Dental Implants in Randolph, NJ

Would you like to replace missing teeth but worry that removable dentures look unnatural or won’t provide the secure fit or function you want? There is another option—dental implants.

Dental implants are the tooth replacement that looks and functions the most like a natural tooth. Implants are versatile, too, because our Randolph dentist can use them to replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth in a row, or a full arch of missing teeth. Using as few as four implants, Dr. Christopher Kaplan can design dentures that stay securely in place.

Bone Loss Follows Tooth Loss

Much of your jawbone exists to hold your teeth securely in place. When you lose a tooth, bone in your jaw no longer serves a purpose and begins to atrophy or shrink. Once bone is lost, it’s gone for good, and this is one reason dentists recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth.

Bone loss in your jaw is a problem because, as it shrinks, it threatens the stability of adjacent teeth and may even lead to further tooth loss. Because your jawbone also helps support and fill out your facial features, bone loss can also give your face a hollow or sunken appearance that ages you beyond your years.

Dental Implants Help Prevent Bone Loss

A dental implant is the only tooth replacement that replaces a missing tooth root with a titanium post implanted surgically in your jaw. With the implant taking up the function of the lost root, bone in your jaw continues to regenerate, keeping it strong and healthy and keeping surrounding teeth stable.

Steps for Getting a Dental Implant in Randolph, NJ

The first step is an evaluation with our dental implant appointment at Randolph Dental Associates, so Dr. Kaplan can see if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. If you and Dr. Kaplan decide you are, the next step is to have the implant post placed surgically in your jaw. This part of the process is performed by a top specialist in our area with whom Dr. Kaplan coordinates to plan your implant placement.

Once the implant is placed in your jaw, the next step is a healing period where the titanium implant fuses securely with bone and tissue around it. This process is called osseointegration and takes anywhere from four to six months to complete.

If this seems like a long time to wait, consider that during this time, the implant is becoming part of your dental structure, and with proper care, can last a lifetime.

Restoring Your Dental Implant

Once the implant integrates fully with your jaw, Dr. Kaplan attaches a piece to it called an abutment that connects the implant to the dental restoration we place on top of it. The final step in the implant process is to secure a customized crown, bridge, or full or partial denture to the implant. If you need to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, ask us about All-on-4 dentures, where we can place as few as four implants to hold your full denture securely in place. You will be able to confidently show off your beautiful smile again and chew comfortably again.

Schedule a Dental Implant Appointment

Would you like to see if you are a candidate for dental implants? Call our Randolph dentist to schedule an appointment so we can get the process started and get you on your way to a complete, healthy smile.