Dental implants are a permanent and appealing solution to replace missing or extracted teeth. They are better than other alternatives like bridges because no additional teeth need to be altered to place the new tooth.
To learn more about the benefits of dental implants or to discuss your options with our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Santhosh, we encourage you to contact us today! As an experienced general dentist, Dr. Santhosh Thomas and his staff are proud to perform dental implant procedures for patients in Albany, Guilderland, Latham, NY, and the surrounding Capital District area.
The first part of the process is to install the implant itself, where a screw is placed into the jaw bone. An incision is made in the gum so that the implant can be inserted. Multiple implants can be placed at once if necessary. After the implants are placed the gums are sutured.
The implant must be allowed about 3-6 months to heal, and during this time the jaw bone will form around the implant in a process called osseointegration. During this healing time, you can have temporary crowns installed so that you can eat and speak normally and maintain a proper aesthetic appearance for your smile.
After the implant has healed it is time to place an abutment on the implant. The abutment serves as the base for your new tooth. Once this is placed an impression of the abutment is taken and is used to create your permanent restoration. Some offices have an onsite lab to create the crown, but others will have to send it to an outside lab.
Once the restoration is completed you can return to the office to attach the restoration permanently. Your smile will look just like it used to, and after a short period of getting used to the implant, it will feel just like one of your own teeth.
This is the first time I spent 2 hours at a dentist. Not only that but they apparently did not see that my gum was swollen. I noticed it when I got home. I am still waiting for my cleaning that was scheduled not until April. They keep sending me texts asking me to do a survey.
Curt B.
The staff was excellent and friendly. Dr Thomas also professional, kind and friendly. A very pleasant experience for a dentist visit.
Bruce W.
I love Dr. Thomas and the staff. Been going for years. Very friendly and personable. Keep up the good work!
Donna L.
Went in for a crown, staff was super friendly and quick. Really didn’t wait long and was done in an hour.
Moire S.
Very impressed with my first visit. Attentive doctor, efficient office management, personable staff.
Linda W.