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Tooth loss is something that can happen to any of us. The loss of teeth can compromise your smile and impair your dental function, causing you to lose self-confidence or experience difficulty chewing, causing changes in bite, and jaw joint (TMJ) problems, among a multitude of other issues.
If you have experienced tooth loss or anticipate needing teeth extracted, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. Dental implants represent the gold standard of tooth replacement, providing a long-lasting way to regain both the function and aesthetics of your smile. At Ridge Oral Surgery, with our extensive experience placing dental implants, we help you restore confidence through personalized, comfortable dental implant treatment options.
A dental implant is a titanium post designed to replicate the function of your natural tooth root. When you lose a tooth, we carefully insert the dental implant into your jawbone, then allow it to heal.
Once the healing process is complete, the dental implant will become part of your gums and jawbone. We can then use that implant as an anchor for a replacement tooth or crown. Generally, your dentist will design these specifically for you so that they look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
Dental implants are the highest standard of care for replacing lost teeth. Consider some of the most notable benefits:
If you have lost one or more teeth, or if you anticipate the need to have teeth extracted, then you may be a good candidate for dental implants.
To ensure successful dental implant placement, you must have adequate bone structure in your jaw. During your initial consultation, your oral surgeon will assess your bone quality to determine the viability of dental implants. If you do not have sufficient bone structure, you may require a bone graft to regenerate bone tissue. Ridge Oral Surgery also offers the latest same day extraction, immediate implants, and a graftless approach to avoid the need for grafting in most cases.
Your dental implant journey begins when you join us at Ridge Oral Surgery for a consultation, where your doctor will physically examine your teeth, gums, and jaw. Additionally, your surgeon will review your dental x-rays, including high-definition CT scans taken in our office, and perform visual placement of the implants in 3D on the computer. They will use this information to provide you with your personalized dental implant treatment plan. Once the plan is finalized, this visit also allows you to review financing and insurance information and address questions about the process.
In some cases, it may be necessary to have additional procedures to prepare your mouth for dental implants. These procedures may include bone grafting or extracting unhealthy, non-viable teeth.
Once you are ready for dental implants, our office will schedule you for surgery. We also offer the option to achieve same day complete dental restoration in select cases.
On the day of your dental implant surgery, you will arrive at our office and receive a warm welcome from our patient care team. We will walk you back to the surgical suite, answer any last-minute questions, and administer anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Per your predetermined plan and guided by accurate imaging, your surgeon will carefully position dental implants into your jawbone during surgery. In some instances, they may simultaneously perform a bone graft, which can help anchor the implants in place. A healing cap is attached once your implant is inserted and will protrude through the top of your gums. The healing period, in which the implant and the bone fuse together, will take about 2-4 months to complete.
Once the implant and jawbone fuse, the healing cap will be removed and replaced with an abutment. The abutment is a connective piece designed to attach the implant itself to your replacement tooth. Abutments are made to be discreet and will not be a visible part of your smile. Typically most abutments can be placed at the initial implant placement.
Once your implant is ready, your dentist will place the replacement tooth (abutment and crown). This tooth is crafted to look and function just like your surrounding teeth.
While your dental implant recovery timeline can vary, the process usually looks like this:
Of note, very frequently, we are able to provide same day consultation and extraction/implant placement procedures. Your surgeon will discuss it with you if it is a viable option.
Free Consultation/Second Opinion
Navigating your options for dental and oral surgery treatment can be daunting, and in some cases, confusing. At Ridge Oral Surgery, we are happy to provide comprehensive consultations and second opinions. We understand each patient has unique needs, and we will take the time necessary to explain your personalized treatment options carefully and thoroughly so you can make a confident decision about your oral surgical care. Please call us today to make a consultation appointment at Ridge Oral Surgery in Basking Ridge, NJ!
One of the most significant benefits of dental implants is that they allow you to chew and eat just like normal, without requiring any long-term adjustments to your diet. Ultimately, you will be able to resume your regular diet once the implants have fully healed and your replacement tooth is in place.
For the first 24-48 hours, it is best to stick with cool liquids and soft foods. Also, avoid anything hot or spicy to promote healing.
In the weeks following your surgery, you can gradually resume your regular diet. We recommend a balanced healthy diet including proteins, healthy fats, healthy carbohydrates, and dairy.
Since every situation is unique, the best way to make an informed decision is to schedule a consultation with Ridge Oral Surgery. You can discuss specific risks or concerns during your consultation and learn more about your individualized treatment plan.
Dental implants can potentially last a lifetime. Studies show dental implants have a higher success rate than any other form of tooth replacement, and proper oral hygiene can increase long-lasting implant success. If your dental implant does not heal properly or is damaged, we may remove it and replace it with another implant.
Our practice is one of the few 100% surgeon owned and operated oral surgery practices in New Jersey, and we are committed to always providing quality, personalized oral surgery care for every patient we treat. We are open 6 days a week (including Saturday hours) with 24 hour on call access to the surgeon. We offer same day consultations and procedures as well.
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