Dental Implants – the Right Solution to Missing Teeth

Fig 2. Before: Missing tooth #7

Fig 2. After: Restored tooth #7

Whether missing one tooth or all teeth, more and more patients are replacing the loss with dental implants. Having a more natural feel than traditional bridges or dentures, most implant procedures involve placing titanium metal anchors into the jaw bone.  These anchors serve to support the prosthetic teeth as the roots support natural teeth.  After undergoing this multi-step process, many patients find they have a better feeling, better looking and more stable solution to their tooth loss than more traditional dental replacements.

What are the most common benefits of dental implants?

Replacing a lost tooth is vital to maintaining the overall health and function of the surrounding teeth. Dental implants help avoid tooth migration, loss of bone and overall loss of structure. Implants are also very strong and provide a feel as close to a natural tooth as can be currently achieved.  Dental implants, unlike the alternative  prosthetic bridge replacements, do not require tooth reduction (filing down) of the two adjacent.  Also, it is impossible for titanium implants to get cavities like natural teeth often do.

Implants, when replacing dentures, provide even more benefits. Dentures are notorious for being non-retentive. Poorly fitting dentures can even affect diet, restricting food selections to easily chewed soft foods. Implants eliminate the possibility of slipping or pinching, and allow food of almost all types to be eaten. Dental implants are the closest way to surgically restore a natural tooth to its original condition.

What will happen at the initial consultation?

At the first appointment the dentist will examine your teeth, take models of your teeth and take the necessary x-rays. This information can be used to determine if implants are the proper solution to your particular situation.

What is the procedure?

The first step of the procedure is surgical placement of the implant.  Under regular dental anesthetic, the dentist places the implant into the jawbone.  There is not often significant discomfort with this procedure.  This process can take from 1-3 hours depending on the number of implants being placed.

This implant will be left untreated for a period of 3-6 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant in a process called osseointegration.  A removable crown may be utilized during this time period to allow for chewing and to preserve the cosmetic appearance.

The next step in the process is to attach an abutment to the tooth.  This is achieved by exposing the top of the implant and placing the abutment.  This is the part of the implant that will support the final crown.

Finally, an impression is taken of the implant and a final restoration is crafted.  This restoration will be comfortable and cosmetically pleasing.  Your completed implant will be fully functional, allowing you to resume normal activities.

What is the recovery period like?

Many people have minimal soreness, bleeding, or swelling.  Patients often return to work the day after surgery.

In between the first and second surgical procedure, there is a recovery period of three to six months while the implants integrate with the bone.

It is very important during your recovery to practice meticulous oral hygiene. Poor care, resulting in chronic swelling of gum tissue, is a major contributor to implant failure. Initially, it might be advised to see your dentist about four times a year to keep track of the implant and your overall dental health.

What is the long-term outcome like for most people?

For most people, implants last approximately twenty-five years. Approximately 5% of implants fail, but they often can be replaced with another implant attempt.  Elite Dental Arts is proud to have the first patients that had implants placed in the United States.  We have records of successful dental implants and restorations that have served our patients for over 40 years.

Most important – Experience trumps “bargain priced fees”!!!
Experience is the most important factor in selecting your dental team.  Beware of the “bargain priced fees” as you will quickly find out you get what you pay for.  At Elite Dental Arts, the surgical aspect is coordinated with the restorative aspect of the case with highly qualified doctors.  Dr. Harvey Grossman is an Oral Surgeon with over 45 years of experience and Dr. Nick M Mobilia is the Restorative Dentist with over 20 years of experience.  Both doctors along with the dental laboratory form the implant specialty team second to none!!!

Call Elite Dental Arts today at (212)681-0939 to find out if you’re a candidate for dental implants!

Dental Insurance Benefits – Take Advantage Before the End of the Year

Taking advantage of your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year is advantageous for most dental patients.  While most dental insurance plans run on a calendar year, a few run on a fiscal year.  This article will focus on calendar year dental benefits that expire December 31st of every year.  We have included a few reasons that one should consider while taking advantage of dental insurance benefits.

• Annual Maximum

The maximum amount of money that your insurance carrier will pay for your dental treatment within the 12 months of a calendar year is the annual maximum.  Each insurance company has their own yearly maximum ranging from $1000 to as high as $3000 for each beneficiary of the plan.  Any insurance benefits not used within the calendar year will not rollover to the following year.

• Premiums

The amount the policy-holder pays each month to the health plan to purchase health coverage is called the premium.  Often times, dental insurance may be included as part of the health insurance benefit package.  If you are paying your dental insurance premiums every month, it is wise to use your dental insurance to help pay for your treatment.

• Deductible

The amount of money that you must pay out-of pocket before your insurance company will pay for its share is called the deductible. The deductible fee varies from plan to plan and could be higher if you choose an out-of-network dentist. The average deductible for a dental insurance plan is usually around $50 per year. Your deductible starts all over again the following year when your plan rolls over.

• Fee Increases

Another reason to use your benefits before the end of the year is possible fee increases.  Some dentists raise their fees at the beginning of the year due to the increased cost of living, materials and equipment.  Fee increases also make your treatment more expensive.

• Delayed Treatment

Delaying dental treatment causes more extensive and expensive treatment down the road.  Teeth that require simple fillings can break down and lead to bigger restorations.  Teeth may also break down and if they fracture the wrong way possibly leading to extractions.

In summary, whether one has dental benefits or not, a patient should see his dentist on a regular basis for a checkup and cleaning, at minimum.  If any dental insurance benefits are available, it would be best to utilize coverage and complete treatment as soon as possible before the fees are raised and complications occur.

You may call our dental office, Elite Dental Arts at (212)681-0939 to schedule an appointment before the end of the year.  It could save you some money in the long run.

What other tips would you add to taking advantage of dental benefits before the end of the year?  Please share your thoughts and comments below.