Dental Implants

If you lose permanent teeth to extractions, trauma, or poor oral hygiene, dental implants can restore your smile and improve your oral health. At Dentistry With A Smile Inc. in Livingston, New Jersey, general and family dentist Maria Victoria Sebastian, DDS, specializes in placing and restoring dental implants. Call the office to request a dental implant consultation, or book your appointment online today.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are tiny metal posts inserted into the sockets where your permanent teeth used to be. The posts fuse with your jawbone, providing an artificial root for crowns or implant-anchored dentures.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants offer many benefits, including:

• Clearer speech
• Easier biting and chewing
• Confidence
• Convenience
• Durability

Dental implants can even reduce your risk of more serious oral health problems, including gum recession and bone loss. Replacing teeth after extractions or trauma preserves your bone and keeps the surrounding teeth from moving out of position.

What does getting dental implants involve?

At Dentistry With A Smile Inc., getting dental implants takes three visits over several months.

Dr. Sebastian reviews your dental records and completes an oral exam. She takes digital X-rays, checking the volume and health of the bone in your jaw and upper palate. If everything looks healthy, Dr. Sebastian numbs your mouth and places the dental implants. If you have severely damaged or decaying teeth, she extracts them and then places your implants.

Once the placement procedure is done, Dr. Sebastian prescribes antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection and provides recovery instructions. After the anesthetic wears off, a friend or family member can pick you up and take you home.

Several months later, after the implants have fused with your jaw, you return to Dentistry With A Smile Inc. Dr. Sebastian makes digital impressions of your mouth and sends them to a dental lab. The dental lab creates your crowns or implant-anchored dentures.

Several weeks later, when the lab finishes your implant restorations, you visit Dentistry With A Smile Inc. for the last step in the process. Dr. Sebastian covers your implants with the crowns or implant-anchored dentures, checks your bite, and explains how to keep your implants in good condition.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last a lifetime, but only if you practice good oral hygiene. Dr. Sebastian recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting Dentistry With A Smile Inc. every six months for preventive care. Routine X-rays, oral exams, and teeth cleaning keep your smile healthy and provide peace of mind.

Call Dentistry With A Smile Inc. or make an appointment online today to see if you can benefit from dental implants.