Missing teeth affect more than just your smile’s appearance; they can impact your ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and feel confident in social situations. Dental implants represent one of the most significant advances in modern dentistry, offering a permanent solution that closely mimics the function and appearance of natural teeth.
At Roman Dental Arts, Dr. Donald Roman and Dr. Alissa Roman help patients in Hackensack understand their tooth replacement options and determine whether dental implants align with their oral health goals. Our comprehensive approach to implant dentistry focuses on creating natural-looking results that restore both function and confidence for years to come.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. These biocompatible posts integrate with your bone tissue through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth. Once the implant has fully integrated, typically over several months, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached to complete your restoration.
The implant itself serves as an artificial tooth root, while the visible portion, whether a crown, bridge, or denture, replaces the missing tooth structure above the gum line. This two-part system allows dental implants to function much like natural teeth, providing stability for chewing and speaking while maintaining the bone structure in your jaw. Unlike removable dentures or traditional bridges, dental implants don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support. Each implant functions independently, which helps preserve the integrity of your remaining natural teeth and maintains proper bite alignment.
The Implant Process: What to Expect
The dental implant process typically involves several stages spread over several months, allowing your body time to heal and integrate with the implant.
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, your dental team will evaluate your oral health, discuss your treatment goals, and determine whether you’re a good candidate for implant therapy.
Surgical Placement
The surgical placement of the implant is usually performed under local anesthesia, with sedation options available for patients who experience dental anxiety. Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure, and any post-operative pain can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Healing Period
After implant placement, a healing period of three to six months allows the implant to integrate with your jawbone. During this time, you may wear a temporary restoration to maintain your appearance and basic function. Once integration is complete, your final restoration is created and attached to the implant.
Are There Single Tooth Replacement Options?
For patients missing one tooth, a single dental implant topped with a custom crown offers the most natural-looking and functional replacement option. The crown is designed to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth, creating a seamless integration with your smile. Single implants preserve the health of adjacent teeth by eliminating the need to modify healthy tooth structure, as required with traditional bridges. This approach also makes oral hygiene easier, as you can brush and floss around the implant crown just like a natural tooth.
The average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth, making single tooth replacement a common need. Dental implants offer a long-term solution that can last decades with proper care, making them a cost-effective investment in your oral health.
Factors Affecting Dental Implant Success
Several factors influence the success of dental implant treatment, beginning with adequate bone density and volume in the implant site. Patients with significant bone loss may need additional procedures, such as bone grafting, to create a suitable foundation for implant placement.
Overall health plays a crucial role in implant success, as conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders can affect healing. Smoking significantly reduces implant success rates and should be discontinued before treatment begins. Good oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits are essential for long-term implant success. While implants can’t develop cavities, the surrounding gum tissue requires the same care as natural teeth to prevent infection and maintain health.
Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants at Roman Dental Arts
Dr. Donald Roman and Dr. Alissa Roman combine extensive experience with advanced implant techniques to help patients achieve complete, functional smiles. Their advanced approach includes thorough evaluation, personalized treatment planning, and ongoing care to ensure optimal results.
Whether you’re missing one tooth or need full-mouth restoration, they work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs, timeline, and budget. Our commitment to patient education ensures you understand each step of the process and feel confident in your treatment decisions. To learn more about dental implant options and schedule your consultation, call Roman Dental Arts at (201) 843-0440 or contact us online today.
