Why Replace Missing Teeth?
 One or more missing teeth can create drastic consequences for your oral health. Not only does a missing tooth affect the appearance of your smile, it can also prevent you from being able to properly chew, speak, and even sleep. At Progressive Oral Surgery & Implantology of Long Island, we can help get your smile back on track with restorative treatment, namely dental implants.
How Does a Missing Tooth Negatively Impact Your Oral Health?
Many people think that a missing tooth is the worst possible side-effect of poor dental hygiene. However, tooth loss may be just the beginning of your problems. If a missing tooth remains untreated for an extended period of time, some serious secondary complications may arise.
When you lose a tooth, you lose the physical stimulation that keeps your jawbone healthy and strong. In time, the bone will begin to deteriorate due to resorption, a process in which the jaw slowly disintegrates into your bloodstream. Ultimately, this deterioration can increase your risk of gum disease, gum recession, and further tooth loss.
On top of these issues, tooth loss can also result in a malocclusion (misaligned bite), leading to a number of uncomfortable and inconvenient symptoms. This typically occurs when the neighboring teeth shift out of their proper position to accommodate the open space created by a missing tooth. Crowded or crooked teeth can also increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Why Should I See a Specialist to Replace My Missing Tooth?
A licensed oral surgeon has to complete four years of dental school and a four to six year residency before they can treat patients. This extensive and specialized training allows us to provide safer, more complex, and more effective surgical treatments. This ensures our patients receive the best possible care!
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, choosing a specialized office like ours is one of the best decisions you can make. Your restoration requires precise placement to avoid complications with the appearance and function of your new restoration. Many general dentists that offer dental implants and other replacement options do not possess the same level of experience or expertise.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
As oral surgeons, we primarily specialize in dental implant solutions for missing teeth. A dental implant is a small post, usually made from titanium, that mimics the root component of a tooth. During a minimally-invasive surgery, the implant post is gently placed below the gum tissue and into the jawbone.
After a brief healing period, about six to nine months depending on your body’s tissue response, the implant post and your jawbone fuse together. This process is known as osseointegration. Once osseointegration is complete, we can attach your permanent restoration, usually made from porcelain or zirconia. Both these materials offer incredible cosmetic value, durability, and longevity.
Thanks to osseointegration and advanced restorative materials, an implant-supported restoration is the next best thing to your natural teeth. Your new restoration will look, feel, and function just like a regular tooth! Unlike conventional replacements, implants also prevent malocclusions and bone deterioration.
Schedule Your Consultation Appointment Today!
If you are missing one or more teeth, finding a replacement option as soon as possible is vital to your oral health. Call (516) 741-4415 to speak with a specialist, and schedule your consultation today! |
