Dental Implants - Restore Functionality

• What are the benefits of dental implants?
• How are dental implants placed?
• Will my dental implant look obvious?
• Can my regular dentist place a dental implant?

Dental implants at Princeton Prosthodontics are the most permanent and natural-looking way to replace missing teeth. Implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically grafted to the patient’s jawbone. These roots are then fitted with replacement teeth that are so realistic-looking that they are virtually indistinguishable from a patient’s own teeth. As a certified prosthodontist, Dr. Cortese is especially well qualified to employ dental implants to restore his patients’ smiles.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry states that the main advantage of dental implants is that they connect directly to the jawbone. The titanium implant connects the new tooth to the jawbone by fusing and integrating into the bone. This can prove to be a more stable and long lasting support for the implant crown.

Tooth loss, even in the back of the mouth, causes bone to be lost over time. Since the teeth and jaws are the only support to the face, we can see that tooth loss accelerates the aging of the face. Tooth loss and the resulting bone loss, when not restored by implants, cause the remaining teeth to shift and the face to appear sunken. Also, chewing problems can result, which leads to nutritional issues. While a skilled dental surgeon can recreate damaged bone in preparation for creating a dental implant, it is still best if the procedure is done as soon after losing the tooth as possible. The procedure is not a single day affair, unlike many other dental surgeries. The implant takes time to properly integrate before the crown is attached. Generally the complete procedure is a matter of four to six weeks and a number of visits to the dentist office.

The Dental Implants Process

The first step in the dental implant process at Princeton Prosthodontics is a thorough consultation with our restorative dentist, Dr. Cortese. Once it has been determined that a patient is a good candidate for dental implants, Dr. Cortese will begin the implant procedure by gently numbing the patient, who will be comfortable during every step of the procedure. Since at no time will a patient be without teeth, temporary replacement teeth are placed immediately.

After four to six months of healing, the patient returns to Princeton Prosthodontics to have his or her custom-crafted replacement teeth attached. At the end of this visit, the patient will be able to show off a beautiful and fully functional permanent new smile.

Dental Implants Candidates

Not all of Dr. Cortese’s patients are good candidates for dental implants at his New Jersey restorative dentistry practice. In some cases, a patient may not have adequate bone tissue to support a dental implant. A good dental implants candidate also has healthy and well-maintained gums free of periodontal disease. Additionally, some of Dr. Cortese’s patients may find that dental bridges or removable dentures are a more affordable solution for them. Whatever your situation, during your dental implants consultation at Princeton Prosthodontics Dr. Cortese will take the time to fully discuss all of your tooth replacement options.

Dental Implants FAQs

What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants replace both the root and the crown of a missing tooth. Not only are they cosmetically appealing, but also replacing the tooth root has a number of functional and health-related benefits. For example, the implant keeps the jawbone healthy and stimulated to prevent it from deteriorating and leading to serious problems. Another benefit of dental implants is that they are a standalone solution, so they do not require support from the adjacent teeth.

How are dental implants placed?
First, the titanium implant post is surgically placed in the jawbone. It is left to heal for a few months. Then, the top of the post is uncovered and a small abutment connector piece is placed on the post. Finally, an artificial tooth (e.g., a crown), is attached to the abutment. The entire process typically takes three to four months, start to finish.

Will my dental implant look obvious?
Not at all. The artificial tooth attached to your implant post will be carefully planned and created to blend in with your surrounding teeth. No one will be able to tell it is a dental implant, as it will look exactly like a healthy natural tooth.

Can my regular dentist place a dental implant?
Possibly, but it is important to seek out a leading expert in dental implants. These complex tooth restorations require a high degree of skill and experience to place. Dr. Cortese is one of the area’s leading implant providers and has placed thousands of implants with very few complications.

Learn More About Dental Implants at Princeton Prosthodontics

If you are missing one or more teeth, gaps can make eating certain foods impossible and can detract from the beauty of your smile. Dental implants from Princeton Prosthodontics near New Jersey can restore functionality to your mouth and can restore your confidence in your smile. Contact us today to schedule a dental implants consultation with Dr. Cortese.