The replacement of missing teeth is vital for your dental health and your overall physical well-being. Replacing your teeth with a dental restoration will restore function and stability to your smile. Regaining full oral capabilities will support your best quality of life.
Implant dentistry has transformed how dentists replace missing teeth. 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. Our dental staff provides experienced, comprehensive dental care to ensure successful results that will withstand the test of time. Dr. Sousa considers all aspects of your treatment that will affect the function and aesthetics of your smile. Our office uses uses advanced digital technology and diagnostics to develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs.
Guided Implant Placement
Dr. Sousa uses guided surgical implant software to analyze and plan the best placement of your implant(s). This dental technology ensures you will receive the best outcome. With this precise information, he can start planning the best location for your implants. Dr. Sousa can also show you how your new teeth will look 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 during implant treatment and ensures maximum comfort.
What to Expect: Dental Implants
Dr. Sousa will meet with you to evaluate your dental health, discuss your goals and create a treatment plan to replace your missing teeth. He will perform all phases of your implant procedure in our Roslyn Heights office.
We will use a local anesthetic for your comfort. For patients who have dental anxiety or prefer to be completely relaxed, we offer sedation dentistry. We will discuss everything you should expect during the dental implant process during your consultation.
The dental implant process will require several visits over a period of several months. This includes a longer healing period that you will need after the surgical implantation of the posts. A dental implant consists of three main parts:
- Implant post: a tiny, titanium post that your dentist will place into the stable bone in the jaw.
- Abutment: a collar-like piece that attaches to the post and will connect it to the final restoration.
- Restoration: your new tooth, or teeth, will be a custom dental crown, bridge, or denture.
Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?
A few key factors will help determine whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants. These are first, the quality and amount of healthy jaw bone available to place the implant into. Dr. Sousa will use x-rays, study models, or CT-Scans to determine this.
Also, you should consider if there are any that you should not undergo minor dental surgical procedures. Systemic problems and certain medications may also exclude you as a candidate.
Dr. Sousa will discuss your medical history during your consultation. He will 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. However, your overall 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. Restoring your smile with dental implants requires that you quit smoking.
- Certain medications can exclude you as a candidate. These include drugs that suppress your immune system and some HIV medications.
Risk of Dental Surgery
Recently, there is a debate on the risks of dental surgery on patients who take bisphosphonates (Fosamax), for osteoporosis. Patients who receive this type of medication through an IV as chemo are at a higher risk of jaw infections.
We do not know if the chemo medication increases the risk of infection in patients who take them orally. If you take bisphosphonates, you may need to modify for medications for a short period. We will coordinate the medication change with your physician.
Dental Implants FAQs
What are the risks 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.
We are able to treat the infection 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 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 consider this when planning your dental implant treatment. Our team will ensure that we minimize the amount of time a patient needs to be without teeth. Depending on the treatment plan, some patients may need to wait several months before the getting their 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 any. Some plans may also have a waiting period before coverage begins, and a maximum coverage limit.
Some insurance plans consider dental implants to be cosmetic dentistry. Most insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures. Before your procedure, it is vital to contact your insurance provider to understand what they will pay.
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 stain from substances such as coffee, tea, or red wine.
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. This type of mouthwash will help prevent staining around your dental implant crowns.
Learn More About Dental Implants
- Dental Implants FAQs
- What are Dental Implants?
- Dental Implant Process
- Single Dental Implant
- Multiple Dental Implants
- Implant Dentures
Schedule a Consultation for Dental Implants in Roslyn Heights NY
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.