Improved oral health

Conventional dentures sit on top of the gums, which can increase the risk of developing gum disease and additional issues. Traditional bridges require alteration of the natural teeth, which can increase your risk of tooth decay and additional issues in those teeth.

Dental implants protect jawbone health because they are placed in the jawbone. In addition, since they are inserted in the jawbone, you don’t have to worry about bacteria collecting on the gums/teeth because you can brush and floss just like your natural teeth.

Durability

Both conventional dentures and dental bridges must be replaced from time to time. Most bridges will last about 5 to 7 years, maybe longer with proper care and maintenance. On the other hand, conventional dentures must be replaced or relined every 10 to 15 years, maybe longer.

Dental implants, however, last a lifetime. Depending on your care and maintenance habits, the crown/artificial teeth may need to be replaced in about 15 to 20 years, but may last longer depending on your oral care habits.

Aesthetics/natural appearance

Conventional dentures and bridges often look artificial due to the way they sit on the gums and in the mouth. Dental implants, on the other hand, are inserted into the jawbone, so they look like natural teeth.

Comfort

Conventional dentures slip and slide around on the gums, which can cause pressure and friction sores to form. Bridges require alteration of the neighboring teeth on each side of the gap, which can cause issues with those teeth later on. Dental implants, on the other hand, are inserted in the jawbone, so they feel like natural teeth.

Convenience

Conventional dentures and some bridges are removable. This means that they must be taken out and cleaned every night before going to bed. Cleaning requires carefully brushing them and then placing them in a container with denture cleanser. This takes time and you risk dropping and breaking them.

Dental implants do not require additional special care. You simply brush and floss like you normally would.

Types of Dental Implants offered in Smithtown, NY

Matthew Dental Group offers two types of dental implants. Both require invasive oral surgery.

1. Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. These are inserted into the jawbone. Once inserted, the jawbone heals around and fuses with the implants, making them a permanent fixture in the mouth.

2. Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are not used very often but are the ideal solution for patients who want to get dental implants but do not qualify for some reason. These implants are inserted into the gum but sit on top of or above the jawbone.

What factors affect your Candidacy for getting Dental Implants

There are several factors that we consider during the consultation to determine if a patient qualifies for dental implants or not. Here’s what you need to know:

Age

While there is no upper limit on getting dental implants, it is important to note that older patients have a higher risk of implant failure. This is because these patients often have underlying health conditions that can impact the restoration.

We do recommend that patients be over the age of 18 because, until this age, the jaw is still growing and forming. Replacing a missing tooth when the jaw is still growing can cause natural teeth to shift or not come in properly.

Oral Health

Oral health is important for the placement of dental implants. If you have active gum disease, you will need to undergo treatment to get the condition under control prior to implant placement. Active gum disease can impact healing, which can lead to implant failure.

Bone Density

Traditional dental implants are inserted into your jawbone, so they require adequate jawbone density and health. If you have jawbone loss, you may consider a different type of implant, subperiosteal. These are inserted into the gum and sit on top of or above the jawbone. While effective, these are not as stable as traditional dental implants.

Overall Health

There are certain health conditions that can impact the success or failure of dental implants including uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, and more. If you do have these conditions, you should discuss them during your consultation and include your medical professional in the discussion to determine if you are a candidate for dental implant placement.

Why Choose Matthew Dental Group for Dental Implants?

If you are in or near Smithtown, NY, we encourage you to schedule your consultation with the team at Matthew Dental Group. We offer a variety of treatments, including dental implants for tooth loss.

We have an experienced team and state-of-the-art technology. We understand and respect that everyone is different. Therefore, we always create personalized treatment plans to fix your oral health issues. Finally, we have lots of positive patient reviews.