Let’s understand your implants together.

Bite by bite!

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root that is surgically placed into the jaw.  It is the closest replica to a natural tooth we have today.  The implant body, which is typically made of titanium, or another biocompatible metal, is allowed to fuse to the surrounding tissue in a process called osseointegration.  Once the implant is fully integrated, a dental prosthesis can be attached to the implant, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement for a missing tooth.  You and your dentist will decide which prosthesis is best for you - a crown, a bridge or an implant retained denture.

Dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for tooth loss, and can significantly improve the function and appearance of the teeth and mouth.

What are my alternatives?

Although placing dental implants is now considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, there are several alternatives, and each comes with its risks and benefits.  

The most obvious alternative is to do nothing at all.  The drawbacks of leaving an empty space are:

  1. The jaw bone will gradually recede (shrink), reducing support of existing teeth nearby,  limiting your treatment options in the future, and causing unsightly recession.

  2. The adjacent teeth will tilt into and the opposing teeth will grow into the space, causing food traps that can cause cavities and gum disease, not to mention esthetic challenge of crooked teeth.  

  3. Missing teeth make it more difficult to eat and even speak.

  4. Missing teeth are unaesthetic in a world that expects ideal aesthetics.

The next best option is getting a removable complete or partial denture. 

A removable tooth will allow you to chew and speak, it will prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting, and it will somewhat slow the process of bone receding (shrinking.).  Removable teeth are the ideal treatment for patient waiting between implant placement and crown delivery.  

The limitations of dentures are:

  1. They can be uncomfortable at the onset.

  2. They can be difficult to speak with (but only at first)

  3. They can limit what you can eat (hence the apple theme)

  4. They can be difficult to clean discretely throughout the day.  

  5. Dentures place the excessive force of your full bite on only a few natural teeth, which eventually causes further tooth loss. 

Another alternative, that has largely fallen out of use, is a 3 unit bridge.  

The 3 unit bridge is fixed, which is more comfortable than a denture.  It is the ideal treatment, if kept clean, for those patients who cannot withstand even a simple implant surgery for medical reasons.  

Bridges are rarely placed nowadays because:

  1. A bridge requires shaving down adjacent healthy teeth.

  2. A bridge costs almost as much as an implant.

  3. A bridge can be difficult to clean; therefore, they frequently cause gum disease and further decay in the long run.   

  4. It too places excessive force on the natural teeth.  

The ideal treatment for one or more missing teeth is an implant.  

  1. Implants replace missing teeth with stable strong porcelain or zirconia teeth that can chew all the foods that your natural teeth can. (An apple anybody?) 

  2. Implants feel natural and are naturally cleansable like your natural teeth

  3. Implants maintain bone health and size, protecting your adjacent teeth.

  4. Implants prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, preventing gingivitis and decay.  

Why is a dental implant my best option?

Can I wait to get an implant?

Some patients want to replace their missing tooth with an implant as soon as possible. Others want to wait until they have more time or until finances are in place. Yes, you can wait to place an implant.  But be aware that so long as a tooth is missing, there are risks:

  1. The jaw bone will gradually recede (shrink) limiting your treatment options in the future, and causing unsightly recession on adjacent teeth.

  2. The adjacent teeth will tilt into and the opposing teeth will grow into the space, causing food traps that can cause cavities and gum disease.

If you want to wait before placing an implant, consider using a temporary prosthesis, such as a flipper, while you wait, to mitigate these risks.

What is my first appointment going to be like?

Dental implants that look beautiful, feel natural and last for years, start with an accurate diagnosis and thoughtful planning. At Kohn Dental Implants of Brooklyn, your first visit will be devoted to exceptional diagnosis using the latest, safest imaging and planning tools, so you can quickly leave with a clear plan.  

CBCT

We use the latest 3D low radiation X ray that painlessly captures images of your entire face by circling your head - like a panoramic selfie!   After one quick CBCT, you and your doctor will clearly see where you are missing teeth, the number and size of dental implants you need, how much supporting bone you have remaining,  and whether you need a bone graft. 

Besides being the most precise full face x ray device available today, CBCTs also use the least radiation per pixel!  

Intraoral scanner

Remember those trays full of goo from your orthodontist?  Sorry, we don’t routinely use those anymore.  Dr Kohn uses a digital camera to capture the topography of your mouth, so she can print models of your mouth, accurate to a few micrometers!  Those models will be used to communicate with you, plan your unique case, and make your surgical stents.

Surgical Stents

Implants placed in ideal position last longer, feel better, and look better than those that are slightly off angle or placed even a millimeter off.  Despite having completed hundreds of oral surgeries, Dr Kohn will fabricate a custom surgical guide that will direct your implant into its ideal position. Always striving for implants that look better, feel better and last longer!

How long will this take?

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In short- no!  The procedure of placing an implant should be completely pain free.  During the implant procedure, local anesthesia is used to numb the area, so the patient should not feel any pain. After the surgery, it is common to experience some discomfort, such as mild pain, swelling, and bruising around the implant site.  Over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs can help with these symptoms.

Once the implant has fully integrated, the dental prosthesis can be attached to the implant, and it should feel and function like a natural tooth.

Does an implant hurt?

How much does an implant cost?

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Bone Graft:  To understand bone grafts let’s go to the beach!  A beach umbrella needs to be placed well into the sand to be stable and withstand a bump or a gust of wind.  So too, a strong dental implant needs to be placed well into strong jaw bone to withstand contact use.  (Did somebody hear an apple crunching?)  

If the patient simply doesn’t have a lot of bone, (see diagram 2 below) they can have a bone graft procedure in the area to gain volume (see diagram 3.)  After a waiting period, the body actually replaces that graft material with its own natural strong bone, and the patient is ready to have an implant placed into a stronger bigger jaw (see diagram 4.)  

There are several bone graft materials, ranging from synthetic to animal derived to autogenous.  Which material you need will depend on the location and size of your bone graft, and your doctor will carefully select it with you before the procedure.  

During the procedure you should feel absolutely no pain.  After the bone graft, you can expect some soreness and possible minor swelling.  You’ll be given specific directions and medication to stay as comfortable as possible.  

What is a bone graft?

A dental extraction is a procedure that removes a tooth that has been deemed not restorable and is a health hazard to you.  

Dentistry is a field devoted to maintaining and restoring the health of our mouths.  When a tooth has decay or infection, in many cases, the tooth can be repaired with a dental filling or another procedure.  Repairing your natural teeth is the best way to restore the health of your mouth!

There are instances, though, when a tooth cannot be repaired.  In some cases it is necessary to extract a tooth to restore the health of your mouth.   

In our office, we strive to make dental extractions a relief, not a stress.  You will be made completely numb in the area of the extraction.  In the case of a swollen infection, you may need to take antibiotics for a week prior to extraction.  The extraction appointment may be anywhere between 10 minutes to an hour, depending on which dental extraction strategy is best for you.   You will be given clearly written instructions for the days after your appointment, so you remain as comfortable as possible, and our office is available for phone calls and in person consults should you have any concerns.

What next?... After the dental extraction, you will have an empty space in your mouth where your tooth used to be.  Before your extraction, we will select and plan for the best option for you to fill that space and restore your smile.  

What is an extraction? Does it hurt? Do I really need to pull my tooth?

Orthodontics

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