Dental Implants

Louis C. Franzetti, DDS

Dentist & Periodontist located in Manhattan, New York, NY

As a leading dentist and periodontist in Manhattan, NY, Dr. Franzetti has substantial experience in state-of-the-art procedures for the placment and resotration of dental implants, enabling patients from throughout New York City to replace missing teeth so they enjoy improved function and feel more confident in their appearance.

Dental Implants Q & A

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are made of biocompatible material- titanium- which are surgically placed into your jawbone and gums to function and replace your tooth’s natural root structure with metal screwlike posts. These posts support several variations of tooth restorations including, single crowns, dental bridges, or dentures.

3d illustration of a dental implant

The implant process:

Most implant placement processes take 3 steps. The first step involves placing the post in the jawbone During oral surgery. Once the area fully heals (approximately 3-6 months?) and the post has integrated with the jawbone ensuring stability, a “false” tooth is installed in the form of a single crown, bridge or set of dentures. These are screwed onto the top of the implant post. the result is natural- looking implants that functions like a natural tooth.

Are you a candidate for dental implants?

  • You have one or more missing teeth
  • Have a jawbone that has reached full maturity
  • Have adequate bone to secure implants can have a bone graft.
  • Have healthy oral tissue
  • Don’t have health conditions that will affect bone healing
  • Are willing to commit several months to the procedure.
  • Don’t smoke tobacco

Benefits of dental Implants

  • Provides a solid support for your “New Teeth”
  • Enhanced functionality- implants function like natural teeth
  • Better aesthetic appearance – replacement of missing teeth with natural looking crowns
  • Prevention of bone resorption – implants carry the possibility to stimulate bone growth
  • Healthier adjacent teeth
  • Long- lasting solution – dental implants can last a lifetime.
  • Durable and safe – made from titanium which integrates well with gum & bone tissue
  • Easy to maintain – you can brush & floss like natural teeth
  • Confidence boosting- improved appearance builds confidence when you smile.

Implants are designed to feel and work just like your natural teeth, so they can feel much more comfortable than a bridge or denture, and because they look just like natural teeth, they can also help you feel more confident. Plus, they can be cared for like your natural teeth, so they can be more convenient as well.

What to expect from dental implants?

Dental implant surgery bis performed in stages with healing time in between procedures. It involves multiple steps:

  • Damaged tooth removal
  • Jawbone preparation (grafting if necessary)
  • Implant placement
  • Bone growth & healing time (xxx months)
  • Abutment placement
  • Artificial tooth placement (by a prosthodontist)

The entire process can take months from start to finish. Much time is devoted to healing an awaiting new bone growth. Be patient.

Placing the dental implant

During surgery to place the dental implant, the/ your /Dr Franzetti Tbd? Oral surgeon makes a cut to open the gum and expose the bone. Holes are drilled into the bone where the dental implant metal post will be placed to serve as a tooth root.

At this point a gap will remain where the tooth is missing. A type of partial , temporary denture can be placed for appearance.

Next phase…Bone growth

Once the metal implant is placion begins. During this process the bone grows and unites with the surface of the implant. The process can take several months and helps provide a solid ase for your new artificial tooth.

Adding the abutment

When osseointegration is complete it may be necessary to place an abutment.

What is the abutment?

It is the piece where the crown will eventually adhere. This minor surgery is done with local anesthesia.

To place the abutment

  • Gum opened to expose the dental implant
  • Abutment is attached to implant
  • Gum tissue is closed around but not over the implant.

Once your gums heal, you’ll have more impressions made of your mouth and remaining teeth. These  your jawbone is strong enough to support the use of the new tooth. You and your prosthodontist can choose artificial teeth that are removable, fixed or a combination of both.