The Dangers of Ignoring Missing Teeth: How Implants Prevent Bone Loss

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If you’re an older adult, you may have experienced losing a permanent tooth. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about; it happens to the best of us. But what you do after you lose a permanent tooth can make quite a bit of difference in how your remaining years go in terms of your teeth and gums. You see, it’s important not to just ignore a missing tooth. You might technically be able to get along without it, but you’re not doing yourself any favors, as your dentist in Albany, NY can tell you.

How Bone Loss Occurs After Tooth Loss

Teeth are anchored in the jawbone, and the bone relies on stimulation from chewing to maintain its density. When a tooth is missing, the lack of stimulation causes the bone in that area to weaken and shrink. Over time, this can lead to changes in facial appearance, such as sunken cheeks or premature aging. The longer a missing tooth goes untreated, the greater the bone loss becomes, making future replacement options more complex than they ever needed to be.

Why Dental Implants Are the Best Solution

Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants in Albany, NY replace both the visible part of the tooth and its root. The implant post, made of biocompatible titanium, integrates with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This restores the missing stimulation, preventing further bone deterioration and maintaining the natural structure of the jaw.

Ignoring missing teeth can lead to significant oral health complications that make matters worse, but dental implants provide a long-term solution that protects both your smile and jawbone. Consulting a dentist about implant options can help restore both function and aesthetics while maintaining overall oral health.

How to Know If You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

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If you’re missing a few teeth or maybe even just one, you might have heard about the latest and greatest treatment, dental implants. Dental implants in Albany, NY offer a way to permanently restore teeth without the hassle of dentures or other options. Once they’re in, you might even forget that you have dental implants, they’re that good. But not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to get dental implants. You and your dentist can meet up and figure out if you’re a good candidate.

Commitment to Oral Hygiene

However you got here, afterward you’ll need to really prioritize oral health so your dental implants remain viable and healthy. Dental implants require the same level of care as natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups are essential to maintaining healthy gums and preventing complications like peri-implantitis, an infection that can lead to implant failure. Candidates should be dedicated to maintaining excellent oral hygiene.

Healthy Gums and Sufficient Bone Density

Healthy gums free from gum disease are necessary to support the implant, as infections can interfere with healing. Not only that, the jawbone must have enough density to hold the implant securely. But if bone loss has already occurred, procedures like bone grafting can be done to strengthen the area before implant placement.

Overall Health and Healing Ability

Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can affect healing and increase the risk of implant failure. Patients should be in good overall health and committed to proper post-surgical care to ensure optimal results.

If you have missing teeth and are looking for a stable, long-term replacement option, dental implants can be a great idea. Your Albany, NY dentist can evaluate your oral health, bone integrity and medical history to determine if you are a good candidate and discuss any preparatory treatments needed to achieve the best results for you.

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

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Getting dental implants in Albany, NY, is exciting. But which type of implants should you get? There are a variety of options, including all-on-4s. Let’s talk about all-on-4s for a moment.

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants are a full arch of upper or lower teeth (or both) that are anchored to your jawbone using just four threaded titanium dental implant posts.

How Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Work?

Your dentist in Albany, NY, will remove your teeth, drill a small hole in your jawbone, and place the titanium implant into that hole. You will then wait several months for your jawbone to fuse to the implant.

Once your implant has fused, the dentist will add an abutment to the top of the implant post. Then, the dentist will place a permanent full-arch prosthesis (arch of artificial teeth) onto the four implants. The arch of teeth is permanently fixed and can’t be removed except by the dentist.

The Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants

Take a look at some of the benefits of all-on-4 dental implants, and that will probably convince you that they are a great option for replacing your teeth.

  • They are permanently fixed, so there is no slippage like you have with dentures.
  • There are no dietary restrictions. You can eat whatever you want.
  • They are cheaper than replacing each individual tooth with a dental implant.
  • They don’t take as long to heal.
  • They look and feel like your natural teeth.
  • The titanium post part of your implant can last a lifetime with proper dental care.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Albany, NY?

If you are thinking about getting dental implants or want to learn more about all-on-4s, please Contact Dental Wellness of Albany today. We would love to show you just how easy and affordable dental implants can be.

How to Extend the Life of Your Dental Implants

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Getting dental implants in Albany, NY, is an investment you will want to preserve. Therefore, knowing what to do and what not to do after getting your new implants is extremely important!

So, let’s take a look at the good habits to adopt and the bad habits you should avoid after getting dental implants.

Good Habits That Will Extend the Life of Your Implants

Following these recommendations will help preserve your dental implants for many years to come.

  • Schedule regular dental visits.
  • Floss and brush twice daily.
  • Avoid sticky and hard foods.
  • Avoid bad habits like using your teeth as tools and biting your fingernails.
  • Don’t hesitate to contact the dentist when experiencing any pain or dental issues.

Bad Habits to Avoid When You Have Dental Implants

The following are bad habits that could cause problems with your dental implants (loose teeth, implant failure, and more).

  • Smoking.
  • Excessive drinking.
  • Poor oral hygiene.
  • Unhealthy diet.
  • Using your teeth as tools.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

You might not be a good candidate for dental implants if you have uncontrolled diabetes or cancer, take certain medications, have gum disease, are a heavy drinker or smoker, or if you grind or clench your teeth.

You might also not be a good candidate for dental implants if you don’t have enough jawbone density to support an implant. However, with that being said, if you don’t have enough jawbone density to support a dental implant, a dentist in Albany, NY, might be able to perform a bone graft or provide you with an alternative to dental implants.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Albany, NY?

If you want dental implants, you will need a dentist to perform the procedure. Please Contact Dental Wellness of Albany today to schedule an exam and consultation. We’d love to show you just how easy and affordable getting dental implants can be!

Dental Wellness of Albany – What Are All-on-X Dental Implants?

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Getting dental implants in Albany, NY, is exciting. The first thing you probably want to know when beginning your dental implant journey is your options. There are a variety of dental implant variations. All-on-X dental implants are one of your options.

What Are All-on-X Dental Implants?

All-on-X dental implants use four or six implants per jaw, rather than one for each tooth, to replace an entire arch of missing teeth.

How Do All-on-X Dental Implants Work?

All-on-X implants strategically place four or six implant posts into your jawbone. A temporary set of teeth will be attached while you wait for the bone to fuse to your implant (osseointegration).

This is how it works. Yourdentist in Albany, NY, will remove your teeth and their roots, place the titanium posts into your jawbone, and then you will wait for the bone to fuse. After that, an abutment will be attached to the implant, and an artificial tooth (crown) will be placed on top of that, completing the dental implant process.

How Long Does the All-on-X Dental Implant Process Take?

The entire implant process takes about four to six months. This is the time it takes for the bone to integrate fully with the implant. The rest of the procedure is quick and easy.

The Benefits of All-on-X Dental Implants

There are some significant benefits that come with opting for all-on-X dental implants.

They look, function, and feel just like your natural teeth. Implants also help prevent bone loss, which keeps your face from sinking in (this is what happens when you don’t replace your missing teeth). Additionally, you care for your implants just like your natural teeth; they don’t come with any dietary restrictions, and they give you a lifetime of beautiful smiles!

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Albany, NY?

You will need a dentist to help you get implants. PleaseContact Dental Wellness of Albany today to schedule a consultation. We would love to show you just how easy and affordable getting dental implants can be!

4 Reasons to Consider Dental Implants to Restore Your Smile

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If you’re missing a permanent tooth, it’s important to fill the gap. Missing permanent teeth can impact the way you chew your food, can leave you feeling self-conscious, and can even cause the teeth in your mouth to shift slightly. Your dentist in Albany, NY, can help you with dental implants. Dental implants are an important dental tool that can help you maintain a mouth full of functional, healthy teeth. 

1. Dental Implants Look Natural

Dental implants look like natural teeth. Your dentist will match your dental implant to the color of your other teeth. The crown on your implant will be custom-made to ensure it fits perfectly in your mouth. When the dental implant is installed, it will look like it always belonged there. 

2. Dental Implants Feel and Work Like Natural Teeth 

You won’t be able to feel a difference between your dental implants and your natural teeth. Once the dental implant is in place, you’ll be able to talk and chew just like you always did. 

3. Dental Implants Restore Your Smile After Losing a Tooth

If you’re unhappy about having a gap between your teeth, your dental implant will take care of that problem. Your smile will look like it always did before you lost your tooth. 

4. Replacing A Missing Tooth Is Good For Your Other Teeth

Replacing a missing tooth is good for your other teeth. Teeth can shift when there’s a gap in the mouth, leading to problems with your jaw and bite. When you install a dental implant, you won’t have to worry about that problem. Do you need dental implants in Albany, NY? Call today to make your dental appointment. 

 

What Are Zirconium Implants?

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If you’re missing a tooth, you should know that dental implants aren’t just to help you look better. In fact, they can be the key to saving your oral health from a lifetime of ongoing conditions.

However, there isn’t just one type of implant on the market, meaning you may need to do some research to decide what’s right for you. If you’re looking for zirconium implants in Albany, NY, learn more about what they are and how they work.

When Are Zirconium Implants a Better Option than Titanium Implants?

Zirconium implants are popular in Europe but were only recently approved by the FDA in 2011. Since then, they’ve been popular amongst patients who would prefer to limit the amount of metal in their mouths. This material won’t move or corrode over time, nor will it trigger a chemical reaction.

Whether it’s an allergy or just general sensitivity, zirconium is both an attractive option and may even be better for the gum tissues because it captures less plaque.

What Can I Expect from the Implant Procedure?

The procedure starts by placing a zirconia post in the jawbone. This acts like the root of a natural tooth and serves as the base for the eventual crown. It takes a few months before the post actually fuses with the jaw, in which case the temporary tooth cap will be replaced with a permanent version.

Find a Dentist in Albany, NY

If you’re in need of zirconium dental implants or a dentist in Albany, NY, Dental Wellness of Albany is here to help. Whether you need a routine cleaning or you’re looking to replace several teeth with implants, contact us today to learn more about our services.

Zirconia Dental Implants: In Intro for Curious Patients

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Looking for a way to restore your smile when you have missing teeth? While dental implants in Albany, NY are becoming increasingly popular for smile restoration, some patients prefer to steer clear of metal implants in their bodies. Titanium may be the most traditional form of dental implant, which is obviously made of metal, but another option offers a metal-free alternative: zirconia implants.

What are zirconia implants?

Zirconia implants, or zirconium dioxide implants, are actually a type of ceramic implant available as an alternative to traditional titanium. Zirconia has been used in dentistry since the mid-1990s, even though the material has only recently gained a lot of recognition in the field of cosmetic procedures. These implants offer a one-piece design and a more holistic option for patients that may have problems with titanium.

What are the advantages of zirconium implants?

One of the biggest advantages of zirconia implants is the material is something other than metal, which can bring about risks for some patients. Zirconia is highly compatible with bone and does not collect bacteria. As an adage, the material is white, much like natural bone. Titanium implants are gray in color and can be visible through the gums if a patient has thinner or more translucent tissue. Zirconia implants do not pose the same problems. Zirconia is biocompatible, so it will not interfere with the rest of the body or cause any type of chemical reaction.

Work with an Albany Dentist for Zirconium Implants

Dental implants can be one of the most effective and natural ways to restore your smile. If you would like to talk to a New Albany dentist about zirconia implants, reach out to us at the office of Herzog and Primomo DDS to schedule a consultation.