4 Benefits of Dental Implants

Not too long ago, replacing missing teeth typically meant just one thing: wearing dentures. And if you couldn’t tolerate dentures or didn’t want to wear them, you were out of luck. 

Nowadays, though, if you count yourself among the 120 million Americans who are missing at least one tooth, or the 36 million who have no teeth at all, it’s a whole new world with a plethora of treatment options.

 For patients and dentists alike, the gold standard for replacing missing teeth is fast becoming dental implants. Here, our own Meriem Boukadoum, DDS, of 54th Street Dental in Midtown West Manhattan shares her insights on dental implants, the treatment process, and why implants just might be the ultimate do-over.

 How dental implants work

Dental implants are titanium posts that a specially trained dentist surgically inserts into your jawbone to replace a missing tooth. These posts serve as the roots of an artificial tooth by establishing a solid foundation much like what your natural tooth’s roots once did.  

Here’s how it works: Dr. Boukadoum starts by performing a thorough oral examination and a series of X-rays to evaluate the health of your tooth roots and jawbone. This step verifies that you have sufficient jawbone density to support the implants and have no signs of infections. 

If everything checks out, and she deems you to be a good candidate for dental implants, the process begins with an in-office surgical procedure.

During surgery, Dr. Boukadoum places a post in every empty spot where a tooth is missing. She sends you home with post-op instructions, and then your body’s natural healing process takes over. 

Over the next 3-4 months or so, the implants essentially heal in place, fusing to your jawbone in a process called osseointegration.

 When the healing is complete, you return to 54th Street Dental, and Dr. Boukadoum takes impressions of your teeth and mouth. She sends this data to a dental laboratory with color-matching information to fabricate your custom crowns. 

Several weeks later, when the crowns return from the dental lab, you return to the office and Dr. Boukadoum installs a crown on top of every implant to create an artificial tooth.

Why choose dental implants? Glad you asked:

1. They’re comfortable and convenient

One great benefit of dental implants is that because they fuse into your jawbone and are part of your mouth, as your natural teeth once were, the comfort and convenience can’t be beat. Since they mimic your natural teeth, you don’t have to change your oral hygiene routine.  

2. They minimize bone loss

Since dental implants share the form and function of natural teeth, they also may prevent bone loss by helping your jaw keep its natural shape. Because the implant serves as the root of the artificial tooth, it plays an important role in stimulating the jawbone.

3. No gooey adhesives or concerns about slipping

If you don’t want to wear dentures or you can’t, dental implants are a game-changing option in a few ways. 

First, say goodbye to the hassles of extra maintenance like overnight soaking and messy adhesives. You’re also not going to have to worry about slipping and sliding issues that can come with dentures. These are truly reasons to smile.    

4. They look natural and are long-lasting

Perhaps the greatest benefits of dental implants are their natural look and sheer durability. With proper at-home care like brushing and flossing, and making routine appointments for professional cleanings, dental implants can last a long time.  

If you’re missing permanent teeth and want to learn if dental implants are right for you, make an appointment with us at 54th Street Dental. Use the online booking tool to request an appointment, or call our New York City office.