If you’ve reached a moment in your life where you need to decide on a tooth replacement option you may be unsure of what your options actually are. After all, who spends a lot of time thinking about how to replace their teeth? The good news is you don’t have to settle for dentures anymore. In fact choosing dental implants on Long Island is a realistic expectation for everyone!

With continued advancements in dental technology procedures like implants are offered to a larger group of patients than they have ever been offered to before. If you need to replace one tooth implants offer a solution that wont’ intrude on neighboring teeth. If you are missing multiple teeth implants give you confidence in knowing your partials or dentures won’t slip when you eat, talk or laugh.

In fact implants are the preferred replacement option for:

• Replacing one or more teeth without
• Supporting a bridge
• Removing the need for a removable partial denture
• Providing support for a full denture

Types of Dental Implants and How they Work

There are two types of implants available;

1.       Endosteal or in the bone implants

2.       Subperiosteal or on the bone.

Endosteal is the most commonly used implant and are surgically placed into the jawbone. The implant is then used to hold prosthetic teeth and is often used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures.

Subperiosteal are placed on top of the jaw with metal posts protruding through the gum to hold prosthesis. These are ideal for patients with minimal bone height who are unable to wear conventional dentures.

Why You Should Choose Implants

Perhaps one of the most referenced reasons for choosing implants is esthetic reasons. Implants secure in place and look more natural in your mouth than removal partials or dentures.  When you smile your implants are matched so perfectly that no one will even notice which teeth are not your natural teeth.

Next in line is the tooth-saving quality of implants. Being secured directly in the bone implants are not dependent on adjacent teeth, preserving the long-term health of natural teeth. Additionally the implant serves as a preservative in the jawbone in the same manner as your tooth root would and prevents the breakdown of bone tissue.

Beyond appearance and tooth-saving abilities is the reliability the actual implant. The success and fail rate of implants is highly predictable and considered an excellent option for tooth replacement. You’ll have more confidence when eating, talking and laughing with your friends knowing your replacement option is secure and not going anywhere.

Are Implants Right for You

As implant dentistry continues to improve more and more patients are considered good candidates for implants. In years past patients had to naturally have ideal bone health among other factors. Now procedures like bone grafts and soft tissue grafts help those with less than ideal tissue improve their chances of success.

If you are considering dental implants on Long Island as your tooth replacement  but still have questions as to whether they are right for you contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com to learn more. He his skilled in modern implant dentistry and can answer your questions today.

As cosmetic dentistry continues to grow in popularity more and more Americans are doing their research to learn more. But for some of us learning the cost is as far as we can go because our budgets just can reach that high.

Dental implants on Long Island can be costly but they don’t have to be out of your reach.  With a little diligence on your part you’ll find there are options available to help you foot the bill for that naturally beautiful smile.

Dental Implants for the Limited Budget

The most common options available today include:

• Discount dental plans: Many offices offer discount plans to new patients or even existing patients that are interested in extensive work.  For many you can receive discounts from 20% to 30% off the normal costs just by asking your dental practitioner what’s available through them.
• Dental schools: This is a teaching school where students are learning the specialized skills of modern dentistry. Contact your local dental school to see if they offer any program for dental implants. You may need to wait a little longer than a private practice but the saved costs can make it well worth your wait.
• Financial assistance: Most dental offices offer payment plans for patience in need and your implant dentist is likely no different. Typically there are two options available including an interest free payment plan or outside financing.
• Dental tourism: This option puts a unique twist of visiting abroad! More and more American’s are seeking dental procedures overseas at nearly half the cost of the United States. Countries such as Asia, South America and Europe are a few of the hot spots highly sought after for implant dentistry.

If your smile is in need of a make-over don’t let money keep you from giving it a try. Do a little homework, talk with your dental practitioner and consider alternatives like dental tourism to help fit cosmetic dentistry into your budget.

If you want to consult with a local Suffolk County Periodontist about getting dental implants on Long Island contact Dr. Scharf. He’s skilled in modern advancements for both implant dentistry and periodontal disease. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Each year the Academy of Periodontology holds the annual meetings for continued education as Periodontists across the globe strive to be the best they can in modern practices. With so many areas to cover off this year’s leaders chose to emphasize the use of dental implants be it on Long Island or the other side of the country.

The motivation behind this focused course stems from long-term evidence on the benefits from combining clinical efficiency with technological advances. The ongoing advancements in technology include improved designs and surface technology, prefabricated abutments, digital impressions and CAD technology.

From Beginning to Success!

When implant dentistry first found its ground not everyone was a candidate to receive them.  Some patients found they didn’t have enough bone density to secure implants and had to settle for traditional dentures no matter how cumbersome they were.

But it wasn’t long before dental practitioners started seeking ways to offer implants to a more of their patients. With the discovery of bone grafts and sinus lifts patients previously turned away due to significant bone loss were able to be considered for dental implants.

Through research and study Periodontists soon met the next major milestone of improving success rates by minimizing the risks for implant failure. Improved implant designs such as mini implants, prefabricated abutments and improved digital scans all work together to improve success rates.

Implant Dentistry Today

Modern implantology offers a variety of implant procedures to help improve success rates for everyone. From implants in a day to the all on four there are a variety of options that can meet your needs. Traditional implant dentistry doesn’t have to follow the same routine for every patient!

If you would like to learn more about dental implants on Long Island contact Dr. Scharf. He’s a licensed Periodontist specializing in modern implant dentistry and can help you determine of implants are right for you. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

In February 2011 Journal of Periodontology published a study that looked at concerns of Ear, Nose and Throat specialists in regards to performing CT scans prior to having a sinus. What they found was that the majority of ENT specialists felt receiving a scan was critical when receiving dental implants on Long Island.

While the type of radiograph is not yet decided better than 50% of ENT specialists agree a pre-surgery scan is in the best interest of the patient. Specialists state that detailed scans can help identify potential problem areas such as prior sinus surgery, severe sinus inflammation, nasal/sinus obstruction and oral-antral fistulation.

What Is A Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift is a delicate surgery that involves grafting bone material into the upper jaw in an effort to increase the density of the bone. This is done in preparation for implant surgery and is necessary for patients with narrow jawbones who otherwise would not be able to sustain implants.

To make room for the bone the sinus membrane has to be moved upward. This is done by making a cut in the gums and carving an oval “window” into the bone to gain access to the sinus membrane. It is then gently pushed up and out of the way. Bone graft material is added and the opening stitched closed.

Collecting Grafting Material?

The bone used can be collected from you or a cadaver. If your own bone is being used your Periodontist will try and collect bone shavings from your own jaw. Sometimes however it is necessary to collect the bone from another location including your hip or tibia.

Follow-up Care

Once the sinus lift is complete it will take roughly four to nine months before the graft will be completely hard and ready to secure an implant.  Your Periodontist will provide you with detailed instructions on proper care to ensure optimal healing time.

Some Periodontists like to use a growth hormone that is collected from protein rich plasma in your blood. This is mixed with the bone grafting material prior to placing it in the upper jaw. It is believed that this growth hormone helps speed up healing times and can be beneficial in healthy bone development.

How CT Scans Help

Having a CT scan prior to a sinus lift can help your surgeon identify potential complications before they become a problem. It can serve as a map that will direct the best treatment approach and potential healing times.

If you want to learn more about how a sinus lift is used in relation to receiving dental implants on Long Island contact Dr. Scharf. He’s a licensed Periodontist with years of implant dentistry under his belt. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

So what does it mean to be young and wearing dentures? It means that you’re going to suffer bone loss at a much earlier age than others, and if you desire implants you may be turned away. At least this is what happened to me in my early 30’s when I decided I was too young to fuss with removable dentures. But, I was informed that I had lost too much bone density to hold dental implants. On Long Island people were talking about a new technique I should look into if I really wanted implants.

This technique is called the All-on-4 and was developed by Dr. Paulo Malo after growing frustrated with traditional approaches for tooth replacement. While there is still a lot of controversy over this procedure it does offer an option for those of us who have suffered from bone loss.

Traditionally the only option recommended is bone grafting where the dental practitioner will remove bone shavings from one area of the body and place them to the intended implant site. Then you would need to allow time for healing before moving with receiving implants. This process could get expensive and was certainly extensive.

What Does the All-on-4 Do Differently?

The All-on-4 takes advantage of the dense bone that remains in the front of the mouth and places the back implants at an angle to avoid the sinus cavities and nerve canal. The technique is typically completed in just one day and has a shorter healing time than tradition implant procedures do.

So what can you expect? This implant procedure is really no different from any other, with the exception of placement and positioning. You can expect:

• A pre-visit where your dental practitioner will do a thorough exam to assess the ability to utilize the All-on-4 implant technique
• Do detailed x-rays to check your bone density and location of your sinuses
• Drill a hole where the implant will be placed
• Insert the implant and secure the permanent bridge in the same day

As with all dental procedures your healing time and discomfort level will vary from patient to patient. Be sure to ask any questions you have up front so you can go into your scheduled procedure prepared and ready to go!

If you’re ready for your dental implants on Long Island Dr. Scharf offers the newest advancements in implant dentistry. For more information call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Cosmetic dental surgery is growing in popularity across the globe and is frequently used to improve upon your natural smile. With advancements in dental practice cosmetic surgery now includes cases as involved as those requiring a full mouth restoration requiring dental implant Long Island in an effective and seamless approach.

So what does it mean when a patient needs full mouth reconstruction? This term is used when a patient needs extensive work in the mouth that is divided over a series of visits. This might include correcting damaged teeth and gums or replacing missing teeth while restoring health to the gums. However if a patient needs to replace all of their teeth this is referred to a full arch restoration.

Full arch restoration occurs when a patient has lost all of their natural teeth and require the use of implants and permanent bridges to restore their natural smile. Tooth loss could be a result of severe gum disease, poor oral hygiene or other illnesses that result in tooth loss. Depending on the cause other steps may need to take place before beginning your restorative care.

Steps to Receive Dental Implants

Implants are an advanced procedure that has become highly successful over the years. Part of this success is a direct result of the preparation and tools involved in evaluating patients. Before receiving implants you’ll receive:

• A detailed physical evaluation of your gums
• An advanced 3D dental scan of your jawbone and existing teeth
• A complete health history

Once all this information is gathered together you’ll meet with your dental practitioner to discuss the results and your specific needs. If the dental scan reveals insufficient bone mass then you’ll need to receive a bone graft for the implants to succeed. If there are other underlying health concerns these need to be addressed in the beginning as well since some may reduce the success rate. Whatever your needs your practitioner will design an approach that will get you heading towards your new smile.

Once the preparation work is complete; restoring health to your gums and completing any necessary bone grafts, you’re ready to begin work on restoring that beautiful smile you’ve missed! So what are you waiting for?

Find out what it takes to receive your dental implants on Long Island by calling Dr. Scharf. He specializes in advanced techniques in bone grafting and implant dentistry. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

With the advances in modern dentistry today patients who are missing teeth don’t have to settle for uncomfortable and unnatural replacement options. In fact more and more patients are seeking the natural alternative of tooth restoration using dental implants on Long Island. But can anyone, regardless of age choose implants?

In the teen years the body is still growing and maturing in many aspects. The mouth is no exception. The jawbone has to complete its maturity just like the rest of the body. During this growth process the teeth move along seamlessly where they are needed and the gum line continues to follow the growth of the jaw.

It is this natural movement within the mouth that needs to be considered when determining if implants are an option for your teen. The key factors involved are osseointigration, a process required for implants to succeed and how it relates to the growth of the jaw.

Implants and the Growing Jaw

Your natural teeth are secured by a periodontal ligament, which is flexible and allows for movement of teeth in the jawbone. This ligament is what allows procedures such as braces to move teeth to a more ideal position. As the mouth continues to grow and mature the flexibility that naturally occurs with the periodontal ligament is important to the proper alignment of your teeth.

When an implant is surgically placed into the jawbone it needs to fuse to the bone in order to securely anchor the replacement tooth. As you can imagine this fused bone is not flexible, rather anchored securely in one spot.  This process is called osseointigration.

Unfortunately with the fused result of an implant this mobility is lost completely. As a result implants may appear to intrude back into the jawbone. Furthermore the immobility of the implant prohibits the gum tissue from following the growth of the jaw as well.

For this reason implants are not the ideal option for teens that have more growing to do. Instead you can consider temporary fixed bridges that can restore the missing tooth until your jaw has fully matured. At a later time the bridge can be replaced with the permanent, more natural option.

To learn more about which replacement options are right for you contact Dr. Scharf, a Periodontist who offers advanced techniques for dental implants on Long Island. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

More and more Americans are leaning towards implants over traditional dentures for their tooth replacement options. As you begin evaluating your options you find yourself wanting the more natural replacement option but fear how long you’ll have to wait for that new and improved smile. With immediate load implants on Long Island your wait could be less than a day!

Typically implants are completed in two stages and can take up to six months to complete. In the first stage your dental practitioner will surgically place the implants into the jawbone and then wait for the healing to take place. This healing is known as osseointigration and is necessary for successful implants. Then during the second visit your practitioner will add your new replacement tooth. This second visit could be as long as six months away.

This timeframe was established as a protocol for dentists to help increase chances for success in their patients after learning the mere micro movements can prevent the implant from bonding with your jawbone.

But advances in dental techniques and new findings with research have proven this wait was not necessarily. It is now possible for Periodontists to control factors that lead to micro movements by using CT Scans and 3-D imaging technology. This technology is used to closely determine placement of your implants, minimize micro motion and increase stability, paving the way for successful immediate load implants.

Why Choose Immediate Load Implants

Immediate load implants not only shorten the time of being able to show off your new smile it also reduces the number of dental visits you’ll need to sit through.  Depending on your circumstances traditional implants can require 3 or more return visits and multiple surgeries to complete the implant process. With immediate implants you will sit through fewer visits and undergo only one surgery to receive your replacement teeth.

Implant dentistry has come a long way since its discovery in the 1930’s. Isn’t it time you took advantage of these advancements today? If you would like to learn more about immediate load implants on Long Island contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. He is skilled in implant dentistry and immediate load implants.

You’ve been evaluating your tooth replacement options for a while now and have narrowed it down to implants due to their reputation for being an effective, natural replacement option. All that is left now would be to set your appointment, but you’re still curious to know what’s in store.

The good news is that you don’t have to stress over months of painful procedures to obtain that natural smile. Rather you can receive your dental implants in Nassau County only 5 steps. These steps include:

• Detailed evaluation
• Placement of the implants
• Exposing the implant if it was previously covered
• Securing your prosthetic tooth
• Maintaining your implants

During the evaluation phase you’ll receive a detailed dental scan using the iCat dental scanner. This x-ray will assist your implant specialist in developing a plan tailored to fit your specific needs and offer the greatest chance for successful placement.

In addition to the dental scan you’ll need to provide a detailed dental history for review. Your implant specialist and regular dentist will then work together on a treatment plan and get you started on your appointments.

At the next appointment you’ll undergo a minor surgery to place titanium implants directly into the jawbone. Once inserted your practitioner will decide if it’s best to leave the incision point opened or to cover it up for the healing phase. Over the next 8 – 12 weeks your new implant will begin to bond with your bone tissue in the same way your natural root would.

If your implant was covered for the healing phase you’ll need to return for a minor procedure to expose the implant. Once exposed a healing abutment is secured at the gum line. This phase takes another 2 – 3 weeks to complete before you can return for your implant.

Once all the healing is complete you’re ready for your prosthetic tooth. The length of time in completing each of your prosthetic implants is based on your individual needs.  The new tooth will either be secured using cement or screwing directly into the titanium root.

Now that you have your new smile it’s crucial to maintain it by following your Periodontists recommended follow-up care closely. Don’t let this worry though, maintenance is typically as simple as regular oral hygiene and dental checkups.

When you’re ready to set your appointment for dental implants in Nassau County contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. He’ll walk you through the entire process with precision and ease.

Missing teeth is simply one of those unpleasant factors the majority of Americans have to face at one point or another in their lives whether it’s a result from an injury or disease. Interestingly many patients will readily accept an extraction but few go on to discuss replacement options for the long-term health of their remaining teeth.

This could be in part to a limited awareness of the negative impact a missing tooth can have on the adjacent teeth. This might include adjacent teeth shifting in their position impacting the overall bite and alignment.  Additionally adjacent teeth could be at a higher risk for decay. Three recent studies evaluated the end result of how a missing tooth was handled. Not so surprisingly these studies point towards dental implants Long Island as your best replacement option.

What the Studies Reveal on Adjacent Tooth Survival

Three studies were conducted by the VA Medical Center, Permanente Dental Associates, and Truman Medical Center their findings appear to support one another and looked at the survivor rate of remaining teeth when one of three replacement options were used; removable partial denture, tooth supported bridges and leaving the space untreated.

All three studies found that the lowest fail rate at 7% – 10% occurred when the missing tooth was replaced using a tooth supported bridge where the bridge is typically cemented to the adjacent teeth.  Surprisingly using removable partial dentures held the highest fail rate at 17 to 30% possibly because these teeth need to be completely removed to be cleaned properly.

For those who opted to leave the space untreated it was discovered that fail rate occurred was only 12% – 19, lower than removable dentures. This option is more readily selected when individuals are missing back teeth that are not visible when they talk or laugh.

Choosing Dental Implants For Replacement

So what does that leave for dental implants? Although these studies didn’t look specifically at implants and survival rate of adjacent teeth other studies have. Implant are used different, relying on their own support. First a titanium root is secured directly in the jawbone, making a stronger, more natural anchor for the replacement tooth. Second the space is filled with the replacement tooth secured to the anchor. None of the adjacent teeth are involved, avoiding any damage that may result from attaching clasps and cement.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants Long Island contact Dr. Scharf. He’s a Periodontist who specializes in gum disease and implant dentistry. Trust your oral care to one of the best Periodontists on Long Island. Call today (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.