Missing A Tooth? Why Dental Implants Are The Gold Standard For Long-Term Oral Health

Written By All County Oral Surgery
Missing a Tooth? Why Dental Implants Are the Gold Standard for Long-Term Oral Health.

TLDR

A missing tooth can affect your jawbone health, bite function, and confidence. Dental implants from our experienced oral surgeons in New York City provide a long-lasting solution that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.

If you're missing a tooth, it's natural to wonder, "what are the available replacement options for me?" While several treatments can restore function and appearance, some provide more lasting results than others.

Missing a tooth can affect how you chew, your confidence, and the overall appearance of your smile. That's why Dr. Chavkin and our expert oral surgery team in New York and Long Island offer comfortable dental implant surgeries designed to restore missing teeth in a natural and long-lasting way.

What Are Dental Implants And How Do They Work?

A dental implant is a tooth replacement made up of a small titanium post and a custom-made crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. The titanium post is placed in the jawbone, where it functions as a tooth root, providing strong, stable support.

A dental implant gradually fuses with the bone through a process known as osseointegration. This procedure provides a solid foundation for the artificial tooth and promotes long-term dental health.

The short video below shows how a dental implant is placed.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

Most adults are excellent candidates for dental implants. However, implants are not recommended for children or teenagers whose jawbones are still developing.

You may be considered for our dental implants procedure in New York City based on several oral health and lifestyle factors, including:

  • Healthy gums with no active periodontal disease or infection

  • Enough jawbone density to support the implant

  • Routine oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing

  • Controlled health issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease

  • Avoidance of tobacco use

We will also discuss your commitment to long-term implant aftercare, including regular visits to your general dentist. If you don’t currently have one, we can recommend a trusted provider who works closely with our team.

What Happens If A Missing Tooth Is Not Replaced?

If a tooth is lost due to injury or untreated decay, leaving the space untreated can put your remaining teeth at risk. Common concerns include:

Increased Risk of Gum Irritation and Infection

A missing tooth leaves an open space in the gums. If left untreated for an extended period, the gap becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to gum disease.

Increased Risk Of Losing Another Tooth

A missing tooth can cause nearby teeth to move out of position. If this situation persists, the stability of those teeth may decrease, increasing the likelihood of losing them.

Difficulty Chewing And Speaking

Even a single lost tooth can reduce chewing efficiency and cause discomfort. It can also affect speech, increasing the risk of lisping or other speaking difficulties.

How Do Dental Implants Compare To Dental Bridges?

Dental implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, but dental bridges do. A bridge is a semi-permanent tooth replacement that uses nearby teeth as anchors and typically lasts 5 to 15 years.

To place a bridge, the adjacent teeth are filed down and capped to support the artificial tooth. While bridges offer a faster, non-surgical option, they may weaken healthy teeth over time.

Bridges also sit above the gum line and do not prevent bone loss. In contrast, dental implants are placed into the jawbone, helping to preserve and restore bone after tooth removal.

While dental implant costs in Manhattan and nearby New York communities may be higher than those for bridges, implants offer a safer, longer-lasting solution.

How Do Dental Implants Compare To Dentures?

Dentures are removable prosthetics that rest on the gums to replace missing teeth. They are often secured with clasps that may slip while eating or speaking. Some patients experience soreness initially, and dentures can affect how food tastes. It may take several office visits to adjust the denture to a proper fit, which will take time out of your busy schedule.

Dental implants are fixed in place, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile without worry. Just like dental bridges, dentures sit above the gum line and do not prevent jawbone loss, which may worsen over time.

Dentures usually last 7 to 10 years before needing replacement. With proper maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Start Your Dental Implant Journey With All County Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Replacing a missing tooth is an investment in your long-term oral health and confidence. If you're considering a proven tooth replacement option, our oral surgeons in New York City offer personalized dental implant care tailored to your needs. With convenient locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Flushing, Melville, Jericho, Astoria, Lake Success, and surrounding areas, our expert care is always within reach.

Schedule an appointment at the office nearest you today and take the first step toward restoring your tooth function and smile.

Key Takeaways

  • Dental implants are one of the most effective options for replacing missing teeth.

  • Implants are designed to last longer than dentures and dental bridges.

  • Dr. Chavkin and our oral surgeons at All County Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in New York City offer exceptional dental implant care.

Sources

All County Oral Surgery