Let Our West Sayville Dentist Transform Your Smile
Are you looking for a tooth replacement option that will require low maintenance and a natural-looking smile? With endosteal dental implants, patients can restore their smile with a solution that can last a lifetime! Ready to get started? Schedule your dental implant consultation with our dentist in Long Island by calling 631-563-1583.
What Are Endosteal Dental Implants?
Endosteal dental implants are a type of dental implant surgically placed directly into the jawbone. Endosteal implants mimic the shape of a natural tooth root as they’re placed into the jaw, creating a secure foundation for a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, to be placed on top of the titanium implant.
Endosteal implants are a common and effective option for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function and aesthetics. There are multiple dental implant treatment options available with endosteal implants, including implant-supported dentures, single-tooth replacements, and more.
Endosteal Dental Implant Benefits
When patients receive endosteal dental implants from our West Sayville dentist, they may also experience the following benefits:
- Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, endosteal implants can last for many years, often a lifetime, making them a durable and reliable tooth replacement option.
- Natural Look and Feel: Endosteal implants are designed to closely mimic the structure and function of natural teeth, providing a natural-looking appearance and allowing for normal biting and chewing functions.
- High Success Rate: While there’s always a small risk with any surgical procedure, endosteal implants have a success rate of around 95%.
- Bone Preservation: By integrating with the jawbone, an endosteal implant helps preserve bone density and prevent bone loss, which can occur after tooth loss.
- Improved Oral Health: Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, which may require alteration of adjacent teeth, endosteal implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support. This helps maintain the integrity of the surrounding teeth and gums, promoting overall oral health.
- Enhanced Confidence: Endosteal implants restore the ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, improving self-esteem and quality of life for individuals with missing teeth.
The Endosteal Implant Procedure
Endosteal implants work by replacing the missing tooth root with a biocompatible titanium screw-like structure that’s surgically placed into the jawbone. The process typically involves several steps:
- Assessment and Planning: Dr. Sigismondi evaluates the patient’s oral health and bone structure through X-rays, CT scans, and other imaging techniques. Based on this assessment, we’ll develop your custom treatment plan with an estimated timeline.
- Surgical Placement: During the minor surgical procedure, the endosteal implant is precisely positioned into the jawbone. The gum tissue is then stitched closed over the implant, allowing it to heal and integrate with the bone.
- Osseointegration: Over the next few months, the jawbone naturally fuses with the implant through a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong and stable foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth.
- Abutment Placement: Once osseointegration is complete, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment protrudes through the gum line and serves as the attachment point for the artificial tooth or teeth.
- Custom Restoration: A custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture is securely attached to the abutment, completing the restoration process. The replacement tooth is designed to match the color, shape, and size of the surrounding natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking result.
Ready to discuss your restorative options at our Sayville dental office? Contact us today at 631-563-1583 for an appointment.
Can You Receive an Endosteal Dental Implant?
Your candidacy for endosteal dental implants is determined by an oral surgeon or dentist. To qualify for endosteal implants, you need adequate jawbone density along with good overall health. Patients with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, or those who smoke or use tobacco products may not be candidates, as it increases their chances of implant failure.
Endosteal dental implants aren’t recommended for patients with severe bone loss. For those specific cases, our dentist may consider other tooth replacement options or a supplemental procedure, such as bone grafting or a sinus lift.
To be a candidate for endosteal implants, you have to meet the following criteria:
- Excellent general and dental health
- Healthy gum tissue
- Fully grown jawbone and enough bone in the jaw
- Can maintain a pristine at-home oral hygiene routine
- Visits the dentist twice a year for checkups and dental cleanings
Endosteal Implant Alternatives
While an endosteal implant is the most popular type of implant, there are other alternative implants and tooth replacement options. A dental professional may recommend any of the following alternatives:
- Zygomatic Implants: These are longer than an endosteal implant and are anchored into the cheekbone rather than the jawbone. They’re suitable for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
- Subperiosteal Implants: These implants are placed on top of the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue. Subperiosteal dental implants are suitable for patients who have lost a significant amount of bone density in their jaw and are unable to support an endosteal implant.
- Removable Dentures: These are a non-surgical option for patients who have lost several teeth or all of their teeth. Dentures can be removed for cleaning and maintenance.
- Dental Bridges: Prosthetics that replace one or more missing teeth by attaching to the surrounding natural teeth on either side of the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the surgical procedure for endosteal dental implants only takes one visit to the dentist, the entire endosteal implant process typically takes several months to complete. Patients can expect the entire treatment to last between three and nine months. However, some patients may need to undergo additional surgery, such as bone augmentation, to create the solid base needed for the implant body.
Endosteal dental implant surgery typically causes minimal pain, as only a small incision is needed. The procedure is usually done with dental sedation for patient comfort. After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort and swelling, but they can manage this discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses.
Endosteal dental implants can last a lifetime with proper aftercare and oral hygiene. To increase their longevity, make sure you’re maintaining good oral hygiene, visiting the dentist for regular dental check-ups, and avoiding habits such as smoking or grinding your teeth.
Yes, endosteal dental implants can replace multiple missing teeth by placing several implants into the jawbone. Typically, these treatments are known as implant-supported dentures or implant-supported bridges. Your treatment is custom-designed to meet your needs.