Are you pregnant and considering getting dental implants? If so, you may wonder if having the procedure done while you're still expecting is safe. This blog post will provide you with the facts about getting dental implants during pregnancy, so you can make an informed decision about your oral health and your baby's health.

Understanding Dental Implants

Dental implants involve an artificial tooth and root system replacing a damaged, decayed, or lost tooth. It’s considered the optimal replacement option for a missing tooth, as it looks and functions just like a natural tooth.

 

An implant consists of a titanium tooth root surgically placed into the jaw bone and topped with an artificial tooth (or crown). This procedure is typically done in two steps, with the implant placed first and the artificial crown added afterward. The crown looks and functions like a real tooth, making it the gold standard for tooth replacement. 

 

The implant fuses with the jawbone over time and provides a stable foundation for the artificial tooth. Once secured in place, implants can last for decades with proper care, and provide a secure, comfortable fit that functions just like a natural tooth.

 

The Risks of Dental Implants During Pregnancy

When it comes to getting dental implants during pregnancy, it’s important to consider the risk involved. While X-Rays are deemed safe during pregnancy, the safest option is avoiding any risk altogether. As for local anesthesia, this is generally considered safe during pregnancy, although general anesthesia may not be. Other potential risks may include:

• Increased risk of infection: The immune system is weakened during pregnancy, making fighting off infections more difficult. This could lead to complications if an infection develops at the implant site.
• Increased sensitivity to pain: During pregnancy, the body becomes more sensitive to pain, meaning the discomfort caused by getting dental implants may be more intense than usual.
• Increased risk of implant failure: The hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy may affect the way the body heals, potentially leading to an increased risk of implant failure.
• Difficulty with the healing process: As mentioned, the body’s healing process slows during pregnancy, which could make it more difficult for dental implants to integrate with the jawbone. 

 

Are Dental Implants Safe for Pregnancy?

Many pregnant patients are given the green light for routine dental treatments after the first trimester. Local anesthetics like lidocaine or articaine are generally considered safe during pregnancy, so minor procedures like fillings, deep cleanings, and crowns can usually be done without risk.

 

However, dental implants often require stronger anesthesia, which may pose an increased risk to the expectant mother or her unborn baby. Additionally, many procedures require X-rays, which the American Dental Association (ADA) discourages during the first trimester. 

 

Therefore, before undergoing a dental implant procedure, pregnant women should talk to their dentist about the potential risks and benefits. Your dentist will help you determine your situation and help ensure the safest outcome for both you and your baby.

 

Dental Implants in New York and New Jersey

Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry provides comprehensive dental implant services for patients in New York and New Jersey. Our experienced dentists are dedicated to providing high-quality care and excellent results. Contact Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry today to learn more or request an appointment online.

If you’re missing a tooth, depending on various factors, such as the strength of your jawbone, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. A dental implant itself is actually a titanium rod that replaces the root of a real tooth. After being inserted into the jawbone and fusing with it, a dental implant can be covered with a durable crown that mimics the appearance of a natural tooth.

Are you considering this treatment option? If so, the following points will help you better understand what the process may involve:

Determining if Dental Implants Are Right for You

There are various ways to replace missing teeth. This is important to keep in mind, as not all patients are candidates for dental implant treatment.

To determine if dental implants are right for you, a professional may take x-rays and perform a general examination of your teeth, gums, and jawbone to evaluate their overall condition. Their goal is to determine if the strength of your jawbone and the health of your dental and oral tissues can support an implant.

Determining if Tooth Extraction is Necessary

Dental implant treatment isn’t exclusively for teeth that are already missing. In some cases, a tooth that is severely damaged or decaying may need to be extracted first in order to be replaced with an implant. If this is the case, naturally, the extraction will add to the length of the treatment. The site where a tooth was extracted will also need to heal before an implant can be placed there.

Placing the Implant

Implant insertion is a surgical procedure in which a titanium post is placed into the jawbone. Ideally, the rod will fuse with the bone after a certain length of time. Sometimes, while the implant is fusing with the bone, a patient can wear a temporary crown.

It usually takes three to six months for a dental implant to fuse with a patient’s jawbone. However, this timeline can vary on a patient-by-patient basis.

Placing the Abutment

An abutment is an additional metal post that connects the crown and the implant. It may be placed onto the implant itself once the implant has fused with the jawbone.

Placing the Crown

A permanent crown is a custom-made replica of an actual tooth. Along with looking like a healthy tooth, it essentially functions like one.

This highlights one of the many benefits of dental implant treatment. By replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, a patient will typically be able to perform such basic tasks as chewing and speaking essentially just as easily as they could as if they had all their natural teeth. With proper care, a dental implant can also stay in good condition for many years.

The crown portion of the implant is placed on the parts of the implant that have already been inserted into a patient’s mouth. After this final step is complete, a dentist will provide a patient with instructions for caring for a dental implant, information about the side effects they may experience in the days and weeks after the surgery, and details about follow-up appointments.

Take this opportunity to ask your dentist any questions you may have about everything from addressing potential side effects to maintaining your implant. They’ll gladly explain everything you need to know.

Just remember, dental implants aren’t for everyone, and there are other ways to replace missing teeth if dental implant treatment isn’t an option. By consulting with a qualified dental professional, you’ll be able to determine which option is ideal for your needs.

Speak With an Expert About Dental Implants

At Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry, in New York and New Jersey, we’d be happy to answer your questions about dental implants, helping you determine if this is the best treatment option for your needs. Get started today by contacting us online or calling us at 631-351-3444 to schedule an appointment.

 

Dental implants come with lots of benefits and have been considered the gold standard in tooth replacement for many years. Unfortunately, getting these implants has always taken a few months - at least. 

As long as your jaw bone density is perfect to move forward with the procedure, the implantation will take place and require time to fuse with the bone. Then the dentures or bridges are attached. Of course, this is only once they have been ordered and customized to blend beautifully with any remaining natural teeth. 

If your jawbone needs some added help, a bone grafting procedure may need to take place first - and this can add a couple of months onto the timeline. 

So how can dental implants be done in one day? Is it even possible? 

Believe it or not, yes - it is. 

Today, same-day tooth replacement is available with TRUETEETH. This remarkable advancement in dentistry allows patients to leave with their new smile - in just one visit. 

Here is a closer look at this convenient dental implant treatment. 

Dental Implants in One Day

TRUETEETH offers you dental implants in as little as one day. This is thanks to state-of-the-art technology that allows dental implants to be placed and an entire set of artificial teeth to be provided all at once. This reduces the need for multiple procedures to take place at every step along the way. 

In about 3 to 4 hours, you will be ready to walk out the door with a full set of teeth - and all the benefits that come with them. 

The Need for Tooth Replacement

Missing several or all of your teeth can have a negative impact on your life - and your quality of life. For instance, eating some of your favorite foods will be hard - if not impossible, your speech will be impacted, and your self-confidence will suffer. 

Depending on where or how many, those with missing teeth are often very self-conscious about their smile and avoid social interactions. 

To bring back the joy to your life, you need a tooth replacement - and fast. 

Advantages of Same-Day Dental Implants

If you are trying to decide whether or not same-day dental implants with TRUETEETH are ideal for you, just look at some of the advantages they hold over other tooth replacement options. 

• Fast process
• Natural appearance
• Comfortable
• Stable and secure, with no slipping like regular dentures
• Improved speech ability
• Strong bite force
• Regain the ability to eat your favorite foods
• Better quality of life
• Designed to be permanent - and last a lifetime

Finally, perhaps the biggest advantage of these dental implants is that you get them on the very same day. 

Interested in Dental Implants?  

At Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry, we have watched many patients transform their smiles - and boost their quality of life - with the help of dental implants. If you are looking to experience all that dental implants can do for your oral health, we encourage you to see if you are a candidate for this treatment. 

To learn more or request an appointment, contact us today at 631-351-3444. Or, request an appointment online. 

 

Dental implants are the most advanced technology available in tooth replacement. They provide fully functioning artificial teeth to replace your natural teeth that have been lost, severely decayed, or damaged beyond repair. 

Despite their many benefits, some patients hesitate when it comes to getting dental implants, often because of the myths they have heard about them. If you need to have one or more teeth replaced, don’t let the following myths stop you from getting the highest quality restoration. 

What Are Dental Implants?

To understand the truth about dental implants it helps to understand how they work. A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jaw bone to replace your natural tooth root. Titanium is a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone to form a solid bond. Once the bond is established, an artificial tooth can be attached to the implant to provide a complete restoration. Two dental implants can support a dental bridge and 4-6 implants can support a full set of dentures. 

Now that you understand the mechanics of dental implants, here are some of the common myths debunked. 

Myth #1: Dental Implants Are Not Affordable

One of the biggest questions that comes up about dental implants is the cost. Dental implants are not always covered by dental insurance and they tend to cost more than dental bridges. However, dental implants can be affordable for anyone through payment plans and financing. The cost of your dental implants can be financed with little or no interest, allowing you to divide the cost into affordable monthly payments. 

Another option to consider is that sometimes medical insurance will cover the root portion of your dental implants. Contact your insurance providers for specific information about the coverage of your dental and medical plans. 

Myth #2: Dental Implants Don’t Last

While a very small percentage of dental implants fail, the procedure has an overall success rate of 95-98%. Once the process of osseointegration is complete and the implant is fully fused with the jaw bone, it can last a lifetime. The materials are resistant to decay and corrosion, making them strong and durable. This is why dental implants are a worthwhile investment in your own dental and oral health. You’re getting a lifelong restoration that may even last longer than your remaining natural teeth. 

Myth #3: Dental Implants Look Fake 

The key to a natural looking prosthetic is in the design and the materials. A dental implant is anchored in the jaw bone the same way your natural teeth are, using the same socket where a tooth used to be. This gives dental implants an authentic appearance that blends in with your other teeth. The crown attached to the implant can be made of porcelain that resembles natural tooth enamel in texture and can be made to match your existing teeth in shape, size, and color.

Myth #4: Dental Implants Take a Long Time to Get 

The process for getting dental implants can take anywhere from a single appointment to a few months. In most cases you’ll need some healing time between placement of the dental implant and attaching the prosthetic. All in all, it may take a few weeks to a few months for you to have your full dental implant restoration in place. Each step in the procedure is a brief appointment, no more than an hour or two in most cases. The time spent is well worth the investment for a fully functional replacement that lasts a lifetime. 

Where Can I Get Dental Implants?

Dentists may place dental implants on a regular basis, but periodontists specialize in this procedure. Periodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the support structures for the teeth, including the jaw bone and gums that are most affected by the placement of dental implants. Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry provides accurate dental implant placement using guided placement technology that increases the chance of success for your restoration. 

Call 631-351-3444 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.