Dental Implants in Smithtown, NY

There are many adult Americans that are missing at least one tooth. This can lead to many other problems. The good news is, you can get your smile back with dental implants at Matthew Dental Group in Smithtown, NY.

Get Back Your Smile with Dental Implants in Smithtown, NY

Matthew Dental Group is located at 765 Smithtown Bypass Unit 2 Smithtown, NY 11787. We are a family dental clinic that treats patients of all ages from pediatrics to seniors. We offer a variety of dental care services including dental implants for missing teeth. In this article, we’ll explain more about dental implants.

Did You Know?

Facts from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (aaid.com)

0 Millons +

Americans are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws

0 Millon

people in the U.S. have crown and bridge replacements for missing teeth

0 Million

have implants and that number is growing by 500,000 a year

$ 0 Billion

of all US dentists place implants but that is increasing

0 % Sucess Rate

The success rate of implants has been reported in scientific literature as 98%

5,505,720 Implants

Implants performed by US dentists 5,505,720 (2006)

3,103,930 Implants

Implants performed by US general dentists 3,103,930 (2006)

$ 0 Billion

The dental prosthetic market in the U.S is projected to reach $5 billion by 2018

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. This option looks, feels, and functions the most like natural teeth.

The restoration device is inserted into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. This creates a stable base for artificial teeth, whether it’s a single tooth or a full arch overdenture.

Why are Dental Implants preffered over other Missing teeth options?

Dental implants are important because they offer a variety of advantages over conventional dentures or bridges.

Implants look, feel, and function more like natural teeth because they become a part of your mouth. They are not just sitting on your gums.

Advantages of Dental Implants

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.

The Process of Installing Implants

The process for getting dental implants usually takes a minimum of several months and may take up to a year or more, depending on your body’s ability to heal. Here’s what you can expect from dental implant treatment at Matthew Dental Group.

Consultation

The very first step to any procedure at Matthew Dental Group is the consultation. During this time, we will evaluate your condition, which usually includes taking x-rays and other necessary imaging.

We will discuss your oral hygiene habits and health as well as your expectations for treatment.

Treatment Planning

We understand that every patient is different. Therefore, we take the information we learn from the consultation to create a personalized treatment plan. If there are any additional procedures required, we will do those before the implants are placed. In some cases, the implants can be placed at the same time- but some require healing before the implants can be placed.

Implant Placement

When it is time to place the implants, we start by administering local anesthesia to numb the area. Then, we cut an incision in the gum and drill a hole in the jawbone. The implant screw is then placed in the jawbone and the incision is closed. You will have some tenderness and mild discomfort, so you will need to stick to a liquid diet for a few days, and, once you are ready, you can transition to a soft food diet.

Osseointegration

Over the next few months, the process of osseointegration is occurring. This is the process of the jawbone healing around and fusing with the dental implants. During this time, you will want to stick with a soft food diet to avoid causing the implant to shift.

Restoration Placement

Once osseointegration is complete, you can return to the office to have your permanent restoration placed. At the end of the procedure, you will be able to eat anything you want without any problems or pain.

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.

FAQ

What is the difference between All-on-4, All-on-6, and regular dental implants?

Regular dental implants support one or more missing teeth. If more than one tooth needs to be replaced, patients need 2 to 8 implants. However, All-on-4 dental implants replace an entire missing arch with 4 dental implants. The rear implants are placed at an angle to increase the bite force support. All-on-6 dental implants replace an entire missing arch with 6 dental implants. This option is for patients who have some jawbone loss or who have a larger-than-average mouth.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. This means practicing healthy oral hygiene habits and visiting the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning. The artificial tooth/teeth usually must be replaced in about 15 to 20 years, depending on your oral care habits. Patients who are vigilant with their oral care habits may be able to make theirs last longer.

How much do dental implants cost?

Dental implants typically cost around $5,000 for a single implant. A full-mouth restoration can cost more.

Does dental insurance cover dental implants?

Some dental insurance providers consider dental implants to be a cosmetic procedure, which means they will not cover any portion of the procedure. However, there are some that recognize the restoration benefits and will cover a portion. Our friendly office staff will be happy to contact your insurance provider to determine your coverage. We offer financing options if you do not have insurance, or your coverage is inadequate.

How painful is the dental implant procedure?

Prior to the procedure, we will administer local anesthesia. This will numb the area so that you do not feel the work being done. If you have dental anxiety, we offer sedation options, as long as it is discussed during the consultation. You may have some minor discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, which can usually be treated with an OTC pain reliever. If you have significant discomfort, the dentist may provide you with a prescription pain reliever. If that doesn’t help, you may need to come to the office and allow us to examine your mouth to determine the cause of the pain.

I had a root canal on a tooth that fractured and now it has to be removed. Can it be replaced with an implant or do I have to have a bridge or a partial?

Teeth that have root canals can fracture more easily than other teeth because they are weaker and somewhat dehydrated. They can sometimes be as brittle as glass. In the past, the best available treatment was to remove the tooth and file down the adjacent teeth to make a bridge – caps on the adjacent teeth with an attached “dummy” tooth between. Sometimes this still is the only way. However, in many cases an implant can replace the fractured tooth and we will not need to grind down a tooth to at all.

DENTAL FINANCING OPTIONS AT MATHEW DENTAL GROUP

Our office is in-network with all major insurance providers. Please bring your insurance card to each appointment so we can make sure your information is as up-to-date as possible. If you do not find your insurance provider here; we work with all major insurance providers, please call at (631) 292-0431 for clarity.

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Dental Implants in Smithtown, NY

Get Back Your Smile with Dental Implants in Smithtown, NY