Missing teeth can be embarrassing, causing people to hide their smile and lose their self-esteem. The space that missing teeth create can easily become infected with bacteria, causing other teeth to shift out of place, and making it difficult for people to speak or eat correctly. The team at VSN Dental PC are sensitive to the hardship a missing tooth can create. We provide dental implants so that our patients can regain their self-confidence, improve their health, and approach life boldly.
Installing implants is a complex procedure that requires us to replace their missing teeth in a safe and natural way. We know that there are multiple dental providers to choose from, so the team at VSN Dental PC are constantly looking for ways to improve the overall experience of our patients. Our office is located in Manalapan and we offer patients the opportunity to restore missing teeth in a way that looks natural and beautiful.
The Process of Installing Implants
If one or more of your teeth fall out, you may qualify for dental implants as a way to permanently replace the missing teeth. In order to find out, schedule an appointment with our Manalapan dentist office by calling (732) 795-5172. We will examine your mouth and jawbone to determine if the procedure is right for you. Before we begin the procedure, your gums need to be healthy, and your jawbone needs to be strong. If we identify any cavities or signs of gum disease, we will need to treat it prior to the dental implant procedure.
Once you are cleared for the procedure, the staff at VSN Dental PC will take an impression of your mouth to create a new tooth in a dental lab. Each synthetic tooth will match the size and shape of the surrounding teeth, along with having a perfect color match. This way your smile will appear completely natural once we complete the procedure. Many patients are satisfied with the results since no one can tell the difference between which teeth are real and which ones are synthetic.
Teeth restored with implants will not get cavities. A replacement tooth, or crown, does not decay like a natural tooth. However, you still need to brush, floss and care for it and your surrounding natural teeth in the same manner as natural teeth. Regular professional cleanings and dental checkups are also essential.
There is 40 years of data behind dental implants, with success rates of about 98 percent
Manalapan Dental Implants
The next step in the procedure is to implant a metal post under the gum line. This aspect of the procedure is what sets an implant apart from other forms of cosmetic dentistry. The metal post is secured to the jawbone in order to create a durable, synthetic root system that rivals the strength of natural roots; with one exception that the metal cannot face infection. Over the course of a couple of months, the metal post and jawbone will fuse together. This creates a level of durability that cannot be replicated in other types of procedures.
Afterward, we will secure the new synthetic tooth to the metal post at the surface of the gums. The new tooth is attached so securely, that patients can eat their favorite foods, maintain an active lifestyle, play sports, and more, without fear of their tooth becoming loose or falling out. Patients can enjoy the benefits that come from never having to worry about their tooth again.
The team at VSN Dental PC provide dental implants in a way that is comfortable and functional. We take the time to make sure that every aspect of the procedure is completed correctly – the first time.
Caring for Dental Implants
Once implants have been installed, they are extremely easy to care for. We hear patients throughout Manalapan ask questions that range from "Do implants come out" to "How do I brush my teeth". Fortunately, the answers are not as complex as some people might believe. Since we install dental implants by creating a synthetic root system, they are durable and secure. The dental implants will not fall out or become loose. This means you can go play basketball, run in a 10k marathon, and wrestle with your kids – without worrying about your tooth coming out.
In order to care for your implants, we advise patients to brush and floss their teeth throughout the day like normal. Additionally, it is important to schedule dental exams and cleanings with Dr. Vlad Shikhmanter at least twice a year. The staff at VSN Dental PC will help to clean your teeth and ensure that they stay healthy. While dental implants cannot become infected themselves, the teeth around them can. If, in the future, you suffer from a severe case of gum disease or a dental abscess, the infection can spread into your jawbone. This puts your implants in jeopardy because in order to stay secure, the jawbone must be in good health. If it becomes infected, your dental implants and all of your teeth will be in jeopardy.
If you currently have implants and your teeth start to hurt, call (732) 795-5172 to schedule an appointment immediately. This way we can identify any infection and treat it before it can spread into the jawbone. As long as you follow these simple preventative care steps, your implants and natural teeth should remain in good health.
Teeth restored with implants will not get cavities. A replacement tooth, or crown, does not decay like a natural tooth. However, you still need to brush, floss and care for it and your surrounding natural teeth in the same manner as natural teeth. Regular professional cleanings and dental checkups are also essential.
Manalapan Implant Dentist
Our qualifications as an implant dentist
While most general dentists provide some options for tooth replacement, only an implant dentist can replace both your tooth and your root. This is a surgical procedure where a titanium post is implanted under your gums and secured to your jawbone. The bone and metal will eventually fuse together through the process of osseointegration creating a strong and durable new root system that the tooth can be secured to. Since this is done surgically, it is important that you visit a dentist that has received additional training on how to complete the procedure quickly and efficiently. This will ensure that you do not spend longer than necessary in the dental chair and that you can recover quickly. Otherwise, your recovery process could be unnecessarily prolonged due to a lack of experience by the dentist completing your procedure. While there is no standardized training or accreditation program for an implant dentist, we have completed additional courses in addition to graduating from dental school. Also, the number of dental implants that are placed by an cosmetic dentist are significantly higher than the number of procedures performed by a traditional family dentist. As with any surgery, the more often a dentist completes the procedure, the faster and more accurate they will be at doing so. For this reason, if you live in Manalapan, NJ or the surrounding area, we invite you to call (732) 795-5172 and schedule an appointment for a consultation. During your appointment, we can answer your questions and provide you with more information regarding the number of procedures we perform and the additional training that we have received.
Why are implants better than dentures or dental bridges?
As an implant dentist, we can replace both the root and tooth. When you use dentures or a dental bridge to replace teeth, they only replace the visible portion of the tooth. While an effective way to restore your smile and ability to eat and speak, this does not provide the level of stimulation that your jawbone needs to prevent resorption. Your root and tooth stimulate your jawbone every time that you bite down and chew. This informs the body that your jaw is serving its purpose by supporting your teeth. Without teeth, your body will begin to leach calcium from your jawbone to distribute to other areas of the body. The loss of bone density can give you a sunken appearance and make you appear far older than you actually are. By placing dental implants in our dental office, we can restore your lost tooth while preserving your jawbone and facial appearance at the same time. No other solution is as effective at doing so.
The procedures we perform
As an implant dentist, we have several types of implant procedures that we perform. The one that we recommend will be based on the density of your jawbone.
Traditional Dental Implants
To qualify for this procedure, you need to have sufficient density in your jawbone, which makes it necessary to visit us quickly after tooth loss. We begin by sedating you, to help you remain comfortable and not feel anything. Very often, we put patients to sleep because it can take several hours to place all of the implants. This is a surgical procedure where we insert a titanium post under the gums and secure it to the jawbone in the place where each missing tooth was. The titanium post creates a new root that the tooth will eventually be secured to. The process of osseointegration should take place first to ensure that the new tooth has maximum stability. Since it can take a couple of months to complete the procedure, many of our patients will wear a temporary denture to give them a somewhat natural looking smile until the new tooth is secured to the implant. After the surgery, you will need to be careful with what you eat for a few days since your gums will be sore. Once the process has been completed, you will be able to eat all of your favorite foods without restriction. As an implant dentist, we can provide you with the sturdiest and most durable tooth replacement solution available today.
All-on-4
At VSN Dental PC, our team offers the All-on-4 procedure for patients that do not qualify for traditional dental implants or those that are looking for a faster solution to tooth loss. This procedure can be completed in two appointments. The first appointment is to take an impression of your mouth and to take measurements so that a new set of teeth can be created. The teeth will look natural and beautiful while being attached to synthetic gums, similar to how dentures are created. The difference is that this set of teeth snaps in place, secured to a set of four implants. When you come in for the second appointment, the four implants are placed, and the new set of teeth are secured to them. You can leave with a full set of natural looking teeth that are incredibly durable. If you live in the Manalapan, NJ area, we invite you to call (732) 795-5172 and learn more about this procedure. For those looking for a fast solution to tooth loss, this is a fantastic option that will remain in place when you speak, eat and engage in high impact activities. To get started, visit our Manalapan dental office today.
Ancient dental implants have been traced back to around 600 AD, when tooth-like pieces of shell were hammered into the jaw of a Mayan woman. Thank goodness for contemporary dentistry!
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants
If you have ever wondered, "Am I a candidate for dental implants?" we encourage you to call (732) 795-5172 and schedule an appointment with our Manalapan, NJ dental office. Dr. Vlad Shikhmanter can conduct an examination and take X-rays to determine if you qualify for implant surgery, and if not, what it will take to get you there. At VSN Dental PC, we will work with you to come up with the best way to replace your missing teeth, even if that means conducting additional procedures to ensure that you do qualify.
Am I a candidate for dental implants if I have crowded teeth?
Yes, you are. However, you may need to wear an orthodontic solution to create space for the implant first. It is unwise to attempt to place an implant when there is not sufficient space. Placing a dental implant without the proper amount of space will only exacerbate the challenges you have. It is important to time the procedure correctly and properly place the implant in an area that we prepare to support the implant. Since the process requires oral surgery, it pays to do it right the first time.
Is there a cutoff age for dental implants?
No, but there are a few requirements for dental implants that people of various ages may not meet. While we treat older patients and we believe it is never too late to improve a smile, the patient needs to have sufficient bone density to support a dental implant. Patients who wear dentures for a long time before seeking dental implants may struggle with a jaw bone that cannot properly support the dental implant. In this case, a mini-dental implant may be more appropriate. With a mini-dental implant, the metal post is shorter, requiring less bone structure to secure the implant.
Do I qualify if I have crooked teeth?
Certainly. At VSN Dental PC, we treat patients who have crooked teeth. In many cases, our patients will begin an orthodontic treatment and receive a dental implant when it is nearly complete. That way, space can be created for the implant if necessary. Simultaneously, when the procedures are combined, your smile will be greatly improved. In rare cases, existing teeth do not respond like they should to an orthodontics treatment like braces or aligners. In this situation, a professional may recommend having that one particular tooth removed and replaced with a dental implant. This is something we can discuss with you in our Manalapan dental office.
Can I get implants if I have an over/under-bite?
Yes. The position of your bite does not necessarily impact whether or not you qualify for dental implants. However, we will typically recommend that you consider solutions to address this issue. By first aligning your jaw, you can correct both the appearance and functionality of your smile.
Are implants the right solution for missing teeth?
Absolutely. Dental implants were designed to replace missing teeth. Whether you have lost one or several teeth due to age, infection, decay, or damage, we can replace them with durable dental implants. Dental implants are the only solution that replaces both your missing root and tooth. We will secure a titanium post to your jawbone and, through the process of osseointegration, the jaw will provide the same level of stability to your replacement tooth that it did to your natural one. Patients appreciate how durable this solution is and how it allows them to maintain an active lifestyle while eating all their favorite foods. If you are simultaneously evaluating dentures or a dental bridge, consider how dental implants can positively impact your lifestyle and then call (732) 795-5172 to schedule an appointment with VSN Dental PC.
Can I get implants if I have gum disease?
For your health, no. It is much better to wait until you go through the necessary treatment to eliminate the gum disease. Healthy gums are critical for this procedure since we need to cut into the gums to place the metal implant. Any existing infection can decrease the success rate of the procedure and extend your recovery process. When you visit our Manalapan dental office, we will let you know if we discover any signs of gum disease and present you with a treatment plan to address it.
Am I a candidate for dental implants if I have cavities?
Not yet, but you can be. In our dental office, we can treat your cavities by removing tooth decay and restoring your teeth. We can complete this procedure fairly quickly and decide if the teeth are healthy enough or if dental implants are necessary. At VSN Dental PC, we also want to ensure your mouth is healthy prior to starting a procedure of this magnitude.
Am I a candidate for dental implants if my teeth fell out a long time ago?
At VSN Dental PC, we treat patients in all stages of life and often work with seniors who receive dentures after tooth loss and now feel dissatisfaction with the results. While dentures are effective, they have a level of inconvenience. Patients need to take the dentures out to clean and soak them on a regular basis. In other situations, patients can struggle with the dentures slipping out on accident. Unfortunately, after losing an adult tooth, the body goes through the process of resorption. Through resorption, the body leaches calcium from the jawbone for use elsewhere. A patient who has lost teeth may not have a jawbone that is dense enough for the procedure. In this case, we may need to perform a bone graft or refer you to specialist for one. The other solution to consider would be mini-dental implants, where the actual post is shorter, requiring less bone density to remain in place.
Dental implants are by far the best solution for tooth loss. A dental implant can look so natural that other people may not be able to tell which tooth is the replacement. It is also durable enough to allow you to engage in high impact activities, like running a marathon or singing in the choir without worrying about your tooth becoming loose. With dental implants, you will also be able to eat all of your favorite foods. Patients are able to smile with confidence after getting dental implants.
Dental Implant Surgery: What to Expect From the Actual Procedure
During the surgery, we will insert a titanium post under the gums and secure it to the jawbone. The bone and metal will fuse together through the process of osseointegration, creating a durable root system to attach your new tooth (crown).
On the day you visit our New Jersey dental office for surgery, you will be given anesthesia so you will not feel anything while we place the implant. The procedure itself can take anywhere from 30 minutes for a single implant to several hours. If you are replacing multiple teeth with implants, we will let you know how long the process will take and whether or not it will take two appointments.
Post-Operation Care for Dental Implants
Since dental implant surgery is an invasive process, you can expect to have some swelling and sensitivity after the fact. While perfectly natural, you must take good care of your mouth in order to prevent an infection or unnecessary irritation. We suggest taking ibuprofen to decrease swelling and manage discomfort. You can also use an icepack or cold compress for 15 minutes at a time. At VSN Dental PC, we generally recommend taking a couple of days off work while you are recovering. After two to five days, you will feel normal again; though your gums may remain slightly sensitive for a little longer.
Implant FAQ
Q. I need to replace two missing teeth next to each other. Can I just have one implant placed and attach it to one of my natural teeth and make a bridge?
A. Generally, this is not a good idea. We find that it is generally much better not to attach implants to teeth. We frequently attach implants to each other, which can improve strength and works well. So in a case like this, although it may be more expensive in the short term to place two implants instead of one, the long-term success is likely to be much better with the two implants.
Q. I lost my upper back teeth on one side and have gone for years without doing anything about it. My sinuses always seem to bother me more on that side than on the side that I have back teeth. Could these problems be related to one another?
A. In a large majority of people who are missing their upper back teeth for a long period of time, is the increasing downward growth of the maxillary sinus. At birth, it is the size of a pea and progressively grows as the skull matures. This growth is at the expense of the surrounding bone. If you are considering replacing those upper back teeth with fixed teeth that stay in all the time, it may be necessary to perform a sinus elevation procedure to allow room for placement of dental implants into this area to support those teeth. This involves placement of bone and/or bone substitutes into an area which was previously occupied by the lower part of the maxillary sinus. Most importantly, this procedure increases the available bone use to place implants and restore the missing back teeth.
Q. I've had dentures for several years and have lost a lot of jawbone. My lower dentures are floaters and I need help. Is there still hope for me?
A. In most cases, with the new options available today in the field of dental implants, some form of treatment is possible. We encourage people to get help as soon as possible if they are already having some problems with their current situation. These problems include excessive use of denture adhesives, chewing only soft food, unable to taste some foods, constant mouth sores, unhappy with the appearance of one's teeth and bite position (in some cases the nose and chin getting closer together). The sooner we correct the problems with dental implants, the more choices one has available for treatment. If you have any or all of the above symptoms, implants can very well be the answer for you.
Q. I am missing all of my teeth and am now wearing a full upper and lower denture. I can no longer tolerate my lowers. Will I need an implant for every tooth I am replacing on the lower jaw?
A. It is not necessary to have an implant for every tooth that is being replaced. The number of implants necessary to provide support depends on the type of implants used and the type of teeth (removable vs. non- removable) that will be attached to the implants. A thorough oral exam and panoramic x-ray is all that is necessary in most cases, to determine which implant can be used and how many must be used. Sometimes additional X-rays or CT scans are used in more complicated cases.
Q. I consulted a dentist several years ago about using implants to replace my lower denture and he told me that I did not have adequate bone available to place enough in-the-bone implants without danger of fracturing my now fragile jawbone. Are there any alternatives?
A. Because of the advances in the field of implantology, there are now more choices and techniques. It is rare for a person to not be able to receive an implant or a combination of implants. Today we have available many types of implants designed to accommodate multiple problems.
Q. I had a root canal on a tooth that fractured and now it has to be removed. Can it be replaced with an implant or do I have to have a bridge or a partial?
A. Teeth that have root canals can fracture more easily than other teeth because they are weaker and somewhat dehydrated. They can sometimes be as brittle as glass. In the past, the best available treatment was to remove the tooth and file down the adjacent teeth to make a bridge - caps on the adjacent teeth with an attached "dummy" tooth between. Sometimes this still is the only way. However, in many cases an implant can replace the fractured tooth and we will not need to grind down a tooth to at all.
Dental Implant Recovery FAQ
Here are a few questions we are regularly asked in our dental office.
Q. What can I eat after oral surgery?
A. We recommend you eat foods that are soft and easy to chew or that require no chewing at all. A perfect example would be yogurt, warm soup, ice cream, smoothies, and steamed vegetables. We can provide you with a more detailed list during a consultation. Also be sure to avoid foods that are difficult to chew, like steak, or things that are sharp, like tortilla chips, since they can further irritate your gum tissue.
Q. How long before I am back to normal?
A. Most patients report feeling normal within a week of dental implant surgery. The first couple of days will be the most uncomfortable, but every day you should feel slightly better. Ibuprofen or Tylenol can usually be enough to increase your comfort.
Q. Is there any pain after dental implant surgery?
A. When you visit our dental office, we will discuss pain management with you. We will give you anesthesia during the actual procedure so you can relax and feel comfortable during the entire process. Afterward, you can take over-the-counter medication to manage your pain. By following the directions, you will remain fairly comfortable. The key is to stay ahead of your discomfort, so if the bottle says that you can take two pills every four hours – take them every four hours. As long as you do so, you will be able to go through your day without any severe discomfort.
Q. Will my new tooth be attached right away?
A. When you come in for a consultation, we can provide you with a good idea of when we can attach your new tooth. For the most part, we wait until the process of osseointegration takes place and the titanium post integrates into the jawbone. This provides the most durable base to attach your new crown to. Typically, this process can take anywhere from three to six months to complete. However, there are other options we can explore if you are on a tight timeframe. To ensure your smile is intact while you wait, we can provide you with a temporary denture to wear. We will attach the denture using wires, similar to a retainer. You can remove the denture whenever you want to. This way, your smile will appear intact until we are ready to secure your new tooth (crown) in place. We will schedule you for a follow up visit to inspect your implant and give you a better idea of how the healing process is going at that time.
Q. Can dental implants replace my dentures?
A. Yes, at VSN Dental PC, we place implants on a regular basis. Patients who are tired of wearing removable dentures and want something more permanent can benefit from dental implants. Since dentures can easily slip out of place, switching to implants can make it easier to eat, speak, and engage in normal daily activities. If you have worn dentures for some time, you may be suffering from resorption. If this is the case, your jawbone may not have sufficient density to support an implant. When this happens, we may recommend a bone graft prior to beginning. To discuss this further, call (732) 795-5172 and schedule an examination. After physically examining your teeth and taking X-rays, we can create a full treatment plan for you.
Q. Dental Implant Surgery - What to Expect From Your Consultation
A. Before you can begin, we need to examine you and take X-rays to determine the density of your jawbone. This appointment will be non-invasive and comfortable. We can present you with all of the options available to you and discuss the ins and outs of each treatment solution. This will allow you to ask questions and select the option that is best for you. To begin, call our Manalapan dental office at (732) 795-5172.
Questions to Ask at Your Dental Implants Consultation
At VSN Dental PC, we provide dental implants as a permanent solution to tooth loss that can restore both the appearance and function of our patients' smiles. If you have lost a tooth due to an accident, infection, or age, we encourage you to call (732) 795-5172 and schedule an appointment with our dental office. We will be happy to answer any questions that you have after completing an examination and taking X-rays. Here are some questions you should ask so that you can become comfortable with the procedure and be confident in the dentist that you have chosen to work with.
What type of experience do you have to make the process go smoothly?
Whenever you visit a dentist for a major restorative procedure, you should ask about their experience both educationally and clinically. It is important to work with a dentist that performs the implant procedure on a regular basis since this will increase the likelihood of the procedure going smoothly.
Do you complete the entire process in-house or do you work with an oral surgeon?
Each dentist office has a different process. Some will perform the entire procedure, including the placing of the implant and attaching the crown in-house, while others will only attach the crown. This makes it important to find out whether you will need to work with multiple providers or if you will see the same dentist from start to finish.
Can you restore my existing dental implant if the crown is damaged?
If you already have dental implants but have damaged the crown (tooth portion) of one of them, you may qualify for a dental restoration that leaves the implanted portion alone. This is the most convenient and affordable way to address the problem. Therefore, find out if a dentist offers restorative solutions before starting the procedure.
What are the requirements to qualify for a dental implants procedure?
At VSN Dental PC, we place dental implants in patients for a variety of reasons. One of the key, qualifying factors is health. If you have any other oral health problems, these will need to be addressed first. Since this is a surgical procedure, it is important to start the process with healthy teeth and gums. The other qualifying factor is bone density. We will take X-rays in our Manalapan dental office to determine if your bone is dense enough for secure implant placement. If it is not, we can discuss other options such as bone grafts.
How long does the process take?
That depends on how many implants you are having placed. It can take up to an hour to place each metal implant. This is why if you are having a lot of teeth replaced, you may need to visit us several times. Once the metal post has been implanted, you will need to wait a couple of months for the process of osseointegration to take place. This is where the metal and bone fuse together to provide a sturdy, synthetic root system for your new tooth. You will not feel anything while this is taking place but waiting is important to ensure that your final tooth is as durable as a natural one would be. When ready, we will attach the new crown (tooth) to an abutment that is secured to your implant. This appointment will be much shorter.
How will the process of receiving dental implants impact my job or taking care of my kids?
When you are scheduled for the surgical portion of the procedure, you will need to take a couple of days off of work. Ideally, we recommend that you visit our dental office at the end of the week so that you can recover over the weekend. Your gums will be sensitive and sore for a few days but if you have the procedure on Thursday, you should be highly functional at work on Monday. As for taking care of children, you can certainly do so after the procedure but we do recommend getting some rest the day of so that your body can focus on recovery.
What is the recovery like?
At VSN Dental PC, we recommend that you prepare for recovery by putting soft ice packs in the freezer, buying ibuprofen, and soft foods that you can eat. For a few days, your gums will be sore so the ice and ibuprofen will help to reduce any swelling while eating soft foods will help to prevent discomfort. After a few days, you should begin to feel better and start to eat regular foods though you should still avoid anything sharp. Since there is a delay between when the metal implant is placed and when the new tooth is attached, we often provide patients with a temporary denture to wear so that their smile appears intact while waiting for the procedure to be completed.
What are the final results like with a dental implant compared to a bridge or dentures?
Be sure to ask about the final results and what you can expect for your particular situation. Scientifically, an implant is the most secure and durable tooth replacement solution that you can find because it derives strength from the jawbone. By comparison, a bridge relies on your other teeth to hold the bridge in place and dentures are removable which means that they can come loose.
What costs are involved with an implant procedure?
Initially, you will have the pre-operative expense of examinations and X-rays, which most insurance companies will cover. The actual procedure will have the expense of placing the implant and the anesthesia that is used to keep you comfortable. Finally, there is a cost associated with creating and placing the tooth portion of the implant (dental crown). We can give you an exact breakdown of the cost, something that you should request from every dentist.
Do I have to pay for this in cash or are there financing options?
Unless you can afford to pay for the procedure in cash, it is important to visit a dentist that offers financing solutions or payment plans since this is a more costly, restorative solution.
Consultation
In order to find out if implants are right for you, call (732) 795-5172. The team at VSN Dental PC are friendly, welcoming, and will take the time to inform you of all of your options. We will make a detailed recommendation about the best choice for your oral health by customizing it to your needs. Just remember that you can have a beautiful and natural looking smile by working with a professional implant dentist. If you are suffering from missing teeth, we can help you by transforming your smile. Schedule an appointment and let us transform your smile into something as beautiful as you are.