Dental Implants in Whitehouse Station, NJ
Improve Your Smile with Dental Implants
If you’ve lost one or more of your teeth due to gum disease, an accident, or anything else, it can affect your oral health as well as your appearance. At Lasting Smiles of Whitehouse Station, Dr. Gulino has a 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 procedures and emergency dental care in Hunterdon County, NJ, and the surrounding area including Tweksbury and Lebanon. Read on to learn if dental implants are right for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants have been a gold standard tooth replacement procedure for over 50 years. A dental implant is a titanium fixture post that’s surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gum line so that it replaces a tooth from root to crown after a dental extraction. It’s a long-lasting option compared to other restorations like dentures or bridges.
Dental implants consist of three components:
- The Implant: this is the part that’s permanently attached to your jaw. It’s the screw that serves as the root of your new tooth.
- The Abutment: This is the connector that supports and holds the tooth or multiple teeth 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, this is the only part of the tooth that you can see.
Benefits of Dental Implants
When you choose to receive dental implants, you’re getting a wide variety of benefits including:
- Natural-looking
- Easy maintenance
- Customized for you
- Durability and longevity
- Supports jawbone health
- Restores facial structure
- Prevents 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
- Good overall health
If your oral health condition isn’t in good shape, Dr. Gulino may recommend getting a supplemental procedure to increase your chances of receiving dental implants.
Dental Implant Process
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation with Dr. Gulino, he’ll evaluate your oral health condition, go over your medical history, take X-rays and impressions of your mouth, and talk about your smile goals. You can use this time to ask questions and concerns you may have about the procedure. If Dr. Gulino establishes that dental implants are right for you, she’ll create a customized treatment plan that fit 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. After confirming you can’t feel anything, Dr. Gulino will begin the procedure.
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 place a temporary crown to protect the implant site as you start your healing process. For the next three to six months, you’ll go through the osseointegration process, this allows your jawbone to fuse with the fixture and create a secure bond.
Completing the Restoration
Once you’ve healed, you’ll come back to our office to complete your restoration. 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 in order to seamlessly blend with your smile. He’ll make any necessary adjustments before you leave our office with a new smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dental implant last?
Dental implants can last for a lifetime, while dental crowns last for 15 to 20 years before needing replacement. Dr. Gulino recommends practicing good oral hygiene habits to ensure its longevity. This includes:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Flossing daily
- Rinse in between meals
- Schedule biannual visits to Lasting Smiles of Whitehouse Station 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 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, we offer a flexible financing option, CareCredit, to ease your financial stress.
If you have any questions about your insurance, you can call our Whitehouse Station office at (908) 534-4001 or visit us in the office and one of our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you.
Start Your Journey to a New Smile Today
Dental implants can restore your oral health and enhance your appearance, 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 as well as the surrounding area including Tweksbury, Branchburg, and Lebanon, NJ. We can’t wait to help you achieve your dream smile!