Yes, if you are missing one or more teeth and have healthy gums and adequate jawbone density, you are very likely a candidate for dental implants, one of the most stable and natural-looking ways to replace a missing tooth.
Missing teeth are more than a cosmetic issue. Without a full set of teeth, chewing and eating can become difficult and uncomfortable, and your bite can shift out of its natural alignment. At Bagoff Dental Arts in West Orange, NJ, Dr. Robert Bagoff and our team offer dental implants as one of several ways to restore a complete, functional smile.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium or titanium-alloy post placed into the jawbone, where it functions as an artificial tooth root. Over a period of healing, the bone fuses to the implant post in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation. Once healed, a custom-made crown is attached to the post, completing a replacement tooth that looks and functions like the tooth it replaced.
Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth with an implant-supported bridge, or, for patients missing most or all of their teeth, support a full denture.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults with one or more missing teeth are candidates for implants, provided they meet a few general conditions:
- Healthy gums, free of active periodontal disease
- Enough remaining jawbone to support and anchor the implant post
- Overall health that allows for a minor surgical procedure and a normal healing process
Patients who have lost significant bone volume are not automatically ruled out. Depending on the case, a bone graft can rebuild the foundation an implant needs. During a consultation, we evaluate your jawbone, gum health, and bite to determine which tooth replacement option fits your situation best.
Why Patients Choose Dental Implants Over Other Options
Compared to a traditional bridge or removable denture, dental implants offer several advantages:
- They restore the ability to chew and bite with normal force, since the implant post replaces the root, not just the visible tooth.
- They help prevent the shifting and drifting of neighboring teeth that often follows tooth loss.
- They stabilize your bite, which can reduce strain on the jaw joint and surrounding teeth.
- Unlike a bridge, an implant does not require reshaping or relying on the teeth next to the gap for support.
- Implants help preserve jawbone at the site of the missing tooth, since the bone continues to receive stimulation from the implant post.
A removable denture and a fixed bridge each still have a place in restorative dentistry, particularly for patients who are not candidates for implant surgery or who are replacing a full arch of teeth. Our prosthodontic team can walk you through the tradeoffs between all three options.
What to Expect From the Dental Implant Process
Implant treatment generally happens in stages, spread out over several months, to allow proper healing at each step.
Consultation and Planning
We start with a clinical exam and imaging to assess bone density, the position of nearby teeth, nerves, and sinus structures, and to map out exactly where each implant post should go.
Implant Placement
The implant post is placed into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure performed with local anesthesia. Most patients describe the recovery as comparable to having a tooth extracted.
Healing and Osseointegration
Over the following months, the bone gradually fuses to the implant post. This healing period is what gives an implant its long-term stability.
Restoration
Once healing is complete, a custom abutment and crown are attached to the implant post, matched to the shape, size, and shade of your surrounding teeth.
Caring for Your Dental Implant
A dental implant is cared for much like a natural tooth: brush twice daily, floss around the implant and its neighboring teeth, and keep up with your regular dental checkups and cleanings. Because the surrounding gum tissue can still develop inflammation, known as peri-implantitis, consistent home care and professional maintenance are what keep an implant performing well over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Am I too old to get a dental implant?
Age alone rarely rules out dental implants. What matters more is your overall health, bone density, and gum health, all of which we evaluate during a consultation.
How long does the dental implant process take from start to finish?
Implant treatment typically spans several months from placement to final restoration, since the bone needs time to fuse to the implant post. Your specific timeline depends on your healing and whether a bone graft is needed.
Is getting a dental implant painful?
The placement procedure is done under local anesthesia, and most patients report discomfort afterward that is similar to a tooth extraction and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
What happens if I do not replace a missing tooth?
Leaving a gap unaddressed can allow neighboring teeth to shift, change your bite alignment, and lead to bone loss at the site of the missing tooth over time. Replacing the tooth helps prevent these downstream effects.
Will dental insurance cover the cost of an implant?
Coverage varies widely by plan. Some plans cover a portion of the restorative crown while treating the implant post as a separate benefit, or excluding it altogether. Our team can help you understand your specific coverage and discuss financing options.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in West Orange, NJ
Dr. Robert Bagoff and our team have helped many patients throughout West Orange and the surrounding communities restore a complete, natural-looking smile with dental implants. If you are missing one or more teeth and want to know whether implants are the right option for you, request an appointment or contact our office to schedule a consultation.
