Dental Implants in Westwood, NJ

Adults don’t want to lose teeth, but sometimes the inevitable happens, and a patient is left with a gap. In many cases, the patient could wind up losing more than one, leaving multiple gaps or a large chunk of empty space. This can reduce an individual’s self-esteem, but also has serious implications for a person’s oral health and wellness. For example, the jawbone needs a certain amount of stimulation to stay healthy and strong. When someone is missing multiple teeth, the bone can start to decay underneath the gums where there are no teeth.

To solve this problem, Starry Dental, PC offers dental implants. A dental implant is a synthetic root and crown capable of replacing a missing tooth. It is installed directly through the gums and into the jawbone, and it remains fixed in place for decades when created properly.

How the Procedure Works

The first step to qualifying for a dental implant is to make an appointment with the dentist. They will perform a thorough visual and tactile exam and determine whether or not the gums and jawbone are healthy enough to maintain the implant. If both surfaces are, then the implant can be installed.

If a cracked or broken tooth is still in the location where the implant needs to be installed, then the dentist will numb the gums and gently remove it. The extraction site is then sanitized, and the teeth and gums are typically cleaned. A mold is taken to get an idea of what the finished tooth should look like. The most common material for an implant is composite resin.

When the implant is ready, the roots and crown are installed as two separate pieces. The titanium root-like structure is drilled down through the gums and into the jawbone, which will heal around the metal. The crown is then screwed to the top of the root. The gums should heal over the resin and hold the implant in place.

The Benefits

Implants function like regular teeth, which means recipients can resume regular activities like chewing and eating. The implant is also indistinguishable from a natural tooth, so patients can smile with confidence.