A Smile to Last a Lifetime

Dental Implants are one of the most popular dental procedures done today. Dental implants are the best long-term solution for missing teeth and anchoring loose dentures. It’s time to put your best smile forward.

About Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most natural and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. An implant acts as an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jawbone, providing a strong foundation for a replacement tooth.

Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, implants actually stimulate the jawbone and help prevent bone loss over time. Because they fuse with the natural bone, implants provide excellent stability, strength, and long-term function.

Dental implants can restore a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or even support full arch restorations.

Who Would Benefit

Dental Implants may replace missing teeth as well as missing gum tissue, giving your smile a beautiful, natural appearance. In addition to enhancing the beauty of your smile, an implant, can restore your ability to speak and chew properly and improve the shape and volume of your face. Dental implants can be an excellent alternative to traditional dentures for replacing missing teeth.

Dental implants may be a good option for patients who:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have healthy gums
• Have adequate jawbone to support an implant
• Want a long-term tooth replacement solution

The best way to determine if implants are right for you is through a consultation and CT scan. This scan allows the doctor to evaluate bone levels and determine whether there is enough healthy bone to support an implant. The scan also helps determine the correct implant size and the safest, most precise location for placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental implants are completed in stages to allow proper healing and integration with the jawbone. The full process typically takes about 3–6 months before the final restoration is placed.

Healing happens in phases:

• Initial surgical healing: about 1–2 weeks for the gum tissue to heal after implant placement.

• Osseointegration: about 3–5 months, during which the implant fuses with the jawbone. Lower jaw implants often heal slightly faster because the bone is typically denser.

• Final restoration: once the implant has fully integrated, we begin creating the final restoration such as a crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture. This stage usually takes 2–6 weeks.

The process begins with a consultation and 3D CT scan to evaluate bone structure and plan implant placement.

At Progressive Dental, we place endosteal implants, which are the most common type of dental implant and are placed directly into the jawbone.

The surgical appointment itself is typically quick and efficient, usually taking about 1–2 hours depending on how many implants are being placed. The procedure is performed with local anesthetic, and antibiotics may be prescribed to support healing. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable the procedure is.

During the healing phase, the gums heal over the implant while the bone integrates with it in a process called osseointegration. Follow-up visits and imaging may be used during this time to monitor healing and ensure the implant is integrating properly.

Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, the dentist performs a brief procedure to uncover the implant, often using a dental laser. After that, the restoration process begins so a custom crown, bridge, or denture can be created.

Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after implant placement. Local anesthesia is used during the procedure to keep the area numb. After the procedure, mild soreness or swelling may occur for a few days, similar to what patients might experience after a routine dental extraction.

Many patients are surprised that the procedure is much easier than they expected.

Dental implants have a very high success rate, often around 95–98% for healthy candidates.

Long-term success depends on several factors, including bone quality, overall health, and maintaining good oral hygiene. Regular dental visits and professional cleanings help keep the surrounding gums healthy and support long-term implant success.

With proper care, dental implants can last many years and often decades.

The implant itself is designed to integrate with the jawbone and provide long-term stability. The crown placed on top of the implant may eventually need replacement due to normal wear over time, but the implant itself can remain stable for many years to a lifetime when properly maintained.

Many people with missing teeth may be good candidates for dental implants.

Ideal candidates typically have:

• Healthy gums
• Adequate jawbone to support the implant
• Good overall oral health

A consultation and 3D CT scan allows the dentist to evaluate bone structure and determine whether implants are the right option.

If you are a smoker or use chewing tobacco, you may not be a candidate.

In some cases, bone loss may occur after a tooth has been missing for a long time. If there is not enough bone to support an implant, procedures such as bone grafting may help rebuild the area and create the support needed for implant placement. Your CT scan helps determine whether additional treatment may be recommended before placing the implant.

Yes. Dental implants are very versatile and can be used to replace:

• A single missing tooth
• Several missing teeth using an implant-supported bridge
• Full arches of missing teeth using implant-supported dentures

Your dentist will recommend the best option depending on how many teeth need to be replaced.

Traditional dentures rest on the gums and may sometimes shift while eating or speaking.

Dental implants are anchored directly in the jawbone, which provides greater stability and support. Many patients find implant-supported restorations feel more natural and secure than traditional removable dentures. Implant-supported dentures help tremendously with loose dentures.

When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that area can begin to shrink over time because it is no longer stimulated by the tooth root. Nearby teeth may also shift into the empty space, which can affect bite alignment and oral function. Replacing missing teeth with options such as dental implants helps maintain bone support, bite stability, and overall oral health.

Yes. The restoration placed on top of the implant is custom designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. Because the implant replaces the tooth root and the crown is custom fabricated, the final result is designed to blend naturally with your smile.

Dental implants do not require special cleaning products or routines.

They should be cared for just like natural teeth with daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits. Regular professional cleanings help maintain healthy gums and ensure the implant remains stable.

Progressive Dental offers dental implant consultations and treatment at our locations in:

• Binghamton
• Endwell
• Kirkwood
• Montrose
• Norwich

Considering implants? Schedule a free consultation.

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