Dental Implants on the Upper West Side of Manhattan

Dental implants are a permanent dental restoration for missing teeth. They look and work like your natural teeth and help preserve oral health. Dental implants fit better than dentures or bridges and never had to be removed. The term “dental implants” usually refers to the entire restoration. Still, the implant itself is the part of the dental restoration that is placed in the jawbone and replaces the root of the missing tooth. The visible part of the restoration is a crown, usually made of porcelain, which looks like your natural teeth and can restore normal function, including laughing, speaking, and chewing easily.

The Dental Implants Process

If Dr. Kirsch believes dental implants are the best option for replacing a missing tooth or teeth, he will refer you to a qualified oral surgeon or implant specialist to perform the surgery needed to implant the titanium post. Before, during, and after surgery, Dr. Kirsch works closely with the implant surgeon to coordinate your care and create the crowns necessary to restore your teeth.

During the healing process, we may be able to provide you with a temporary denture or crowns. Once the titanium implants and the jawbone have healed, a process called osseointegration, you return to our office to have the abutments and permanent crowns or permanent dentures attached.

Dental Implant Restorations

Creating and attaching the restorations is the responsibility of 86th Street Dental Center. While you are healing after your implant surgery, we work with our dental lab to create precision crowns or a permanent denture to attach to the titanium implants. Using x-rays, dental impressions, and Dr. Kirsch‘s artistry, we create teeth restorations that will give you the chance to once again enjoy life. Dental implants have no restrictions on what you eat or drink, no worries about dentures slipping, and no need to cover your smile.

Depending on how many teeth need replacing, there are several dental implant restorations available, including:

Single Implant Restorations

When a single tooth is missing, a single implant restoration is performed. The implant replaces the tooth’s root, and a custom-crafted crown replaces the visible portion of the tooth.

Dental Implant Bridge

If two or three teeth are missing, a dental implant bridge is created, sometimes called an implant-supported bridge. Two implants are placed, one on either side of the space where teeth are missing. A permanent bridge is attached that holds the restoration teeth in place over the gums.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Patients who are missing all their upper or lower teeth may opt for implant-supported dentures. These are complete dentures supported on several implants (typically 4-8, depending on the jawbone condition). Some implant-supported dentures are removable, clipping onto the abutments and floating just above the gum line, while others are permanent.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Dental implant restorations are easy to care for because you treat them like natural teeth. Practice good oral hygiene, including twice-yearly checkups and professional teeth cleaning. The following tips will help you care for your dental implants properly so that they last a lifetime:

• Floss daily using implant-specific or unwaxed floss
• Brush twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush
• Use a non-abrasive toothpaste
• Be sure to brush under and around the crown or denture
• If possible, use a water irrigator

If you have removable overdentures, follow these tips:

• Soak the denture daily in a denture cleaner following the label directions
• Check the attachment clips and overall structure for any damage or wear
• Brush the underneath of the denture with a soft brush
• Rinse with cool, clear water before reattaching to the abutments

With any dental implant, it is crucial to have them checked at least once a year to ensure there are no problems.

Dental implants are one of the most significant dental advancements in history, restoring full dental function to countless patients. If you are missing one or more teeth and want to learn more about dental implants, contact our office at 86th Street Dental Center Phone Number (212) 579-0213 for a consultation.