Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent solution to the problem of missing teeth.
Unlike dentures or partials, you won’t experience problems with slipping or sliding, and they don’t require a specialized daily care routine beyond regular brushing and flossing. Unlike bridges, dental implants do not require alteration to your existing, healthy teeth. In fact, bridges can be supported by implants for fewer alterations during a more complex restoration.
Do I Need Dental Implants?
For many people, missing teeth present a mostly cosmetic problem. This is a fair concern: Missing teeth carry a stigma, and people with missing teeth may find themselves unfairly judged in many social settings.
Unfortunately, the problem of missing teeth goes beyond the cosmetic issue. Missing teeth put additional stress on your remaining teeth and can lead to damage, including fractures and even further tooth loss. When you are missing teeth, you may find it difficult or even painful to enjoy the fresh, healthy foods you need for proper nutrition and nourishment.
Even more concerning, one or more missing teeth can eventually lead to significant bone loss in your jaw as the tissue becomes atrophied from lack of use. Over time, this diminishing bone can lead to visible changes in your face and cause you to appear prematurely aged.
Dental implants will stop this process in its tracks, something that even dentures and partials cannot do.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
While most healthy adults are eligible for dental implants, some health conditions can change the effectiveness of the implants.
When you visit our office to discuss dental implants, we will ask you a number of questions about your health history. These questions are important to help us determine whether dental implants are the right option for you. Don’t worry – even if you do have a health concern, we are likely to still be able to work with you. We just need to know about it so that we can account for it and take any necessary precautions.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
Prior to beginning the actual implant process, we will perform a full examination including x-rays. Because the implant is attached directly to your jaw, we need to know the condition of your bone. If necessary, you could be a candidate for grafts and other procedures to build up your jaw bone.
The titanium posts for your implants will then be placed. Once you have healed sufficiently, you may receive a temporary crown over the implant while we wait for your permanent crown to return from the dental lab. Once the permanent crown has returned from the dental lab, you will return to our office to have it placed. The fit and appearance will be checked, and your implant will be complete.
For more information about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, please call our practice today.
Highly Recommended
Today was my first visit at Southampton Dental. I'm 57 and I have not been to the dentist in a while and I knew I had some major issues to take care of. I was hesitant to go to the dentist because I was actually embarrassed that it had been so long since I had been to a dentist. Dr. Rochvarg and Southampton Dental was highly recommended by another dental professional I know. I couldn't be happier with the care and education I received today from Dr. Rochvarg and Alison, the dental hygienist. They made me feel at ease right away and made me very comfortable about my decision to get in to see a dentist. If you are hesitant to see a dentist because it's been a while and want to try someone who will totally make you feel at ease regardless of how long it may have been since your last dental visit, I highly recommend Southampton Dental. They gave me a prioritized treatment plan that was fully explained and simplified. Also, the receptionist and the scheduler, Lauren, is extremely competent, personable and pleasant, like everyone I met at Southampton Dental.
-Kevin M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants have several advantages over other tooth replacement options:
- Dental implants appear the most life-like and natural.
- The actual implant piece of the dental implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible metal.
- Dental implants are the most secure and stable.
- Dental implants prevent bone loss, keeping your jaw tissue healthy and preventing changes in the shape of your face.
- With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Rahool Patel
Dr. Rahool Patel holds a DDS degree with Honors from the New York University, New York. He completed a one-year residency program at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ, where his research project on TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) was awarded first place. He has been practicing general dentistry for over a decade.
He stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in dental technology, and his emphasis on patient comfort enables him to provide you with the best quality of dental care in the field. Dr. Patel has a wide range of experience in different areas of dentistry, ...