Empire Dental Group of New Jersey
Alla Pavlushkin, DDS
General Dentist & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Old Bridge, NJ
If you’re missing permanent teeth, dental implants can restore your smile while minimizing the risk of gum recession and bone loss. At Empire Dental Group of New Jersey, Alla Pavlushkin, DDS, and the team specialize in the placement and restoration of dental implants. Using safe and proven techniques, you can achieve the smile of your dreams. To schedule an appointment at the Old Bridge, New Jersey, practice, call to speak with a member of the administrative staff or book online today.
Dental Implants Old Bridge, NJ
Dental implants offer a transformative solution for individuals with missing teeth. Surgically implanted into the jaw during a quick, outpatient procedure, dental implants not only replicate the look and function of natural teeth but also restore the ability to chew with confidence. As your mouth heals following treatment, the posts fuse with your jaw, providing a firm base and crucial support for tooth restorations like crowns, bridges, and implant-supported dentures.
In addition to restoring your smile, dental implants significantly decrease your risk of more serious oral health problems, including gum disease, persistent bad breath, and bone decay.
Advantages Of Implants
The advantages of dental implants extend beyond the surface. Implants prevent bone loss and maintain the proper relationship between upper and lower jaws. Unlike dentures, which can accelerate bone loss due to their looseness, implants simulate natural teeth, transmitting the necessary stimulation for healthy bone growth. This replication of natural teeth ensures the preservation of facial appearance and structure and an enduring smile.
Dental implants can also make it easier to eat and speak. Because they fuse with your jaw, there’s no risk of your implants slipping like dentures. Implants also offer greater durability and convenience compared to removable dentures that may require adjustments or relining over time.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?
To qualify for dental implants you need a healthy jawbone and gum tissue. If you have a weak jawbone or you’re living with gum disease, Dr. Pavlushkin and the team might recommend a prerequisite procedure like a bone graft or scaling and root planing.
During your initial appointment, let the team know if you have any chronic health problems like diabetes, kidney disease, or high blood pressure. These conditions won’t prevent you from getting implants, but they can increase the risk of complications, including implant failure.
The Procedure for Dental Implants
The journey to getting dental implants is a process encompassing several key stages:
- Removal of damaged tooth (if not already removed)
- Jawbone preparation, including bone grafting if required.
- Placement of the dental implant.
- Healing and bone growth (osseointegration), typically spanning 3 to 6 months.
- Abutment placement, with the option of combining it with the crown.
- Placement of the artificial tooth, the crown.
Getting dental implants typically requires a series of appointments. If Dr. Pavlushkin and the team determine you qualify for implants, they'll place the needed number of implant posts beneath your gum line during an outpatient procedure. Afterward, you return home for several months while the implants fuse with your jaw and your mouth heals.
When the process of osseointegration (bone fusion) is complete, you return to the office. Dr. Pavluskin and the team take impressions of your mouth and send them to a dental laboratory that uses them to create your crowns, bridge, or implant-supported dentures.
Once your custom restorations are ready, you return for your final appointment. Dr. Pavlushkin attaches an abutment piece to each implant and bonds the restoration on top. Once placed, your restorations look, feel, and function like permanent teeth.
Caring for Your Implants
Maintaining the health of your dental implants is paramount. Follow these essential steps for optimal implant care:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Floss daily to keep interdental spaces clean.
- Prioritize good oral hygiene practices.
- Refrain from consuming hard, hot, or sticky foods.
- Limit alcohol intake and consider quitting smoking.
- Regularly visit our Old Bridge, NJ dental office for exams and professional cleanings to prevent peri-implantitis.
To prevent damage to your implants, avoid bad habits like nail-biting, chewing on ice, or opening objects with your teeth. In addition, wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports or enjoy activities like skateboarding, skiing, or mountain biking.
Our Approach To Implant Dentistry
At Empire Dental Group, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive approach to dental implant care. Dr. Alla Pavlushkin, along with Dr. Steven Reff, skillfully performs implant placements and bone grafts, delivering a seamless experience under one roof. This comprehensive approach not only fosters convenience but also ensures continuity of care and outstanding results.