Dental Implants

Implant Dentist – Dental Implants

A dental implant is a means of restoring a missing tooth or teeth without the need for bridgework or dentures. An artificial root is made from titanium and then anchored in the jawbone to support prosthetic teeth. Patients who have lost teeth due to trauma or disease will sometimes choose dental implants over other reconstructive procedures.

With implants, you do not have to prep or cut down healthy teeth to make a bridge to replace a missing tooth. You also do not have to wear a removable partial denture to replace several missing teeth. Also, there is no danger of bone loss in the jaw, which is unfortunate, but a natural consequence of missing teeth. Finally, there is no danger of shifting or slipping, because, in every respect that matters, implants are identical to your natural teeth. If you have dental implants and live in Larchmont, Mamaroneck, and surrounding areas, Dr. Eric Spellman can help ensure the implant lasts a long time. Also, Dr. Spellman can restore your implants if they should become damaged.

Dental Implant Procedure

If you and Dr. Spellman agree on the need for implants, Dr. Spellman will refer you to an Oral Surgeon to place the actual implant. Today we usually use implants made by Strauman. They heal twice as fast as the other implant brands (6-8 weeks). My feeling is that if the bone heals so quickly, there is less chance of the implant ever failing, which is not a common occurrence. After the implant heals, the surgeon will uncover the top of the implant for Dr. Spellman. At this point, we will take an impression of the implant and then construct a custom abutment that is screwed directly into the implant. A crown is then made that fits on top of the custom abutment.

Caring for Implants

Unlike bridgework and dentures, implants will never decay. They also require no care other than what you would give your natural teeth – in short, brush and floss regularly, and see Dr. Spellman for regular checkups.

There are some situations in which dental implants can fail. The most common cause of implant failure is poor dental hygiene, so keep in mind that although your teeth are no longer prone to decay, you still need to consider your gums. Periodontal disease can lead to issues with implants. Implants, like your natural teeth, are also prone to damage from grinding or excessive biting pressure. With grinding, most people do not even know that they are doing it – it most often happens in your sleep. If you think you might be grinding your teeth in your sleep, Dr. Spellman can fit you with a nightguard that will protect your implants.

Have you damaged your crown?

In the worst-case scenario, your crown can become damaged by grinding, excessive pressure, poor oral hygiene, or an injury to your mouth. In such cases, the damage is not really to the implant itself – the supporting structure is almost always left intact. The damage is actually to the prosthetic tooth or crown that the implant supports. If this happens, Dr. Spellman can create a new prosthetic tooth for you, restoring your implants to full function.

Mini Dental Implants

Dr. Eric Spellman uses mini implants as an alternative to traditional implants for incisors and small teeth. They are narrower than regular implants and are uniquely suited to patients who need stabilization for pre-molar teeth. A pre-molar tooth occupies a restricted area or lower dentures. Our dentist, Dr. Spellman can restore mini implants as well as regular implants.

Contact Us

For patients who have damaged or missing teeth, dental implants can be the best alternative to bridgework, dentures, or simply putting up with a gappy smile. Although it’s rare, sometimes implants can sustain damage. If that happens, Dr. Eric Spellman and his staff can restore them to their original appearance and functionality. Contact us to book an appointment to have your implants repaired – call 914-834-2941 or use the form on our Contact Us page. We also treat patients for dental implants in Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Harrison, Rye, Scarsdale, and surrounding areas of Westchester County NY.