Implant Dentistry

Missing teeth can significantly impact your oral health, confidence, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a permanent solution to tooth loss: dental implants. At JEV DMD and Associates, we specialize in implant dentistry, helping patients from Newark and the surrounding areas restore their smiles and regain their oral health.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth. They are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with the surrounding bone over time in a process called osseointegration. Once integrated, dental implants can support a wide range of prostheses, from single crowns to full arches of teeth.

Dental implants have been used successfully for decades and are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement due to their durability, longevity, and natural appearance. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them an excellent long-term investment in your oral health.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer numerous benefits over traditional dentures or bridges, including:

• Natural appearance and feel: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, allowing you to smile, speak, and eat with confidence.
• Durability and longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run.
• Preservation of bone structure: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure. This is especially important for patients who have lost multiple teeth or all their teeth.
• Improved speech and pronunciation: Unlike dentures, which can slip or move around in the mouth, dental implants allow you to speak clearly and naturally.
• Enhanced chewing ability: Dental implants provide unmatched stability for biting and chewing, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods without restriction.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Nearly anyone who is missing one or more teeth can benefit from dental implants. However, there are some factors that may impact your candidacy, including:

• Good oral health: It's essential to have healthy gums and no signs of gum disease before getting dental implants.
• Sufficient bone density: Dental implants require adequate bone in the jaw to support them. In some cases, a bone graft may be necessary to build up sufficient bone volume.
• No medical conditions that could impair healing: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can affect your ability to heal properly after surgery.

At JEV DMD and Associates, we perform a thorough evaluation of each patient's oral health, medical history, and dental needs before recommending dental implants. We'll take the time to explain all your options and help you make an informed decision about your treatment plan.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implant surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort. The procedure involves several steps:

1. Planning: We'll take X-rays and 3D scans of your jawbone to determine the optimal placement for your dental implants.
2. Surgery: During surgery, we'll make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone. A hole is drilled into the bone, and the dental implant is screwed into place.
3. Healing: After surgery, you'll need to wait several months for your implants to fuse with the surrounding bone. During this time, you may wear a temporary denture or partial denture to maintain your appearance and ability to eat.
4. Abutment placement: Once your implants have fully integrated, we'll place an abutment on top of each implant. The abutment connects the implant to the final restoration.
5. Restoration placement: Finally, we'll design and place your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture onto the abutments, restoring your smile to its full beauty and function.

The Cost of Dental Implants

While dental implants may seem like a significant investment upfront, they are actually more cost-effective in the long run than traditional dentures or bridges. This is because dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, while traditional prostheses need to be replaced every 5-10 years.

The total cost of dental implant treatment depends on several factors, including:

• Number of implants needed: The more implants you require, the higher the overall cost.
• Type and quality of restoration: Custom-made crowns or bridges will add to the total cost compared to stock dentures.
• Additional procedures: If you need a bone graft or sinus lift before implant placement, these additional procedures will increase the overall cost.

At JEV DMD and Associates, we understand that cost is an essential factor in your decision-making process. We'll work with you to find a treatment plan that fits within your budget while still meeting your oral health needs.

The Future of Your Smile

Dental implants have transformed the lives of millions of people worldwide, providing them with renewed confidence, improved oral health, and enhanced quality of life. At JEV DMD and Associates, we're committed to helping our patients achieve the same results through personalized, compassionate care.

If you're considering dental implants, don't let concerns about cost or fear of the procedure hold you back from achieving the smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jorge E. Vallejo and learn more about how dental implants can change your life for the better.