Dental ImplantsAn Overview
A permanent tooth replacement option
Having a missing tooth does more to your oral health than you may realize. Not to mention, it can make your smile not-so-pretty, causing you to feel self-conscious. The void in your jaw bone will begin to weaken or deteriorate, eventually leading to bone loss. Bone loss in the jawbone will create a sunken-in look and make a patient look much older than they really are.
Even a single missing tooth will cause the other teeth to shift into the hollow space. Dealing with damaged or missing teeth can be overwhelming because of all the options available. East Hills Dental Associates recommends you replace your missing tooth with a dental implant to regain optimal oral health.
Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option, and they are the only restoration that replaces the tooth above and below the gum line. Dr. Sousa can replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or even an entire row of teeth at his Long Island, NY area dental practice.
If you are missing a single tooth, he will replace it with an implant-supported dental crown. If you are missing several or all of your teeth, he will replace them with either an implant-supported dental bridge or an implant-supported denture.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant refers to a small, titanium post that serves as a replacement tooth root. They are surgically implanted into your jawbone at the location of the missing tooth, or several of them are strategically placed when several teeth are missing.
Titanium possesses biocompatible properties that allow the implant to fuse with the jaw bone. This becomes a durable base for your replacement tooth. A small piece called an abutment will be attached to the post, and then your new dental restoration will be permanently placed. We also provide many dental services at our dental office.
As always, Dr Sousa gets it right. He cares and does amazing work. Your smile will make everyone envious.R. Hondros
The best dental experience I've had thus far. When I enter the office I am greeted with big smiles and kind words. It feels like a family. The work Dr. Sousa does is sensational and his determination to do the best job he can is indisputable. With a great supporting…Anonymous
Dr. Sousa always provides a pleasant, professional, and cheerful dental experience. His appointments are punctual, his staff is friendly, and the dental care is thorough, efficient, and done with the finest equipment to the highest standards. Whether just a simple cleaning, or in the event of more extensive procedures, the…Theodore Ryder
Dental Implants What to Expect
About the dental implant process
The length of time it takes to receive a dental implant is dependent on several factors such as the number and location of the missing teeth. From start to finish, you should plan on the process taking from three to eight months, maybe longer if you require additional complex treatments.
Dr. Sousa will begin with a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth to determine if you qualify for an implant-secured dental restoration. Then he will create a precise treatment plan using the SimPlant® implant treatment planning software for accuracy.
Next, you will have the implant surgically placed in your jaw bone utilizing a personalized SurgiGuide® dental drill guide at our Long Island NY dentist office. This provides unparalleled precision during implant surgery.
Through the process of osseointegration, the implant post will fuse with the jaw bone to form a stable bond. A healing cap will be placed on the top of the implant or, depending on the location of your missing tooth, a temporary dental restoration may be placed while the implant heals.
When the implant has fused completely with your jawbone and completely healed, you will return for the final placement of your restoration. The abutment will be attached then your final restoration will be permanently placed. Dr. Sousa will give you instructions on how to care for your new replacement teeth.
