Dental Implants — Brick Township, NJ
Laying the Roots for a Strong, Stable Smile
Dentures and bridges are both used to fill in the empty space in your mouth when you lose one or more teeth, but they don’t replace the entire missing structure. They don’t replace the roots of missing teeth, and without them, your jawbone begins to deteriorate, your restoration will lose its fit, and your quality of life begins to diminish. When it comes to laying the roots for a strong, stable smile after tooth loss, there’s simply no better choice than dental implants in Brick Township! To see if this revolutionary tooth replacement option is right for you, call us and schedule a consultation with Dr. Gizachew today!
Why Choose Nu Dental Brick For Dental Implants?
- Relaxing Dental Office with the Latest Technology
- Entire Implant Treatment Completed In-House
- Replace Any Number of Missing Teeth for Life
What Is a Dental Implant?
You may have heard dental implants referred to as the modern gold standard for tooth replacement. An implant is a thin screw-like post that is typically made out of titanium (a strong, highly biocompatible metal). It is inserted into the jaw via surgery and will gradually join with the bone through a natural process called osseointegration. Once they’ve healed in placed, they create a strong, reliable foundation for a restoration like a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture. Rebuilding a tooth from the roots up like this give you a smile that looks, feels, and functions just like natural!
The Dental Implant Process
Getting a dental implant is a process with multiple stages. At some dental offices, you might have to be sent to a separate specialist to have the implants placed in your mouth. Here at Nu Dental Brick, though, implants can be placed and restored under the same roof. There’s no need to visit a separate dental office or deal with a doctor that you barely know; you can count on us to handle everything in an environment that you’re already familiar with. In the meantime, feel free to learn more about the process ahead of your consultation with Dr. G!
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
Dr. G will start by reviewing your oral health and most up-to-date medical history in order to confirm if you are eligible for dental implants. In the event you have a preexisting dental issue (i.e. gum disease, tooth decay) or you have deficient bone tissue, we’ll recommend a preliminary procedure ahead of your dental implant surgery. For example, a bone graft can work to rebuild lost bone tissue, making it viable to receive a dental implant. If you are currently eligible, we’ll begin creating your plan for the rest of your treatment as well as explain how each step works.
Dental Implant Surgery
Since Dr. G holds the training and expertise necessary, he can perform the surgical portion of your dental implant treatment right here at Nu Dental Brick. Ahead of the procedure, he numbs the portion of the mouth where either extraction and placement (or solely placement if the tooth is already missing), is being performed. Then, he creates a small incision in the gum tissue as well as a tiny hole in the jawbone where the implant will sit and fuse. After stitching the gum tissue closed, we’ll explain your aftercare instructions.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
Over the next several months, your implant will begin to physically fuse with your jawbone tissue. This step (known as osseointegration) is crucial to ensuring not just the security of your dental implant, but its longevity as well. After about four to six months of healing (the initial recovery period is much shorter, generally about two weeks at most), you’ll come back to our office to have an abutment placed. This component provides additional stability to the permanent restoration.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
Once the gum tissue has had some time to heal around the recently placed abutment (this takes a couple of weeks), you’ll come back to have your permanent implant crown, bridge, or denture attached depending on how many teeth you need to replace. Before you leave, Dr. G will make sure that your restoration not only looks the way you expect it to, but that your bite remains as even as possible. If necessary, adjustments can be made while you’re at the office.
Benefits of Dental Implants
As the only tooth replacement method that recreates the tooth’s root structure in addition to its visible crown, dental implants can accomplish many things that dentures or bridges alone simply cannot. In short, because of their surgical placement in the jawbone, they are able to look, feel, and function more like your natural teeth than any other solution. Here are just a few of the many, many benefits of dental implants in Brick Township:
Day-to-Day Benefits
The support and stability of dental implants will give your teeth additional chewing power, meaning you can eat all of your favorite foods without restriction. You’ll also be able to drink your favorite hot beverages, like your morning cup of joe, without worrying about your teeth warping when exposed to heat (like traditional dentures).
While modern dentures and bridges can look very lifelike, they won’t feel quite as natural as dental implants in Brick Township do. The titanium posts essentially trick your body into thinking your original teeth are still there. Eventually, you may even forget you have dental implants at all!
Because your teeth are anchored onto posts in your jaw, you can smile confidently with the knowledge that your pearly whites won’t feel loose, shift around, or fall out at embarrassing times.
Health Benefits
Dental implants are the only solution that stimulates the jawbone, preventing the bone atrophy that ordinarily occurs after teeth have been lost. Not only does this preserve your facial shape to keep you looking young, but it keeps your jawbone strong enough to support your remaining teeth, lowering your risk of further tooth loss.
In terms of your oral health, dental implants are the most beneficial solution. Unlike traditional bridges, implants are self-supporting and don’t require existing healthy tooth structure to be removed in order to place them. Traditional dentures also notoriously irritate the gums, which may increase the risk of inflammation and infection.
Those reasons, coupled with the fact that dental implants are easy to care for, make this solution naturally promote better oral health. Because good oral health is linked with improved overall health, you’re really doing your body a favor by investing in dental implants
Long-Term Benefits
As mentioned earlier, maintaining dental implants is simple. In fact, it’s pretty much exactly the same as taking care of natural teeth – just brush, floss, and visit your implant dentist in Brick Township for checkups and cleanings on a regular basis. If you follow these basic aftercare steps, your dental implants should be able to easily last for 30+ years, maybe even a lifetime.
Contrast this with traditional dentures and bridges, which have to be adjusted, repaired, or replaced every five to ten years at most. Eventually, these solutions will compound their original cost, making them more expensive in the long run than dental implants (which should, for the most part, only require a one-time payment).
If you want an investment that benefits your everyday life, your health, and your bank account, you can’t go wrong with dental implants!
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch of teeth. In other words, no matter how severe your tooth loss is, dental implants are a viable solution! Before we can begin the process, though, we’ll need to confirm that there’s enough bone density in your jaw to support the posts; we’ll also have to treat any signs of an infection that could lead to implant failure. Once we’re sure your mouth is ready, we can start planning the process based on the number of missing teeth.
Missing 1 Tooth
Using a single dental implant instead of a dental bridge to replace a tooth allows us to fill a gap in your smile without sacrificing healthy tooth enamel. Once the implant fuses with the bone and the gums have completely healed, we can top the post with a crown that has been designed to match the rest of your smile.
Missing Multiple Teeth
It is possible to get multiple implants to replace teeth in different locations throughout the mouth should you need to. However, if you are missing several teeth in a row, there is a much more conservative solution: getting a dental bridge that rests on a pair of sturdy dental implants.
Missing All Teeth
Traditional dentures have been used to replace teeth for years, and we can make them stronger and more stable than ever before by attaching them to dental implants. This makes it easier for you to chew particularly tough foods and greatly simplifies the cleaning process by allowing you to brush and floss like you normally would. To ensure a successful implant denture treatment, you’ll need to have sufficient jawbone density to support the metal posts. If you’ve been struggling with tooth loss for a while, then you’ll want to consider getting All-On-4 in Brick Township. Not only will this provide a sturdier denture solution, but you may not even need to undergo preliminary procedures like bone grafting for them to work!
Learn More About All-On-4 Dental Implants Learn More About Implant Dentures
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Before you commit to getting dental implants, you need to make sure that you fully understand all of the costs involved. Not every patient will pay the same price for a new smile; some only need a single implant while others will receive multiple posts. Furthermore, sometimes additional steps like bone grafts and gum disease therapy will be required. We’ll form an estimate for you during your initial consultation, and we’ll help you figure out ways to keep out-of-pocket costs to a minimum (like using your dental insurance benefits to pay for specific aspects of the treatment).
Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?
In one simple answer, yes, dental implants are worth the investment. Not only will you have improved oral health because of the implant’s ability to mimic the natural tooth root and continue stimulating your jawbone, but you will also enjoy a longer-lasting restoration that, with proper care, may never need to be replaced! With dental implants, you can enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about your new teeth slipping or falling out, and you can feel confident in your new and improved appearance. Once your final restoration is firmly in place, you’ll be pleased you invested in your smile’s improved health and aesthetics.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
To know for sure if your dental insurance company covers any or all of your dental implant placement, you will need to contact them to find out. Many companies still do not provide available coverage; however, others are beginning to accept the realization that implants are a “medical necessity” and are agreeing to cover a portion of the cost.
No matter the decision of your insurance company, our team is here to work on your behalf and file any necessary paperwork and claims to make payment as stress-free as possible. If you are required to pay a portion of the cost, you can apply for flexible financing through CareCredit or inquire about enrolling in our in-house membership plan.
Advanced Dental Implant Procedures
The dental implant procedure is complex, and the exact steps involved in it vary from patient to patient. Some individuals who are not candidates for dental implants during their initial consultation may become candidates after some preparatory treatments. These advanced surgeries, which include bone grafts and sinus lifts, prepare your mouth to work well with dental implants so your new smile can thrive. Dr. G and our team make every effort to promote patient comfort during these surgeries.
Bone Grafting
After you lose one of your natural teeth, the bone that once supported it begins to be resorbed. That is to say, your body recycles the raw bone material for other purpose. This happens because there is no longer a tooth root there to stimulate the flow of blood and nutrients to the bone. The resorption, while it demonstrates the efficiency of the human body, has a major downside. The longer you go without natural teeth, the thinner, weaker, and smaller the jawbone becomes. Eventually, it may reach the point where it can no longer support a dental implant.
Bone grafting is often the ideal solution for to this problem. During a bone grafting procedure, Dr. G makes an incision in the gums and adds bone material to your jaw. The grafted material may be from elsewhere in your body, or it may come from a donor. After the incision is closed, your body will begin the process of integrating the graft. The procedure builds up the jawbone so it can support a dental implant.
In some cases, an implant can be placed at the same as a bone graft. In most cases, though, a patient must wait for several months after the graft before they can receive implants.
Sinus Lifts
Bone deterioration in the upper jaw causes a significant problem. If there is not enough bone between the mouth’s interior and the sinuses, an implant might penetrate the sinuses and lead to complications. This may also be an issue if an individual has naturally large sinuses.
A sinus lift is often recommended for patients with a thin upper jaw. The procedure is a special type of bone graft. During this surgery, Dr. G creates an incision in the gums and the bone above them. He gently pushes the sinus membrane upward, than places a bone graft beneath it. Once your bone heals completely from the surgery (which may take 4 – 9 months), your upper jaw should be able to support dental implants.
Dental Implant Failure & Salvage
Dental implants are consistently successful; they do well in more than 95% of cases! However, it still must be acknowledged that there is always a slight chance of dental implant failure, which may occur due to infections, accidents, or other circumstances. If you ever believe that one of your implants is failing, call the Nu Dental Brick team. We will carefully assess the situation before we recommend a treatment plan. Our goal is to get your oral health and function back on track as quickly and conservatively as possible.
Learn More About Dental Implant Failure & Salvage
Dental Implant Technology
Dental implants can provide all sorts of benefits that you can’t get from other tooth replacement options. With the advanced training of our dentists and modern dental implant technology, dental implants have a high success rate of over 95%! Here are some of the advanced dental implant technology that we will use on your journey toward a new smile.
3D Cone-Beam Imaging / 3D CT Scanning
Dental X-rays give us the ability to see the oral structures in your mouth that are typically hidden. This includes the roots of your teeth and your jawbone. However, they aren’t able to capture everything. That’s why we will map your mouth with the 3D cone beam CT scanner. This essential piece of technology will show us important details that aren’t made clear with digital X-rays. This includes nerve pathways, blood vessels, and the thickness of the jawbone. This way, we can carefully plan where your dental implants should be placed for the highest chances of success!
Antibacterial Coating
As previously stated, dental implants have an incredible success rate. However, we still do everything we can to minimize the risk of dental implant failure. We use antibacterial coating for implants and restorations. This helps to keep bacteria away from the surgical site as it heals. This is essential for the successful fusing of your dental implants and jawbone. It’s still important to keep up an excellent oral hygiene routine, but this antibacterial coating can help a lot to prevent infections.
Digital Impression System
If you have had dental impressions taken in the past, it probably wasn’t your favorite experience. The putty that is used to make impressions can be very uncomfortable to hold in your mouth. Digital impressions are much easier to take, and they produce highly accurate and reliable images. This simplified the process of creating a high-quality restoration.
Dental Implant FAQs
At Nu Dental Brick, Dr. Gizachew believes in providing you with the information you need to make the right decision about your oral health. Determining how you will replace your missing teeth is nothing to take lightly, which is why our team is dedicated to offering additional insight and answering questions to provide clarity and transparency during this time. You will find a list of FAQs below from patients who have gone on to receive dental implants. If you have additional questions, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Yes, in most cases, dental implants are a completely safe and effective option for patients looking to replace one or more missing teeth. If you are in good oral and overall health, there is a good chance you will be eligible for treatment. Should you have minimal bone density, there are preliminary treatments that can be performed to improve your chances of successful implant placement. If you have diabetes, cancer, or another medical condition, Dr. Gizachew will discuss the potential issues that can occur, as these can make it more difficult for you to heal after oral surgery.
Can I Get Dental Implants If I Smoke?
It is possible; however, you should know there is an increased risk of dental implant failure among those who smoke. The reason is that tobacco usage or smoking can cause the mouth to become dry. It also hinders the healing process and makes it more difficult for your implants to fuse with the jawbone and surrounding tissues. Smoking can also cause a dry socket to form, which can be increasingly painful if left untreated. It is strongly advised that smokers quit two weeks before their oral surgery and do not engage in the practice for 2-3 months afterward. If you smoke but want dental implants to replace your missing teeth, it’s better to find ways that you can kick the habit for good.
Do I Need a Bone Graft to Get Dental Implants?
It is not always necessary to undergo bone grafting before receiving dental implants, but it is ultimately up to your implant dentist to determine if you have enough jawbone density to support your future restoration. After capturing detailed scans of your facial structure, your dentist will review the images to determine if you need a bone graft. It is not uncommon for the bone to atrophy after teeth have been lost, as there is nothing to continue stimulating the bone. By performing a bone graft, we can transplant pieces of bone tissue, which will come from your body, an animal, or a human donor, into the weakened areas of your jawbone. Over several months, the new and existing bone will fuse and strengthen, creating a stronger foundation for your dental implants.
Do Dental Implants Make You Look Younger?
Absolutely! When missing teeth remain untreated for long periods of time, it can lead to changes in your facial shape, causing you to look older than you really are. Wrinkles can develop and what is known as “facial collapse” can occur with everything from your chin, jowls, and lips sagging. However, with dental implants, the titanium posts mimic your natural tooth root, causing the jawbone to remain stimulated while chewing and eating.
Maintaining & Caring For Your Dental Implants
Dental implants are not only designed to last for several decades, but they can actually last for life when you take good care of them as well as maintain positive oral health. The good news is you don’t need to do anything special to ensure this. The same rules apply for your dental implants when it comes to at-home prevention. To help you get started, we’ve created a list of the most important steps to take after your dental implants have been restored.
Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
Dental implant restorations cannot develop cavities, which is nice, but you’ll still need to practice daily at-home oral hygiene to keep them healthy. This is because the gum tissue underneath them can become irritated by plaque buildup. In severe cases, the gums can break down so much that tooth loss occurs (and the same logic applies for dental implants). Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are absolutely necessary, but incorporating an oral rinse into your routine is a great way to be extra thorough.
Eat a Healthy Diet
With dental implants, you can eat just about anything you want without much trouble. Your diet should still be relatively healthy, however, and include a healthy balance of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products. Vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin C are proven to keep the teeth and jawbone strong, so make sure these compounds are getting into your diet. You’ll also want to reduce your consumption of sugars and starches throughout the day.
Break Bad Habits
Whether you use tobacco, bite your fingernails, or use your teeth as a tool, these bad habits are just as harmful to your dental implants as they are your natural teeth. Breaking these habits should be at the top of your list of priorities if you want your dental implants to last as long as possible. If you need help quitting tobacco, speak with your general practitioner about your options. Chew gum, have a snack, or drink water to replace nail biting. Always have the right tool nearby to perform certain tasks so you won’t use your teeth.
Protect Your Dental Implants
Dental implant restorations can chip, crack, or become damaged when they aren’t well protected. If you play many contact sports, you’ll need to wear a personalized sportsguard to ensure your implant or the restoration attached do not get damaged. You should also wear an oral appliance if you grind or clench your teeth at night. A custom nightguard will provide cushion for your teeth and reduce the risk of fractures as you sleep.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Routine exams and cleanings every six months give our office a chance to examine the current condition of your dental implants as well as your neighboring teeth. If any issues appear, we’ll be far better equipped to address them before they turn into serious dental emergencies later. Furthermore, our office can remove any plaque missed during your at-home care and break down tartar, the calcified form that no toothbrush can remove.
Dental Implant Post- Op Instructions
After you undergo dental implant placement surgery, you will need to go through a bit of a recovery period. Don’t worry — most patients breeze through this time. To make sure your healing process goes as smoothly as possible, we have provided some practical dental implant post-op instructions in Brick Township.
What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery
After your procedure, blood clots should form at your surgical sites. The clots are an important part of your body’s healing process, so you should protect them. Here are some tips to help you do that:
- Do not spit. Use tissues or swallow excess saliva instead.
- Do not use drinking straws or smoke anything. The suction action could dislodge the blood clots.
- Do not touch your surgical sites. It may be tempting to feel your surgical sites with your tongue or fingers, but it is best not to do so.
Common Side-Effects
After you receive your dental implants in Brick Township, you may experience the following:
- Intermittent bleeding. This may continue for several days. It is usually manageable with gauze and light pressure.
- This might last for a week or longer. Cold compresses may keep it to a minimum.
- Pain medications and rest can make your initial recovery period as easy as possible.
If you experience any severe or unusual side effects, call our office right away. We are always ready to help our patients deal with any questions or concerns.
Diet Guidelines After Surgery
At first, you should stick to a no-chew diet, which can include things like yogurt, mashed potatoes, pudding, and ice cream. Later, you may be able to move onto fork-tender foods, such as scrambled eggs, meatloaf, and soft breads. You should take care to stay away from hard and crunchy foods until your mouth is completely healed because such items may irritate your tender gums and interfere with your recovery. You should also stay away from alcohol until your implant dentist in Brick Township gives you the go-ahead to drink.
Health & Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene continues to be important after your oral surgery, but you should bear in mind the need to be careful around your surgical sites. You should avoid any abrasive toothpastes or cleaning techniques that could irritate your mouth. You may choose to use a mouthwash, but it is best not to use varieties that contain a high level of alcohol.
What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached
After your appointment to get your dental implants restored, your gums might be a little tender. Your new teeth might cause you to produce some excess saliva. However, you shouldn’t experience any bleeding or need to take any downtime. You will be able to start using your new crown, bridge, or denture right away!