Dental Implants in Princeton, NJ

The Gold Standard for Tooth Replacement

At our Princeton office, the surgeons of West Jersey Oral, Maxillofacial, & Dental Implant Surgery offer the premier solution for missing teeth: dental implants. Dental implants are now the standard way to care for your teeth. They are a permanent and successful option.

Implants help restore the natural look, feel, and function of your smile. Our board-certified oral surgeons use the latest technology. They take a caring, patient-focused approach to rebuild your smile and confidence.

Understanding How Dental Implants Work

A dental implant is a sophisticated prosthetic designed to replicate the entire structure of a natural tooth. It consists of three main parts:

• The implant post is a small titanium screw. The body remains safe, and a dentist places it in the jawbone. It acts as a new root for a tooth.
• The abutment connects to the implant post and sits just above the gum line.
• The crown is a custom-made, natural-looking ceramic tooth that you secure to the abutment, completing your smile.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

Failing to replace a missing tooth can lead to a cascade of oral health issues over time. A dental implant is the only solution that addresses all of these concerns.

1. Jawbone Deterioration

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone that once supported it begins to shrink from lack of stimulation. This can alter the shape of your face and create a sunken appearance.

2. Shifting of Adjacent Teeth

A missing tooth can cause nearby teeth to shift. This can lead to bite problems and possible TMJ issues.

3. Compromised Function

A missing tooth can make it difficult to chew food properly, which may limit your diet and affect your nutrition.

What is implant dentistry in Princeton, NJ?

Implant dentistry in Princeton, NJ, is a special area of dentistry. It focuses on placing and restoring dental implants.

Dental implants are fake tooth roots. They are usually made from safe materials like titanium. These implants are put into the jawbone through surgery. They help support replacement teeth or bridges. This innovative solution is designed for individuals who have lost teeth due to injury, periodontal disease, or other dental issues.

In Princeton, NJ, skilled dental professionals offer implant dentistry after undergoing extensive training in this field. The process starts with a thorough evaluation. This may include digital images and 3D scans. These help check the jawbone and nearby structures. This assessment helps determine the best approach for each patient, ensuring that the implants will be placed in the optimal position for stability and aesthetics.

Once the planning phase is complete, the surgical procedure is scheduled. During the surgery, the dentist will place the implant into the jawbone, where it will undergo a process called osseointegration. This is where the bone fuses with the implant, creating a strong and stable foundation for the artificial tooth. The healing process can take several months, during which time the patient may receive a temporary restoration to maintain function and appearance.

After the implant has fully integrated with the bone, the next step involves placing an abutment, which is a connector that holds the final restoration in place. The final restoration can be a single crown, a bridge, or even a full denture, depending on the number of teeth being replaced. The dentist will work closely with the patient to ensure that the final restoration matches the color, shape, and size of their natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking result.

In addition to the technical aspects of implant dentistry, practitioners in Princeton, NJ, emphasize the importance of patient education and comfort throughout the process. They provide detailed information about the procedure, recovery expectations, and aftercare to ensure that patients feel informed and confident in their treatment choices.

Overall, implant dentistry in Princeton, NJ, offers a reliable and effective solution for tooth replacement, significantly improving patients' oral health, functionality, and quality of life. With advancements in technology and techniques, dental implants have become a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing solution to tooth loss.

Types of Dental Implants and Materials

We provide different dental implant options. Our surgeons will suggest the best choice for your needs during your consultation.

Single Tooth Replacement

To replace a single missing tooth, one dental implant is placed into the jawbone. The dentist attaches a custom crown to the implant. This creates a permanent restoration that looks just like your natural teeth.

Multiple Tooth Replacement

If you are missing several teeth in a row, you can use an implant-supported bridge. This involves placing two or more implants. These implants act as strong anchors for a fixed bridge. This method avoids changing nearby healthy teeth, which a traditional bridge would need.

Implant Materials

The vast majority of dental implants used worldwide are made from titanium. This biocompatible metal is incredibly strong and has a proven ability to fuse directly with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.

For patients who may prefer a metal-free option, zirconia implants are a modern alternative. Zirconia is a very strong, tooth-colored ceramic material that also integrates well with bone. Our surgeons will talk to you about the benefits of each material. They will help you choose the best option for your needs.

The Dental Implant Process at Our Princeton Office

Your path to a new smile is a carefully planned process. It begins with a detailed consultation, where we use our state-of-the-art 3D CBCT scanner to virtually plan the ideal placement of your implant.

The surgical placement is a comfortable in-office procedure performed under your choice of anesthesia. Over the next few months, the implant will fuse with your jawbone. Once healed, your general dentist will attach the final custom crown.

Advanced Technology for Implant Success

The success of a dental implant relies on a healthy foundation and precise planning. Our practice utilizes the most advanced technology to ensure the best possible results.

If you have experienced bone loss, our surgeons are experts in bone grafting procedures to rebuild the jaw and create the necessary support for an implant. We use 3D imaging for every case. It helps us check the bone quality and plan the surgery accurately before we start.