How Do Dental Implants Work?

Tooth loss is nothing to ignore. While you may be able to ignore that gap left over by your missing tooth, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the issues you’ll deal with if you leave your tooth loss untreated. If you are currently missing one or more teeth it’s the perfect time to turn to our Niskayuna, NY, dentists Dr. Kent Molino and Dr. Todd Vaccaro, who offer an incredible long-term solution that can replace missing teeth for the long term.

What are dental implants?

An implant is a small metal post or fixture that is designed to replace your missing tooth’s roots by being embedded within the jawbone. While the metal post itself won’t actually be your tooth, it will provide a strong foundation from which to support a false tooth or teeth. Implants are often made from durable, biocompatible metal such as titanium.

How do dental implants work?

In order for an implant to do its job properly, our Niskayuna, NY, family dentist will need to first place the implant into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure. Your dentist will map out exactly where your implant will go within the jawbone, apply local anesthesia to the area, open up the gums and make a small hole in the jawbone where the implant will go. Once the implant is placed into the bone the procedure is complete.

Of course, in order for the implant to be successful one very important thing needs to happen: the jawbone and tissue will need to fuse together. This is a naturally occurring process that will happen the procedure. When the bone and tissue begin to heal they will naturally grow around the implant to become one complete unit. Now the implant is a permanent part of the jawbone, able to provide it with the stimulation it needs from the tooth roots to prevent bone deterioration.

From there, sometimes a second procedure needs to take place in which an abutment is placed. The sole purpose of an abutment is to be able to connect the implant, which is hidden under the gums within the jawbone, with the false tooth (a dental crown).

Once everything has healed we will provide you with your dental crown, which we will permanently place over the abutment to complete the restoration.

Dr. Kent Molino and Dr. Todd Vaccaro in Niskayuna, NY, pride themselves on offering the very best in dental care, whether you are just looking to get a routine checkup or you want to find out if dental implants are right for you. If you are ready to discuss your treatment options with us, call our office today to schedule a consultation.