Dental Implants at Elena Kotrri Dentistry, PC in Islip NY

Losing a tooth, whether from an injury, decay, or extraction, is more than just a cosmetic problem or a simple annoyance. The absence of teeth leads to significant challenges, disrupting speech and chewing and destabilizing the entire oral environment. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that area no longer receives the stimulation it needs and can begin to shrink. This bone loss can cause adjacent teeth to shift out of alignment and, over time, alter the shape and structure of your face.

At Elena Kotrri Dentistry, PC in Islip NY, our team of treatment professionals provides dental implants to restore complete oral functionality and bite stability. Our practice is focused on two key promises for every patient: durability and the naturalness of the results.

While missing teeth will not grow back, dental implants are the modern standard for permanently replacing them. An implant replaces the entire tooth—from root to crown—integrating with the jawbone for exceptional support and strength. Whether you need a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full-arch restoration, our team can provide a secure and lasting solution.

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What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small, medical-grade titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. This post acts as a durable foundation, essentially serving as an artificial tooth root for a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture.

Because the implant is placed within the bone, it provides the same type of stimulation that a living tooth root does. This is crucial because it helps prevent bone resorption (shrinkage), the progressive bone loss that always follows tooth loss. Unlike traditional dental bridges, implants also preserve adjacent teeth, as they do not require grinding down healthy tooth structure for support.

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Reasons for Choosing Dental Implants in Islip NY

Today, many people opt for dental implant treatment instead of conventional bridges and dentures because of the significant, long-term benefits.

• Added Stability: Implants are anchored directly within the jawbone, providing a level of stability that removable dentures simply cannot match.
• Built to Last: With proper care and regular dental check-ups, dental implants are designed to last for many years, often for a lifetime.
• Bone Structure Preservation: Implants are the only tooth replacement option that stimulates the jawbone, thereby preventing the usual bone degeneration that occurs after teeth are lost.
• Enhanced Function: They enable full chewing function, allowing you to comfortably enjoy all your favorite foods without worry.
• Seamless Appearance: The final restoration is custom-made and color-matched to the shape and contour of your existing teeth for a truly natural look.
• Improved Oral Health: Because adjacent teeth are not altered, more of your own natural, healthy tooth structure is left intact.

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The Dental Implant Process at Elena Kotrri Dentistry, PC

The implant process involves several distinct stages. Each step is skillfully managed by our team to ensure optimal results, patient comfort, and long-term success —what matters most at our practice.

1. Initial Consultation

Dr. Kotrri will review your medical history and carefully examine your mouth to determine your suitability for implants. We use advanced imaging, such as digital X-rays or 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), to assess your bone density. This imaging is critical for accurate planning and enables us to determine the precise, optimal placement of the implant.

2. Treatment Planning

Once your candidacy is confirmed, we create a customized treatment plan just for you. This plan details the number of implants needed, the type of final restoration (crown, bridge, or denture), and the anticipated timeframe for the entire process. We believe clear information is key, and we aim to maintain high communication so that every patient understands what to expect.

3. Implant Placement

During a minor surgical procedure, the titanium post is gently placed into the jawbone. This procedure is typically brief and performed under local anesthesia to keep you completely comfortable. After the implant is placed, the healing period begins.

4. Healing and Osseointegration

Over the next few months, a natural healing process called osseointegration occurs. This is where the jawbone fuses directly onto the surface of the implant. This strong biological bond is what creates the stable, permanent platform for your future restoration.

5. Abutment and Restoration Placement

Once healing is complete, you will return to our office. We will affix a final connector piece, called an abutment, to the implant. A specifically crafted crown, bridge, or denture is then securely fitted to the abutment, completing your restoration. The end result is a wholly functioning tooth replacement that appears and feels completely natural.

At Elena Kotrri Dentistry, PC, we customize every implant treatment according to the patient's specific oral health, bone density, and restoration needs.

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Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Ideal candidates for this procedure would generally have:

• Healthy gums and adequate jawbone density to support the implant.
• Good overall health without uncontrolled medical conditions that could interfere with healing.
• A willingness to follow good oral hygiene practices and return for dental appointments consistently.

Even in cases with some bone loss, you may still be a candidate. Procedures such as bone grafting can often be performed to rebuild the jawbone, allowing for the successful placement of an implant. Here at Elena Kotrri Dentistry, PC, we thoroughly evaluate each case to determine the best restorative pathway for you.

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Types of Dental Implant Restorations

The choice of implant system depends on the degree of tooth loss and the available bone support.

• Single Tooth Implant: Restores one missing tooth with a custom crown on an implant post.
• Implant-Supported Bridge: Ideal for two or more adjacent missing teeth, supported by implants rather than natural teeth.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: Provides better retention and comfort for patients with no teeth in an arch compared to conventional dentures.
• Full-Arch Restoration: Stabilizes a complete arch of teeth using four to six implants for optimal function and durability.

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Schedule Your Implant Consultation in Islip NY

If you are living with the challenges of missing teeth, you do not have to settle for discomfort or a lack of confidence. Contact Elena Kotrri Dentistry, PC today to schedule your comprehensive consultation and find out whether dental implants are right for you.