PA ProsthodonticAssociates, P.C.

CONTACT US:

New York City Office [MAP]:
655 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10065
Tel: (212) 751-2544
Fax: (212) 486-9463

Caroline A. Grasso, DDS
Harold Litvak, DMD, MSD
Michael D. Litvak, DDS
Udo Schütte, DDS

LINKS:

Litvak Prosthodontics Wing

implants

THE BENEFIT OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
Loss of natural teeth can dramatically alter your facial appearance and affect your attitude towards life. Missing teeth may lead to loss of self-esteem and embarrassment. Through modern and predictable techniques, dental implants have enhanced the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world!

Dental implants are substitute or replacement tooth roots. A tooth consists of a crown and a root. The crown is that part of the tooth which is visible in the mouth. The root is under the gum tissue, surrounded by the bone. The crown is supported by the root portion which is attached to the bone. Implants are placed into the bone so that a prosthetic crown (the visible part of your tooth) can be firmly attached. State-of-the-art technology in implant dentistry makes it possible to provide replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.

Dental implants can help you regain your natural smile, improving appearance and self-confidence. They can also increase your comfort by eliminating loose fitting complete and partial dentures. In addition, dental implants act to stop the deterioration in the jawbone which occurs when the natural teeth are lost. Overall health is improved with the ability to eat virtually anything with ease. Self-confidence is renewed with the knowledge that appearance is natural once again.

YOUR IMPLANT TEAM
The ultimate goal is the final tooth replacement and your prosthodontist serves as the “architect”: of the dental implant treatment plan working closely with the rest of your dental health team. Careful pre-treatment planning and evaluation is important for success.

Prosthodontists have extensive laboratory skills and knowledge of materials used to restore and replace teeth. The ADA recognizes the prosthodontist as a specialist in tooth restoration and replacement. We take great care and pride in providing our patients with esthetically attractive and natural-looking replacement teeth.

You, the patient, play a critical role in the treatment success by maintaining your oral health and following the recommendations of your dental health team.

THE IMPLANT PROCEDURE
There are two different surgical procedures for dental implant placement. You should discuss with your prosthodontist which one is more appropriate for you. With a two step system, the implant is placed in the jawbone below the gum line, which is then sutured over and allowed to heal. After the healing process a second stage is necessary to open the gum so that the tooth can be replaced.

With a one-step or single-stage system only one surgical procedure is required. At the time of placement the top of the implant is level with the gums and remains visible. After an adequate healing period the tooth replacement phase can proceed without the need for a second surgical procedure.

The healing phase ranges from six weeks to six months depending upon each individual’s clinical requirements. In order to make your replacement tooth your prosthodontist will need to make x-rays, impressions, bite registration records and various fittings. As a result of these efforts and years of experience, your replacement tooth will blend beautifully with your existing teeth and function normally.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Are you missing one or more teeth?
Is your lacking confidence because of your teeth or smile?
Do you want natural-looking replacement teeth?
Does wearing a denture restrict your ability to eat and smile comfortably?

Dental implants can replace missing teeth for people of all ages, young and old. Clinical studies have proven implants to be highly successful regardless of your age, (ten year results indicate better than 95 percent success). Nearly everyone is a candidate for dental implants and there are very few medical conditions that would rule out dental implant treatment.

As part of your treatment evaluation, your dental team will carefully review your medical and oral health and examine the condition of your teeth and gums, as well as the amount and quality of your jawbone. Specific x-rays and models will help your prosthodontist determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants.