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Dental Implants Roslyn Heights, NY

Dental ImplantsAn Overview

The replacement of missing teeth is important for both your dental health and your overall physical well-being, restoring function and stability that will support your best quality of life. The development of implant dentistry has revolutionized tooth replacement, offering patients with one or more lost teeth the opportunity to “replace in-kind” with stable, permanent results. Dental implants are a restorative dentistry procedure that Dr. Sousa offers in Long Island, New York.

Dr. Sousa places all types of dental implants at East Hills Dental Associates and offers the experienced, comprehensive dental care necessary for a successful result that will withstand the test of time. Taking into consideration all aspects affecting the function and aesthetics of your smile, Dr. Sousa uses advanced digital technology and diagnostics to develop a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs and goals.

Guided Implant Placement

roslyn heights cosmetic dentist dr. sousaDr. Sousa is able to provide predictable results using guided surgical implant software to analyze and plan the best placement of your implant(s). With this precise information, he can start planning the ideal location for your implants, reach the best outcome and show you how your new teeth will look – even before treatment!

SimPlant® implant treatment planning software gives Dr. Sousa three-dimensional information on the anatomy of your mouth:

  • The width and density of your jawbone
  • The exact location of neighboring tooth roots
  • The location of the nerves

A personalized SurgiGuide® dental drill guide is our link between implant planning and your actual treatment. It makes sure that Dr. Sousa performs the procedure safely and according to the plan. A SurgiGuide® dental drill guide fits in your mouth with unparalleled precision during implant treatment and is your guarantee for maximum comfort.

Dental Implants What to Expect

Dr. Sousa will meet with you to evaluate your dental health, discuss your goals and create a personalized treatment plan to replace your missing teeth. All phases of your implant procedure can be performed in our Roslyn Heights office using a local anesthetic for comfort. For patients who have dental anxiety or prefer to be completely relaxed, we offer sedation options that we can discuss during your consultation.

The dental implant process will require several visits over a period of several months due to the healing time needed after the surgical implantation of the posts. A dental implant consists of three main parts:

  • Implant post: a tiny, titanium post that is placed into the stable bone in the jaw.
  • Abutment: a collar-like piece that once attached to the post will connect it to the final restoration for stability.
  • Restoration: your new tooth, or teeth, will be a custom dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?

The key factors in determining whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants are first, the quality and amount of healthy jaw bone available to place the implant into. This information is determined by analyzing x-rays, study models, or CT-Scans.

The next factor is whether there are any reasons that you should not undergo minor dental surgical procedures, including any systemic problems or medications prescribed that would exclude you as a candidate. Dr. Sousa will discuss your medical history during your consultation to ensure that dental implants are the best solution for you. The many recent advances in both materials and techniques have made implants available to a wider range of patients. Factors to consider:

  • Age does not play a factor in your ability to have dental implants so long as your general health is good and you don’t have any of the other risk factors mentioned.
  • Smoking can reduce the success of implant integration. Smoking impairs healing and has other negative effects that are well known. We suggest that you consider quitting if you would like to use implants to restore your smile.
  • Certain medications can exclude you as a candidate. These include drugs that suppress your immune system, such as long-term use of steroid medications and some medications used to treat HIV.

Recently there has been a debate on the risks of dental surgery on patients who have been taking osteoporosis medications called bisphosphonates such as Fosamax. These medications increase the risk of jaw infections in patients who have received them intravenously as chemotherapy to treat some forms of cancer.

It has not been determined if they pose any significantly increased risk in patients who have taken them orally. If you take bisphosphonates, we may need to modify your medications for a period prior to placing implants which would be done in coordination with your physician.

Learn More About Dental Implants

Schedule a Consultation

If you have missing teeth, we offer dental implants in our Long Island, NY, East Hills, NY, and Roslyn Heights, NY area dentist office. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Sousa. We will discuss your oral health, concerns, and budget.

Dental Implants FAQs

What are the risks associated with implant surgery?

Dental implants involve the same risks as any surgery. Most problems are rare and when they do occur, they are minor and easily treated. An infection at the implant site is the most common issue we see which can be treated with antibiotics. Other risks include damage to the surrounding structure, sinus issues, and nerve damage.

Will dental implants prevent bone loss in my jaw?

Yes. Bone loss can occur from many health issues but tooth loss is the most common. When there is a void in the jaw, the lack of stimulation will cause the bone to deteriorate. An implant will act as a tooth root and provide enough stimulation to prevent the bone from deteriorating.

Will I be able to chew normally with dental implants?

Yes! Dental implants are very stable and durable. They can withstand a high amount of chewing and can take a lot of chewing force. You should be able to continue to enjoy all the foods you love.

Do you have to go without teeth before getting implants?

It is not necessary to go without teeth before getting dental implants. In fact, your dentist or oral surgeon will plan your dental implant treatment in a way that minimizes the amount of time a patient needs to be without teeth. Depending on the type of implant restoration you plan to have, some patients may need to wait several months before their dentist or oral surgeon can place the final prosthesis.

Does insurance cover a dental implant procedure?

Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost of the procedure, while others may not cover it at all. Some plans may also have a waiting period before coverage begins, and a maximum coverage limit. There are also many insurance plans that consider dental implants to be cosmetic dentistry. Most insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures. It is important to contact your insurance provider directly to get clarification about what they will pay for prior to undergoing any procedure.

Do dental implants stain?

Dental implants generally do not stain. They contain biocompatible metal that does not stain. However, the material around dental implants may be susceptible to staining from foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, or red wine, which can cause discoloration of the gums and teeth. To minimize staining, you should practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily and flossing every day. Your dentist may also recommend utilizing a mouthwash containing an oxygenating agent to help prevent staining around your dental implant crowns.