Dental Implants in Whitehouse Station, NJ
Achieve a Lasting New Smile with Dental Implants
If you’ve lost one or more of your teeth due to gum disease, an accident, or for any reason, it can negatively affect your oral health and lower your self-esteem. At Lasting Smiles of Whitehouse Station, Dr. Thomas Gulino has a lasting solution for you — dental implants. They feel, fit, and function like natural teeth, making them an excellent option for those in need of tooth replacement.
At Lasting Smiles of Whitehouse Station, we’re committed to bringing our patients the highest quality dental care in Hunterdon County, NJ, and the surrounding areas, including Tweksbury, Branchburg, and Lebanon. Read on to learn more about dental implants and discover if they’re right for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium fixture post that’s surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gum line. Implants replace a tooth from root to crown, allowing it to function like a real tooth. The lifelike nature and stability of dental implants have made them the gold standard for tooth replacement for over 50 years.
Dental implants consist of three components:
- The Implant: The implant itself is the screw-like post that serves as the root of your new tooth. This is the part that’s surgically attached to your jaw.
- The Abutment: The abutment is the connector piece that supports and holds the dental restoration, usually a crown, in place. While it’s a permanent fixture, it can be removed by your Whitehouse Station dentist.
- The Crown: Usually made of zirconium or porcelain, the dental crown is the only part of the tooth you can see.
Benefits of Dental Implants
When you choose to receive dental implants, you’re choosing to enjoy a wide variety of benefits, including:
- Natural-looking restoration
- Easy maintenance
- Customized to match your smile
- Durability and longevity
- Supports jawbone health
- Restores facial structure
- Prevents remaining natural teeth from misaligning
Candidacy for Dental Implants
However, for a dental implant procedure to be successful, the ideal candidate must have:
- Healthy gums
- Adequate jawbone density
- Good overall health
If your oral health condition isn’t in good shape, Dr. Gulino may recommend getting a supplemental procedure such as gum grafting or bone grafting to increase your chances of receiving dental implants.
Dental Implant Process
Initial Consultation
When you first meet with Dr. Gulino, he’ll carefully assess the health of your mouth, review your medical history, and take X-rays and impressions of your teeth. This helps him get a complete picture of your oral health. During the consultation, you’ll also have the opportunity to discuss your smile goals with Dr. Gulino, sharing what you hope to achieve through dental implant treatment. This consultation allows you to determine if Dr. Gulino is the right implant provider for your dental implants.
You can use this time to ask any questions and voice any concerns you may have about the procedure. If Dr. Gulino establishes that dental implants are right for you, he’ll create a customized treatment plan that fits your needs.
Implant Placement
When you come back to our Whitehouse Station office, we’ll get started on the implant placement procedure. Before the procedure, we’ll thoroughly clean your mouth before applying a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site. Dr. Gulino will begin the procedure after confirming the anesthetic is working.
Dr. Gulino will make a small incision in your gums to gain access to your jawbone before inserting the implant fixture. Once the fixture is placed, we’ll attach a temporary crown to protect the implant site as you start healing. You’ll go through the osseointegration process for the next three to six months. This allows your jawbone to fuse with the fixture and create a secure bond.
Completing the Restoration
Once you’ve healed, you’ll return to our office, where Dr. Gulino will remove your temporary crown and replace it with your final restoration. Your dental crown is customized to match the shape and color of your teeth, so it seamlessly blends with your smile. He’ll make any necessary adjustments before you leave our office with your new smile!
Aftercare and Maintenance
After the dental implant procedure, proper aftercare is essential for successful healing and long-term implant stability. Dr. Gulino provides detailed post-implantation instructions, including oral hygiene practices and dietary recommendations. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings at Lasting Smiles of Whitehouse Station allow your dentist to monitor the implant and address any potential complications promptly. With Dr. Gulino’s guidance and attentive care, patients can maintain their beautiful new smiles for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dental implant last?
Dental implants can last for a lifetime, while the dental crowns themselves last for 15 to 20 years before needing replacement. Your dentist recommends practicing good oral hygiene habits to ensure implant longevity. This includes:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Flossing daily
- Rinsing in between meals
- Scheduling biannual visits for professional cleanings and checkups
Can I get dental implants if I have dentures?
While dentures are a quick, non-invasive solution to tooth loss, some patients want a more permanent solution. If you’re tired of the maintenance and constant removal of dentures, dental implants may be a better option. Denture implants stay fixed in the mouth and don’t require denture cups or dissolvable cleaning tabs.
Can smokers get dental implants?
Smoking can harm the success of dental implants, as it can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications. However, in certain situations, smokers might still be candidates for dental implants. It’s strongly recommended to quit smoking or reduce smoking habits before and after the implant procedure to improve the chances of successful implant integration. Your dentist can provide guidance and support in smoking cessation efforts as part of the treatment plan.
Can my dental insurance cover dental implant procedures?
Most insurance companies should be able to cover a portion of the procedure cost. We encourage you to speak with your insurance provider beforehand to understand your coverage plan and the benefits they offer. If the coverage isn’t enough, ask your dentist if they provide in-house financing plans to help pay for your treatment.
Start Your Journey to a New Smile Today
Dental implants can restore your oral health and enhance your appearance for many years to come, making them a favorite among our patients. If you want to know if you qualify for dental implants, call our Whitehouse Station office at (908) 534-4001, or you can fill out the contact form below to request an appointment.
We’re proud to provide services to patients in the Whitehouse Station area and the surrounding area, including Tweksbury, Branchburg, and Lebanon, NJ. We can’t wait to help you achieve your dream smile!