Dental Implants

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium screw that is surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw. The implant replaces your tooth’s natural root and serves as an anchor for a replacement tooth. The single-tooth replacement is called a crown. If multiple teeth need replacing, your dentist can add a section of replacement teeth called an implant-supported bridge. The dental implant can also be attached to a removable partial denture to prove better stability and function.

Replacing missing or damaged teeth with implants can also prevent other side effects of leaving spaces in your mouth.

Who Might Need a Dental Implant?

Dental implants may be a good option if you:

  • Have missing or damaged teeth
  • Are uncomfortable wearing dentures
  • Want to keep as much healthy surrounding tooth structure as possible
  • Have difficulty speaking or eating due to missing or damaged teeth

FAQs

Getting a dental implant involves a few steps. How long the overall process takes can vary from a single visit to a few months.

The implant can be placed under local anesthesia, and the procedure is fairly painless. The recovery period is quick. Most of the time, you are back to normal function is a few days.

Your bone must grow onto the surface of the implant. This can take between 12 to 24 weeks. This is also a painless process.

Your dentist will take impressions and work with a dental lab to make the replacement teeth that attach to the implants. This can take several visits.

Your new implants need to be periodically cleaned by your dentist to also keep them healthy.

The overall cost of dental implants depends on many factors and shouldn’t be viewed as one-size-fits-all. Each person’s needs are different, and the best implant solution should be tailored to each individual. The condition of your affected tooth site, overall health, and cosmetic preferences are all important factors to consider. Your dentist will give you a thorough examination to evaluate your condition before making a recommendation.

Why NewYork-Presbyterian for Dental Implants

At NewYork-Presbyterian, we offer exceptional dentistry and oral medical care. As our patient, you benefit from our dentists’ years of training and experience. We also provide dental clearance for cardiac procedures, head and neck radiation, and stem cell transplants.

As a scientifically based hospital in partnership with two academic institutions, we are at the forefront of the latest treatments. Our dedication to improving dentistry and oral surgery extends to innovative research programs. We continue developing new techniques and therapies to enhance our patients’ quality of life.

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NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia

Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery