Dental implants are artificial roots used to replace missing teeth. They can be used to support single tooth restorations, overdentures or a series of false teeth. 

Implants are prescribed depending on the patients needs and conditions. Each case needs to be carefully evaluated in order to established a treatment plan. 

Detailed examination, x-rays, Ct scans, impressions  of the patients mouth and stone casts  are some of the preliminary steps taken when a patient is evaluated for implant treatment. 

Often implant fixtures that replace the roots of  the missing teeth are placed within the jaw bone by an oral surgeon. After the surgical site heals for a period of a few months, the implants are permanently restored by the restorative dentist. Sometimes depending on the situation, after the implant fixtures are inserted within the jaw bone they can be immediately loaded with the restoration chosen for the particular case.

How the implant is going to be inserted and how the final case will be restored is carefully analyzed by the surgical-restorative team and discussed with the patient prior to any implant work is done.    

Sandra C. Hoffmeier, DDS, New York City Prosthodontist; Restorative, Cosmetic, Holistic Dentistry