Dental Implants — Randolph, NJ
Replace Missing Teeth from the Roots Up
In the past, the only way to replace missing teeth was with dentures or a dental bridge. While these restorations are certainly better than having a gap in your smile, they only replace the visible portion of missing teeth. Without a root structure to anchor them in place like natural teeth, they tend to leave a lot to be desired in terms of comfort and functionality. At Randolph Dental Care, we’re proud to offer a way to replace missing teeth from the roots up with dental implants in Randolph. This state-of-the-art treatment gives you the next best thing to natural teeth and lets you get back to enjoying a healthy, functional, and confident smile once again! Don’t hesitate to give us a call today and schedule your consultation!
Why Choose Randolph Dental Care For Dental Implants?
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All Dental Implant Services
Done In-Office -
Permanently Replace Any Number
of Missing Teeth -
Highly Trained Dentist with Decades
of Experience
What Are Dental Implants?
Essentially, a dental implant is a small, screw-shaped post made of titanium alloy. It is designed to be inserted directly into the jawbone where the roots of a missing tooth once were. Titanium is a biocompatible material that has long been used in other surgical procedures, so once the post is placed in the jaw, the surrounding bone and gum tissue will fuse with it instead of reject it. This process, known as osseointegration, is the reason why dental implants are so successful at restoring the functionality and stability of a lost tooth. It can take between three and six months for a dental implant post to fully integrate into the jawbone, but once it does, it will act just like a natural root. The custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is supports will look, feel, and function indistinguishably from a set of home-grown pearly whites.
A Brief History of Dental Implants
We tend to think of dental implants as a modern marvel, and in their current form, they are. But what many people don’t realize is that the idea behind dental implants has been around for centuries. In fact, the very first dental implant is attributed to the Mayans and dates back to 600 AD. It only took us 1,400 years to develop a tooth replacement of a similar kind! Keep reading to explore the history of dental implants from your Randolph, NJ dentist.
Rebuilding Smiles Through the Ages
The most notable implant discovery came in 1931, when an archaeologist in Honduras found the mandible of a Mayan woman thought to be in her twenties. The mandible contained three tooth-shaped seashells inserted into the sockets that once held teeth. At first, scientists believed the shells were inserted postmortem, but in 1970, a curious dental academic discovered that bone had grown around the seashells, meaning they served as tooth replacements while the woman was alive.
Dental implants weren’t exclusive to South and Central America, though. Ancient Egyptian mummies have been unearthed with gold wires implanted in their jawbones. In the Middle East, skeletons have been found with ivory implants. Most recently, anthropologists discovered an iron implant in the jawbone of a Roman soldier.
The father of the modern dental implant, Swedish orthopedic surgeon Per-Ingvar Brånemark, made his implant discovery in the mid 1960’s. While researching bone healing, he discovered that bone tissue would fuse to the metal titanium in a process called osseointegration. Over the next several years, he performed experiments and published studies, eventually commercializing implants in 1978. Today, millions of implants have been placed under his name, and even more implant companies have used his patent.
It’s hard to believe that implants in their modern form have only been around for just over 40 years. But with thousands of years in the making, it’s no wonder they have maintained a 95-98% success rate, making them popular with dentists and patients alike.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Dental implants provide a variety of unique benefits that you cannot get with traditional dentures and dental bridges. This is because they replace the roots of the missing teeth, allowing for additional stability, comfort, and longevity. To achieve this, dental implants require a unique, multistep process that spans over the course of several months. Everyone’s treatment looks a little bit different, but here are the four main steps that all patients can expect.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The first step when getting dental implants is your initial consultation. During this time, Dr. Goldstein will examine your smile to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants. Some patients require preliminary procedures, like bone grafting or gum disease treatment before they can get dental implants. If any of these apply to you, we will help you get them scheduled. Once your gums and jawbone are in good health, we can discuss the next steps of the process, including the timeline and your financial options.
Dental Implant Surgery
Getting dental implants requires a surgical procedure. Thanks to Dr. Goldstein’s experience, the dental implant placement procedure can be completed right here at our practice. This way, you don’t need to work with an outside specialist at a separate location. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, Dr. Goldstein will make an incision in the gum tissue and place your implant(s) at precise locations in the jawbone. Then, he will close the gum tissue and place protective caps over the implants to keep them safe as your mouth heals.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
For the next 3 to 6 months, the osseointegration process takes place. This is the process in which the titanium dental implants fuse to the jawbone. It is what allows for the unique benefits you receive with implants, like stability, comfort, and longevity. After the area has healed, you will need to undergo another minor procedure in which abutments are placed on the ends of the dental implants. This is what will attach your restoration(s) to your implants. Impressions are then taken and sent to the dental lab where your restorations are customized just for you.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
Once we receive your restoration from the dental lab, you will need to return to our practice. Dr. Goldstein will secure your restoration to your implants. If everything looks and feels great, you will be free to leave the office showing off your completed smile!
Benefits of Dental Implants
If you have missing teeth, you have multiple options for replacing them these days, such as dentures or dental bridges. However, the most beneficial solution by far is dental implants. They’re the only tooth replacement that recreates the entire structure of the lost tooth, from the root up through the crown. Because of this, they offer unique advantages that alternative treatments simply cannot. What’s more, Dr. Glen Goldstein can place and restore them right here in our office, thanks to his status as a Diplomate and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. To learn more about the myriad benefits of dental implants, give our team at Randolph Dental Care a call, or just keep reading below.
Natural Look & Feel
Out of all the solutions to tooth loss, dental implants come the closest to feeling like your original pearly whites. This is due to osseointegration, the process by which the implant posts fuse to your jawbone, essentially becoming the roots for your new teeth. Not only does this make them more stable, but they start to feel like a part of your own body. If you didn’t know any better, you might forget you even have dental implants at all!
Additionally, your smile will look exactly as it did before you lost your teeth. A custom-made crown, bridge, or denture will be placed atop your implants. The restoration is designed from impressions we take of your mouth. That way, it will look perfectly natural.
Keep Looking Young
After you’ve lost a tooth, its roots no longer stimulate your jawbone whenever you bite or chew. As a result, that area of your jawbone begins to deteriorate and lose its ability to support your facial muscles. This may cause drooping or wrinkling that ages you prematurely.
Because dental implants act as natural tooth roots, your jawbone remains strong. You can enjoy a youthful appearance for years to come!
Maximize Your Chewing Power
Traditional dentures are notorious for sliding around when you’re trying to eat. Since dental implants are firmly embedded in your jaw, an implant-retained restoration will stay in the same place, preventing awkward, embarrassing slippage. Most of your original biting and chewing force will be replenished, allowing you to enjoy all of your favorite foods. This can even benefit your overall health, as it will be easier to chew crunchy fruits and vegetables.
Enjoy Long-lasting Results
Unlike conventional bridges or dentures, dental implants can last for several decades if you take good care of them. Luckily, maintenance is easy. You’ll basically care for them the same way you would care for natural teeth – with regular brushing, flossing, and routine checkups and cleanings.
Although dental implants might cost a bit more up front, their longevity can save you money in the long run. You won’t have to get them repaired or replaced every few years. With all of the other benefits that dental implants have to offer, they’re easily worth their weight in gold.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Dental implants are extremely versatile. With the right number of posts, you can fill in a single gap in your grin, or you can replace an entire arch of teeth. Before beginning the process, we may need to prepare your mouth in order to ensure that the implants can join with the bone successfully. (This might involve bone grafts or treatment for gum disease.) After that, the number of implants and type of restoration you receive will depend on your situation.
Missing 1 Tooth
The traditional method of replacing a single tooth is to file down the teeth on either side of the gap to make room for a bridge. In order to preserve the dental structure remaining in your mouth, we can instead place a single implant and attach a customized crown once your mouth has fully healed.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Implants don’t have to just support individual missing teeth. With a pair of implants, we can place a dental bridge to restore several missing teeth at the same time. Implants can also be used to support partial dentures that replace teeth in several different areas throughout the mouth.
Missing All Teeth
It typically only takes about four to six implant posts to anchor full dentures to your upper or lower jaw. Implant dentures tend to be smaller than traditional ones, leaving more room in your mouth. Also, your new teeth will be permanently held firmly in place to prevent slipping at inconvenient times. Our dental office uses Prettau Zirconia dental restorations for greater durability and strength.
Mini Dental Implants
A mini dental implant is – naturally – far smaller than a normal dental implant. It still provides a stable base for dentures, but it’s often far simpler to place. In many cases, they can eliminate the need for bone grafting, a step that is often necessary if you want to get traditional implants after bone loss has already occurred. They also reduce healing time and require fewer dental office visits. Don’t forget to ask if mini dental implants are an option during your consultation.
Learn More About Mini Dental Implants
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
The dental implant process is personalized based on your unique needs, so the overall cost will be different for each person. On average, the initial cost for dental implants tends to be higher than that of bridges and dentures. The trade-off, though, is that with the right maintenance dental implants can easily last for decades, meaning you won’t have to worry about paying for a replacement every 5 to 7 years; in other words, investing in implants can save you money in the long run.
Dental Implants: An Investment
While dental implants tend to cost more than other options, their benefits are priceless. In fact, because dental implants can last for a lifetime with proper care, you may actually save money in the long run by avoiding replacements. Dental implants also look, feel, and function like your natural smile, allowing you to eat, speak, and laugh with ultimate confidence. Plus, dental implants stimulate your jawbone to prevent it from deteriorating after tooth loss, keeping your facial appearance healthy and full.
Dental Insurance & Dental Implants
Usually, dental insurance does not cover implant treatments, but this will all depend on your plan. In many cases, our friendly front desk staff can find ways to maximize your benefits while minimizing your out-of-pocket spending. Certain aspects of the procedure like your consultation or even necessary preliminary treatments can be covered, but this will vary from plan to plan. The best way to know is to contact our dental office! Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about insurance and cost of your treatment.
The Types of Dental Implants
Drs. Glen and Zachary Goldstein offer different types of dental implants based on your pattern of tooth loss. One of the main variables that can influence your cost is the type of implants that you need. Naturally, getting a single dental implant with one dental crown will cost less than getting numerous dental implants and a full denture. However, implant-dentures are often more cost-effective than single tooth dental implants when it comes to replacing many teeth at once. Additionally, the style, brand, and material of your dental implants will play a role in the final cost of your treatment.
The Stages of Dental Implants Treatment
The dental implant process takes months, but the results allow you to enjoy benefits that last a lifetime. Each stage of the procedure incurs a unique cost that will add up to your total treatment fee. First, you’ll visit Drs. Glen and Zachary Goldstein for a consultation. They will carefully examine your mouth before scheduling your surgery. Next, you’ll receive implants that are surgically placed in your jaw. You must wait at least 3 to 6 months for your implants to fuse to your jawbone, which is a process called osseointegration. After, you’ll come back in to see Drs. Glen and Zachary Goldstein, where they will place your restorations. Lastly, you can walk out of the dental office with a strong, beautiful, and functional smile.
Dental Implants Post-Op Instructions
While you may wish otherwise, you'll need time to recover from dental implant treatment. Your mouth won’t just instantly heal after the placement surgery is done, after all. The good news is that our practice has great dental implant post-op instructions here in Randolph. With these tips and tricks, you can fast-track your recovery and enjoy your new teeth more quickly. Keep reading to learn about them, or call our office soon!
What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery
Once your dental implants are placed, you should leave the forming blood clot alone. Trying to touch or poke it will delay or even reverse your recovery. That means you should stick to the following rules:
- Keep your fingers and tongue away from the surgical site(s) for a few days.
- In the first 24 hours after surgery, don’t smoke tobacco products.
- Don’t use drinking straws for a while, as suction force can dislodge a blood clot.
- Avoid spitting and instead (if necessary) swallow your saliva or use a tissue for dabbing.
Common Side Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement
In the first few days after dental implant placement, you’ll face some mild side effects. These can include:
- Mouth-Related Discomfort – The treatment site may ache once your surgery’s anesthesia fades. Use some store-bought pain relievers to ease this soreness.
- Facial or Gum Swelling – Your face or gums could swell about 72 hours after implant surgery. If they do, please apply a cold compress to reduce the swelling.
- Intermittent Bleeding – Soon after placement, it’s common for the treatment site to bleed slightly. You can lessen this effect by applying gauze and light pressure.
Thankfully, the effects above are temporary and should subside in a few days. Please contact our office if they don’t or if they get worse.
Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery
To recover quickly, you should follow a soft food diet after dental implant surgery. Chewing a tough meal could dislodge your blood clot and delay healing.
For your soft food diet, try having:
- (Non-hot) Soup
- Pasta
- Pudding
- Sweet Potatoes
- Scrambled Eggs
- Yogurt
- Soft Cheese
- Smoothies
- Mashed Potatoes
- Ice Cream
Most patients can resume a normal diet a few weeks after implant surgery (or if they’re up to it). However, you’ll still need to limit the crunchy and tough foods you have. You also shouldn’t chew directly on the implant site(s).
Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene
Your mouth always needs daily cleaning, whether you’re healing from dental implant work or not. Remember to practice good oral hygiene as your treatment site(s) heal. That being said, keep these rules in mind:
- When brushing your teeth twice daily, be careful of the surgical site(s).
- Rinse your mouth twice or thrice daily with salt water. If available, you could also do oral rinses with a prescription mouthwash.
- Don’t use a mouthwash that has a high level of alcohol (i.e., Scope, Listerine, etc.).
What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached
The hard part of treatment is over once your dental crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant. At that point, the most you’ll feel is some sensitivity in your gum tissue – an issue easily managed with pain medication. You shouldn’t face further swelling, bleeding, or extensions in your recovery. Instead, you can go ahead and enjoy your smile!
Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants
After receiving your dental implants, the most important thing for you to do is to keep them safe and healthy for their success. While they’re designed to function exactly like normal teeth, practicing great oral hygiene every day will be essential for their longevity, along with other measures. Our team will provide a guideline on how to take care of your dental implants once you’ve completed your treatment. In the meantime, here’s a brief look at how to maintain your new pearly whites.
Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
Just like with natural teeth, you’ll need to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash every day to keep your dental implants healthy and strong. Cleaning your gum line and underneath it will be especially important, as you won’t want peri-implantitis to develop, which can cause your results to fail. Remember to also use non-abrasive toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrushes so as not to wear down your restoration(s). While your dental implants aren’t vulnerable to bacteria and decay, the rest of your mouth will be, so you’ll need to clean your teeth thoroughly every day.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Since your treatment can help you regain 95% or more of your natural chewing power, you’ll be free to expand your dietary choices. For this reason, it’s best to introduce more nutritious options into your diet, including foods with tougher textures. These may involve fruits, veggies, lean meats, and dairy products. Additionally, by sticking to vitamin-rich meals, you’ll also help promote healthier gums and jawbone tissue, which will only improve the longevity of your new pearly whites.
Break Bad Habits
The last thing you want is to place your dental implants in danger of failure or damage. Other than practicing oral hygiene daily and eating healthy food, you should also avoid poor oral habits that can harm your smile. These can include smoking or using tobacco, biting on your nails, and even chewing on ice. Refraining from these habits can help reduce the chances of your dental implants becoming damaged as well as saving you money in the long run.
Protect Your Dental Implants
Do you enjoy contact sports? Some activities can be physical enough to put your teeth at risk of damage or being knocked out. To protect your dental implants, you should consider investing in custom mouthguards to provide a cushion. Additionally, if you tend to clench or grind your teeth while sleeping, ask our team about nightguards for bruxism to help you from wearing down your restoration(s).
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Besides implementing the above tips, you’ll also want to visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. Not only will these visits involve professional polishing at the end, but we’ll also have the chance to monitor your dental implants and address any underlying problems that can place them and the rest of your smile at risk. By treating things early, you’ll be more likely to enjoy a life with a strong and healthy bite.
Dental Implant Failure & Salvage
One of the amazing benefits of dental implants is that they have a high success rate of more than 95%! Dental implant failure is highly unlikely, but it’s still possible. If you notice that something is wrong with your dental implant, give us a call right away. The quicker we can take a look and examine your smile, the more likely that we will be able to save it with dental implant salvage treatment.
Learn More About Dental Implant Failure & Salvage
Dental Implant FAQs
If you’re struggling with moderate to severe tooth loss, then dental implants can offer the most complete restoration solution. By rebuilding your pearly whites from the roots up, you’ll be able to enjoy a more durable, stable, and longer-lasting replacement option. Even so, you may want to know as much as you can about the treatment before beginning any procedures. For this reason, our team has taken the time to gather and answer several of the most frequently asked questions about these titanium posts. Keep reading or give our office a call today if you want to learn more about dental implants in Randolph or if you don’t see the information you’re looking for.
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
Like any other extensive dental procedure, our team will ensure that your mouth is completely numbed with a local anesthetic before beginning any work. This way you won’t feel much or any discomfort throughout your appointment. Additionally, your jawbone doesn’t have a lot of nerve endings, so you shouldn’t have to worry about experiencing pain during your treatment. That said, you may feel some minor soreness for several days after your surgery. Luckily, this should only be temporary and can be managed by taking over-the-counter pain medications as well as using a cold compress to alleviate discomfort. If any pain persists or worsens over time, be sure to reach out to us right away for help!
Will I Have to Take Off Work for Dental Implant Surgery?
Most people will only need to take off two to three days of work to undergo their dental implant surgery. This is to ensure that they have plenty of time to rest and promote a smoother recovery process. But if your job is more physically demanding, you might consider taking three to four days off instead. Heavy exercise or strenuous activity will divert blood away from the implant site, which can delay healing and interfere with osseointegration. Dr. Goldstein will discuss your situation during your consultation and provide more specific recommendations to ensure you have a comfortable treatment and recovery.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The exact amount of time dental implants can last will mostly depend on the patient’s lifestyle habits and overall health. However, on average, these titanium posts can go as far as several decades to a lifetime! The only way to make the most out of them is to practice proper dental care. This means you’ll want to stick to a good oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash every day. You’ll also want to avoid bad oral habits like chewing on ice, using your teeth as tools, and smoking (which can negatively affect your gum and jawbone health). Be sure to schedule routine checkups and cleanings with our team so that we can monitor your smile and address any developing issues we may detect.
Can I Get Dental Implants If I’m Diabetic?
Your chances of dental implant success will be much higher if you have your diabetes under control. Having high blood sugar can significantly slow down your healing process, making it more challenging for your metal posts to integrate with your bone tissue. For this reason, you’ll want to consult your primary care physician about getting your blood sugar levels in check before undergoing a dental implant procedure.
