Dr. Curtis specializes in implant-based tooth replacement options that can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. If needed, implants could also be used to replace an entire arch of missing or decayed teeth. Our team strives to provide you with the care and confidence that you deserve, and you can rest assured that you are in excellent hands. Feel free to listen to our dental implant patients talk about their experiences at Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants.
When a patient comes to us with a missing tooth, or even multiple teeth, dental implants are a common solution because they are indistinguishable from natural teeth. Dental implants function and feel like natural teeth and can last a lifetime when treated with proper oral care, such as brushing and flossing. Dr. Curtis is board-certified and highly trained in placing dental implants and performs this type of procedure regularly. Dental implants also do not affect the contouring of the face, and you will regain the ability to eat the foods you love with the confidence you’ve always wanted.
Dental implants are an optimal replacement option because they replace the entire structure of the tooth, not just the top chewing surface. There are three parts that work together to create a complete dental implant:
During the procedure, Dr. Curtis will make a small incision in your gum and place the post into the jaw bone, where it will fuse with the bone over the next few weeks. This process is called osseointegration. It allows the implant to embed itself into the mouth and become the root of your new artificial tooth. After the implant has bonded with the jaw bone and created a stable foundation, Dr. Curtis will uncover the implant and attach a small abutment that protrudes through the gums. This acts as an anchor for the artificial tooth, and when the crown is placed, the post will not be seen. This entire procedure takes from 4 to 6 months, and most patients’ daily lives are not disrupted during this time.
Dr. Curtis uses the most advanced technology available today to accurately place and stage dental implants, which means they don’t need another procedure to uncover them. However, the healing time usually takes about 6 weeks before the artificial teeth can be placed. There are certain instances where the implant can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction, which further lessens the number of surgical procedures.
The design of dental implants gives them all the benefits of natural teeth. They won’t slip around inside your mouth or click when you talk and eat, like traditional dentures. In fact, placing a dental implant in your jaw bone will actually help to keep the bone strong and healthy. If you are missing multiple teeth, full-arch restorations are available to provide replacements for an entire row of teeth using as few as 4 dental implant posts. These implants will last for many years to come when given proper care, like regular brushing and flossing.
Many benefits of dental implants include the following:
During your consultation with Dr. Curtis, he will work with you to determine if a dental implant is right for you and your condition.
Dr. Curtis performs dental implant placement in the comfort of our Watertown, NY, office, and we offer multiple options for anesthesia so that you can be relaxed and calm during your procedure.
Each treatment can vary from patient to patient, but commonly a single implant procedure takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes. If you are receiving a dental implant, you can expect your experience at Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants to go much like the following:
Dental implants are a go-to replacement solution for many individuals and dental professionals. Are you curious about how it could be right for you too? We invite you to contact our office and request a consultation with Dr. Curtis.
Every patient is different, and the cost of dental implants varies. Our staff works hard to make sure that our care is offered at competitive prices for the Watertown area, and we try to maximize your reimbursement for covered procedures. We also offer convenient payment plan options.
These are some factors that will determine your dental implant cost:
To receive a more accurate cost estimate that considers all of these factors, we recommend that you call and request a consultation with our oral surgeon, Dr. Curtis.
There are many reasons why dental implants are a preferred method of tooth replacement. If you are missing multiple teeth, Dr. Curtis can place a new arch of teeth in your mouth using as few as 4 dental implants. With dental implants, you can enjoy all of your favorite foods, laugh without hiding your smile, and so much more.
Dental implants can be a great step into renewed self-confidence and a smile that you will love, which is important because it’s yours! Dr. Curtis is happy to provide permanent, natural-looking dental replacements to his patients because he knows the true value of such a long-lasting, functional solution.
Patients who wear dentures typically find them to be inconvenient, because they must be replaced often, cleaned with special care or products, and cause sores. You can replace full or partial dentures with dental implants for a convenient, comfortable, long-term tooth replacement solution.
Dental implants do not need to be replaced as long as they are properly cared for and prevent jaw bone loss, whereas traditional dentures do not. Multiple implants can support a fixed denture through full-arch restoration, which completely restores your smile’s appearance and function. If you wear dentures and are looking for a better, healthier solution, contact us to learn about denture replacement in Watertown, NY.
A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace a single missing tooth, and a partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) is used to replace two or more teeth and may require only 2 or 3 implants. If you need all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw replaced, a complete dental prosthesis will be used. A removable or fixed prosthesis will be recommended depending on how many implants you need. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and can only be removed by a dentist.
Dentists typically refer patients to oral surgeons when the dental work that is needed is outside of their normal practice. Oral surgeons specialize participate in an additional 4 to 8 years of training after dental school. Oral surgeons also specialize in a particular field, such as implant placement, and have much more in-depth and hands-on surgical training backgrounds than general dentists.
If you are considering implants, a trained professional must thoroughly examine your mouth and medical history. This is done to see if your mouth and jaw are capable of supporting stable implants. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, other solutions such as bone grafting may be recommended to prepare your jaw for a future implant.
Typically, it takes between 3 and 6 months for the most crucial part of healing to occur, which is the fusion of the implant post to the jaw bone. Certain factors contribute to how quickly this will heal, such as your age, jaw bone condition, and proper care. You will be provided pre- and post-operative instructions by our office explaining how to care for your implant after surgery and ensure a smooth and quick recovery.
One good reason is that if it isn’t necessary to sacrifice the structure or health of the remaining teeth, then a dental implant is a great option when considering the surrounding teeth. Also, you do not need to remove dental implants at night, and dental implants don’t slip and slide around in your mouth.
Most dental implant procedures can be done in our office under local anesthesia, with or without the additional aid of general anesthesia.
Being concerned about pain or discomfort surrounding a medical procedure is normal. Patients should be prepared for some level of discomfort during recovery; however, it is our goal to keep you as comfortable as possible. During your procedure, you will have the decided form of anesthesia that will manage your pain and discomfort. We will discuss anesthesia, the procedure, and pain management all during the consultation, and all of your concerns will be addressed.
Once the implant is in the proper place, it will serve you for many years to come as long as you keep your mouth healthy and take care of them with regular brushing and flossing.
Our staff is here to help! Please contact us with any questions regarding dental implants.
