedure, how it has changed over the years, and the different types of implants available. The impact dental implants can have on your life can be life changing.
Advancements in Implant Technology
New types of implants are allowing more patients than ever to benefit from implant dentistry. In the past, patients with insufficient bone quality were not considered good candidates for the procedure. Today, bone grafting is a routine procedure used to supplement the bone mass of a patient’s jaw, allowing implants to be anchored firmly. And for patients who have lost bone mass in the jaw, mini implants, which are smaller in diameter than traditional dental implants and require less bone mass, may be a good treatment option.
Determining Your Implant Candidacy
Implant candidates should be in good general health, and be willing and able to maintain sufficient oral hygiene. Even the presence of certain chronic diseases (such as diabetes) or medications does not necessarily rule out implant treatment, so long as the condition is controlled and does not make any type of minor surgery risky. Additionally, if you suffer from gum disease, it will first need to be addressed before you can receive dental implants.
Ideally, a patient who is considering dental implant surgery will:
- Have sufficiently dense jawbone tissue, either existing or from a graft
- Be free from periodontal disease
- Not smoke, or be willing to give up smoking, especially during the osseointegration period (when the implants are fusing with the jawbone)
- Have good oral and overall health
- Be willing to commit to healthy lifestyle habits, a good oral hygiene regimen, and routine post-surgical visits to the dentist
Cases when dental implants are not recommended or should be postponed include:
- Medical conditions that may create complications during surgery, such as serious heart disease, recent heart attack, or major heart valve problems
- Active treatment for cancer or certain bone diseases
- Currently receiving immunosuppressive therapy (such as for organ transplant)
- Long-term use of bisphosphonates for osteoporosis, which may interfere with implant success
Finally, implants are not recommended for children (except for some orthodontic cases) since their jawbones have not yet fully developed.
Choosing an Implant Provider
For the best results, you should receive implant treatment from an experienced provider at a top-notch practice. Dr. Degel is widely sought after for his expertise as an implant dentist. Dr. Degel has undergone specialized training in implant dentistry, and is an esteemed member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American Society of Osseointegration, and American College of Oral Implantology.
Astoria Dental Group features an on-site laboratory so the fabrication of dental prostheses, including any repairs, can be done on the premises. We can also perform related procedures, like bone grafting, at our practice. Combining these services on-site allows us to offer quicker and more efficient service, and streamline your entire implant treatment.
Schedule Your Consultation
To schedule a consultation and learn more about your dental implant candidacy, contact our practice today.
