Many people have questions about dental implants and wish to learn more before deciding if implant dentistry is right for them. We invite you to review our FAQ page to learn more, and to contact our office at (718) 747-0020 if you have any additional questions. Our team will be happy to provide you with more information and help you schedule a consultation with Dr. Tanya Vlacancich, DDS, our experienced dentist in College Point, NY and Whitestone, New York.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are prosthetic teeth designed to replace teeth which have been lost. They consist of two main parts – an implant post and an implant restoration – and are designed to look, feel and function exactly like your original teeth to provide you with a long-term solution for your oral health and smile.
How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?
Implants are a versatile treatment, and can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or all your teeth. During your initial consultation, our dentist will assess your oral health needs to determine how many teeth need to be replaced and what the best options for your health and smile are.
What is a dental implant post?
The dental implant post is a small screw, usually made of titanium, which is surgically placed into your jawbone to replace the tooth root and provide a stable foundation for your teeth. Dr. Vlacancich only provides implant restorations but will work with you and with a trusted specialist to ensure that your implant placement procedure goes as smoothly as possible.
What is a dental implant restoration?
Dental implant restorations are the final step of your implant process and are the part of the implant designed to replace the crown or crowns of your missing teeth. Depending on how many teeth you are replacing, your implant restoration may be a single crown, a bridge or a complete or partial denture. Your restoration will be custom-designed to fit your smile perfectly.
Are dental implants expensive?
Implants are more expensive than other tooth replacement options such as dental bridges or dentures. However, the restorations last for many years and the posts should never need to be replaced, making implants the most cost-effective long-term option.
Is implant placement surgery painful?
Most people who receiving dental implants find the implant placement surgery easy to tolerate. You will receive sedatives and anesthetic during the procedure, and post-operative discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How should I care for my dental implant?
Your dental implants require the same care as your natural teeth – daily brushing and flossing as well as regular visits to our dentist to receive preventive care.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Almost everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. As long as your teeth and mouth are healthy, you should be able to receive an implant without complications. If you have a pre-existing condition, such as tooth decay or gum disease, you will need to receive treatment for that condition before you can receive an implant. If your tooth has been missing for some time, we may also recommend a bone grafting treatment. During your initial consultation our dentist will fully assess your mouth to determine if you are a candidate for implants.
Can my body reject a dental implant?
Implants cannot be rejected because they contain no living cells or genetically coded material. The titanium material from which your implant is made is completely biocompatible, and allergies to this material are rare. However, your implant can fail to integrate with your jawbone if an infection develops in the absence of good oral hygiene or if the implant is subjected to biting forces too soon after placement. Failure is rare, however, and implants have a success rate of over 95%.