Losing a tooth isn't something you expect to happen. Whether it's due to an accident, decay, or infection, tooth loss can bring uncertainty and decreased self-confidence. Dental implants are considered the gold standard for replacing broken or missing teeth — a long-term, reliable treatment we offer at Damore Dentistry in Turnersville, NJ.
Dental implants have been used since the 1950s and have a proven track record as a safe, successful way to replace teeth. Whether you're missing one tooth or many, implants can work on their own or together with dentures and bridges to give you stability and better oral health.
A dental implant is a medical-grade titanium “root” placed below the gums and into the jaw bone, followed by a dental crown for full functionality and a natural appearance. As it heals, the implant fuses with your jawbone, stimulating new bone growth — restoring your tooth while improving your overall oral health and preventing other teeth from shifting.
Unlike dental bridges, which require altering the adjacent healthy teeth, implants stand on their own — they can't get a cavity and are easier to keep clean.
We always try to save injured or decayed teeth, but it isn't always possible. If a fracture reaches below the gum line, the tooth is vulnerable to infection, decay, and further fracturing. Dr. Damore and our team are experts at replacing unsalvageable teeth, and for most people an implant is the ideal solution because it improves your oral health rather than compromising it.
With a dental bridge, the teeth beside the gap must be crowned, which is dental work you will eventually need to replace. Implants don't require changes to any other teeth, can't get a cavity, and are easier to clean than bridges. Even if you lost a tooth to decay or infection, you could likely benefit from an implant.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post that mimics your natural tooth root, an abutment that connects the post to an artificial tooth, and a dental crown that matches your other teeth. The outpatient process typically spans three to four appointments over four to six months:
If you've broken a tooth or lost one to decay or infection, Dr. Damore recommends replacing it as soon as possible. Once a tooth is lost, the jaw bone begins to reabsorb. That puts neighboring teeth at risk of shifting, which could require orthodontics later, and it can contribute to a sunken, less youthful look in the cheek or jaw. Even if you've been missing a tooth for a while, an implant can still help.
Patients love implants as an alternative to dentures or bridges because they don't shift or decay. They improve your oral health while providing a natural, long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
Dental implants tend to work best for patients who want to replace one or more missing teeth, have a fully grown jawbone and good oral health, don't smoke, would prefer not to wear dentures, have adequate bone in the implant area (or can have a bone graft), and can commit to the full implant process long-term.
Implant-supported dentures anchor a denture securely to two or more implants, eliminating the shifting and looseness that traditional dentures are known for, while still being removable for cleaning and sleeping. Implant-supported bridges use four or more implants to permanently fasten a full bridge in place — sometimes completed the same day as surgery.
Dental implants have a very high success rate. With good care, an implant “root” can last 20 years or even a lifetime. We'll check your crown, bridge, or denture at your yearly exams and let you know if it's ever time for a replacement.