NYP Brooklyn Methodist

SOMETIMES, DENTISTS CAN fix cracked or otherwise damaged teeth with a root canal, crown (a tooth-shaped cap that is cemented over a damaged tooth to hold it together and provide a normal aesthetic) or other treatments. But the crack in Eric's tooth extended below the gum line, so his natural tooth could not be saved. To preserve his smile, Eric's dentist recommended a dental implant. WHEN TEETH ARE MISSING Dental implants are the supports for laboratory-fabricated teeth, which can be used to help replace missing teeth. Fabricated teeth can be either screwed or cemented onto the implant. Oral surgeons or periodontists are the specialists who routinely place dental implants. Cracked teeth rank among the top three reasons that people who have lost permanent teeth need dental implants. Like Eric, people may sustain a sports injury or they may lose a tooth as the result of an accident. Grinding teeth during sleep can also cause cracks severe enough to result in tooth loss. Most commonly, though, people lose teeth due to severe cavities or gum disease. THE 123s OF IMPLANTATION The path to dental implants typically involves three steps: Step 1— A 3-D computed tomography (or CT) scan of the jaw may be performed to make sure that there is enough healthy bone in the jaw to support an implant. Step 2— An in-office procedure is completed to place the implant, which consists of a small titanium screw inserted into the jaw. Over a recovery period of three to six months, the jawbone grows securely around the implant, a process known as osseointegration. Step 3— Following the osseointegration phase, patients return to their dentist, at which time the process of creating the permanent artificial tooth that will cover the implant begins. "People with dental implants can chew normally, and the color of their artificial tooth can be matched closely to the surrounding teeth," says Michael Zidile, D.D.S., board-certified periodontist and an attending dentist at NYM. "I know I've done my job when a patient returns to see me and can't remember which tooth is the implant." H O W T O C A R E F O R I M P L A N T S Unlike natural teeth that have been crowned, artificial implants cannot decay, according to Dr. Zidile. But that doesn't mean regular dental care can be ignored. In rare cases, the gum can become infected near the implant over time, and if left untreated, this can cause gum and bone loss and jeopardize the stabilty of the implant. Dr. Zidile recommends that patients see their dentist or periodontist for annual follow-up x-rays to make certain that no complications have developed. Brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings can also help prevent complications. The overall success rate for dental implants is 92 to 95 percent. When Eric, a 20-year-old recreational hockey player, fell on the ice and cracked his tooth during a weekend practice, he had no idea the injury was severe enough to require pulling his tooth. H E A L T H Y T E E T H T O L A S T A L I F E T I M E The New York Methodist Hospital Department of Dental Medicine's on- site dental clinic treats children and adults of all ages. Services include biannual cleanings, dental implants, implant maintenance and 24-hour care for dental emergencies. Residents training to become general dentists perform these services—often at a greatly reduced cost—under the supervision of board-certified general dentists, periodontists, oral surgeons and other dental healthcare professionals. To schedule a dental appointment, call 718.780.5410. RESTORING SMILES FA L L 2 016 / / W W W.N Y M.O RG 12 A N A T O M Y I N S I D E R 12

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