Dental Implants
Syracuse, NY
Dental Implants provided by Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS in Syracuse, NY at Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS
Dental implants can provide a strong, natural-looking way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. At Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS, we help patients explore their tooth replacement options and provide the restorative portion of dental implant treatment.
When implant treatment is appropriate, we coordinate with a trusted dental specialist who performs the surgical placement of the implant. After the implant has healed, our office restores the implant with a custom-made crown or other appropriate restoration designed to blend with your smile and help you regain comfortable function.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small post that serves as an artificial tooth root. It is surgically placed into the jawbone by a dental specialist and allowed time to integrate with the surrounding bone.
Once healing is complete, a restoration is attached to the implant. Depending on your needs, dental implants may be used to support a single crown, a bridge, or certain types of dentures.
A completed implant restoration typically consists of three parts:
The implant post, which is placed in the jawbone by a specialist
The abutment, which connects the implant to the restoration
The crown or other prosthetic restoration, which replaces the visible portion of the missing tooth
How Does the Dental Implant Process Work?
Dental implant treatment is completed in stages and often involves coordination between your general dentist and a dental specialist.
The process generally begins with an evaluation to determine whether dental implants may be a suitable option for replacing your missing teeth. If implant placement is recommended, we will refer you to an appropriate specialist for the surgical phase of treatment.
The specialist will place the implant and monitor healing as the implant integrates with the jawbone. This healing process can take several months.
Once the implant is ready to be restored, you will return to our office. We will take the necessary impressions or digital records and design a restoration that fits securely, functions comfortably, and complements your natural teeth. The completed crown or other restoration is then attached to the implant.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option because they can offer several advantages, including:
A natural appearance
Improved chewing and speaking ability
Stability without relying on neighboring teeth for support
Support for the jawbone in the area of the missing tooth
Long-lasting results with proper care
The ability to replace one tooth, several teeth, or support a larger restoration
Because every patient has different needs, we will discuss whether an implant restoration or another tooth replacement option is most appropriate for you.
Who May Be a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants may be an option for many adults who are missing one or more teeth. Factors such as your oral health, overall health, gum condition, and available bone can affect whether implant treatment is appropriate.
If additional surgical treatment such as bone grafting is needed before implant placement, the specialist handling the surgical phase of your care will discuss those recommendations with you.
Our office can help you understand your restorative options and coordinate your care with the specialist when necessary.
Restoring Your Dental Implant
Our role in implant treatment focuses on restoring the implant after it has been placed and has healed.
The restoration is the portion of the treatment that recreates the visible tooth or teeth. For a single missing tooth, this is commonly an implant-supported crown. For multiple missing teeth, implants may also support a bridge or certain types of dentures.
We carefully plan the restoration to provide a comfortable bite, proper function, and an appearance that blends naturally with the surrounding teeth.
Caring for a Dental Implant Restoration
Although an implant cannot develop a cavity, the gums and tissues surrounding it still require regular care. Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining the health of your implant and restoration.
We recommend:
Brushing thoroughly twice a day
Flossing and cleaning around the implant daily
Keeping regular dental exams and professional cleanings
Avoiding habits that can damage the restoration
Contacting our office if the implant crown feels loose, uncomfortable, or damaged
With consistent home care and routine dental visits, implant restorations can provide many years of comfortable function.
Dental Implant FAQs
Does Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS place dental implants?
We do not perform the surgical placement of dental implants. When implant placement is appropriate, we refer patients to a trusted dental specialist for the surgical portion of treatment. After the implant has healed, our office provides the implant restoration.
What does it mean to restore a dental implant?
Restoring an implant means creating and placing the visible replacement tooth or prosthetic restoration that attaches to the implant. This may include an implant-supported crown, bridge, or another type of restoration depending on your needs.
How long does dental implant treatment take?
The timeline varies for each patient. After an implant is surgically placed by a specialist, it generally needs time to heal and integrate with the jawbone before the final restoration can be completed. Your specialist and our office will coordinate the timing of your treatment.
Will my implant crown look like a natural tooth?
Implant crowns are designed to resemble natural teeth in size, shape, and appearance. We carefully plan your restoration so it complements your surrounding teeth and smile.
How long do implant restorations last?
The lifespan of an implant restoration depends on factors such as oral hygiene, bite forces, general health, and routine dental care. While the implant itself may remain stable for many years, the crown or other restoration can experience normal wear and may eventually need repair or replacement.
Learn More About Dental Implant Restorations
If you are missing one or more teeth, we can help you determine which tooth replacement options may be right for you. If dental implants are recommended, we can coordinate your care with a specialist for implant placement and restore the implant once it is ready.
Call Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS at (315) 800-5020 to schedule an appointment and learn more about dental implant restorations in Syracuse, NY.
