Dental implants are beautiful, lifelike replacements for damaged or missing teeth. Many patients may believe the dental implant process is lengthy, with many appointments over several months. However, receiving an implant on the same day is possible.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a surgically placed dental appliance that looks and feels natural. Implants are unique because they bond with the jawbone, preserving its strength and providing a secure foundation for chewing and speaking.
Full Arch on 4 Implants
While many patients are familiar with single-tooth implants, our practice offers one-day full arch tooth replacements using four dental implants. Once you are comfortable, the dentist will place the four implant posts into your jawbone.
The dentist administers appropriate anesthesia. They open the gum to access the jawbone and place the posts. They screw the implant posts into the jaw, where they will integrate with the bone and provide a solid anchor. The dentist adds a stainless steel abutment that will anchor the artificial teeth.
The next step is placing a temporary fixed denture that will protect the implant sites and provide chewing ability. The temporary denture will remain until the four implant sites heal completely.
During this period, the restorative dentist will create your final dentures. They will be ideal replacements for your original teeth.
After the healing period, the dentist places your final total arch replacements.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
To be a successful candidate for implant-supported dentures, you need the following:
- Good oral and general health
- Adequate jawbone structure to support the implant
- Healthy gums free of untreated periodontal disease
If you do not have sufficient jawbone height for implants, you may be able to receive a dental bone graft. This procedure inserts a bone matrix material into your jawbone and allows it to stimulate natural bone growth. A bone graft adds a few months to the dental implant process.
Implants vs. Traditional Dentures
Implant-supported dentures have many advantages over the traditional type:
- No slippage when you eat or speak
- Preserves your natural jawbone structure, unlike traditional dentures, which may weaken it
- No food particles or plaque caught under the denture, which can lead to bad breath and gum problems
What Implant-Supported Dentures Can Do For You
You may feel self-conscious and unwilling to smile if you have problems with your teeth. Implant-supported dentures can give you a boost of confidence and restore your quality of life.
Call Smiles on the Upper West Side
If you need full arch dentures but want to know more about our implant-supported system, call our NYC office at 212-222-5225 for a consultation. We can help you understand your options and whether you can receive dental implants in one day.