Dental Implants in Watertown, NY

Why Dental Implants Work

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:

• A post, sometimes called a screw (typically made of medical-grade titanium)
• A connecting abutment
• A crown

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.

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The Dental Implant Process

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:

• The consultation. Often, this is the first time you visit the office. Dr. Curtis will sit down with you, discuss your condition, and create a treatment plan. If a dental implant is the right choice, you will receive pre- and post-operative instructions. All of your questions and concerns will be addressed at this time as well so that you are fully informed.
• The day of surgery. When you are settled in the office and ready for treatment, Dr. Curtis will administer your choice of anesthesia. Keep in mind that oral surgeons are specially trained to administer intravenous (IV) sedation and that you are in excellent care with our doctor. Once your anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Curtis will make a small incision in your gum tissue where your implant will be placed. Then, your implant post will be inserted into your jaw bone, and the surgical site will be stitched closed. You will rest in our office until you’re ready to be driven home by your designated driver.
• The recovery period. Your recovery begins as soon as your surgery ends and lasts until your implant post has successfully fused with your jaw bone, which normally takes around 6 weeks. This is very important because this post will act as the new root for your artificial tooth, and you must take special care of the surgical site as it heals. Many patients resume their normal activities after 2 weeks post-surgery. Be sure to follow your post-operative instructions carefully to ensure you have a smooth recovery.
• The abutment placement. When the post has fused with your jaw bone, Dr. Curtis will attach a small connector piece to the post, called an abutment. This is where your new crown will be attached.
• The crown placement. You may be given a temporary crown to wear during recovery, but as soon as enough healing has occurred, Dr. Curtis or your restorative dentist will place a permanent, custom crown on top of your abutment. Now, your tooth replacement procedure is complete, and Dr. Curtis will work closely with your restorative dentist to ensure your treatment is going accordingly and you are taken care of.

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.

Dental Implant Cost in Watertown, NY

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:

• The number of implants placed
• If you require bone or soft tissue grafting
• If any tooth extractions are needed prior to receiving an implant
• The details of your insurance coverage

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.

The Value of Dental Implants

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.

Denture Replacement With Dental Implants

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.