

Dental Implant Procedure
A dental implant is a permanent procedure that involves replacing a tooth or multiple missing teeth.It so closely replicatesthe original look and function of a natural tooth and tooth root, making the dental implant procedure one of the most successful tooth replacement procedures available today. During a dental implant procedure, an attachment is made to the jawbone, and because its durability a dental implant can last a lifetime with proper care.
A dental implant procedure can take as little as a few weeks or up to nine months. This depends on the condition of your gums, jaws and teeth. The expertise of an experienced dentist along with a reliable and trustworthy oral surgeon and reconstructive dentist will ensure that your dental implants are secure and ready to last you a life time.
The oral and maxillofacial surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment of the teeth, and will take note of the missing tooth or teeth. They will then list out all the available options with you and will also make a recommendation of the best one. If needed, theywill take x-rays and will check you overall health, dental health, bone structure and gum tissues to assess if your mouth can support dental implants. If everything looks all right, impressions of your mouth will be taken to determine the exact location for the dental implant to be positioned. Theywill also give you an estimated cost for the procedure and will be open to any questions that you may have.
For a dental implant procedure very accurate and precise state of the art technology is used. An anesthesia will be administered to you to ensure that you do not feel any discomfort or pain. You can choose whether you would like a local or a total anesthesia. The dentist will then very carefully position the dental implant at the position where the tooth root is missing; this is the bone of the upper or lower gums. The dental prosthesis, which has been prepared, will then be placed over the top of your gums to allow them to heal properly. The dental implant replicates the look and function of the original tooth.
Recovery is an important step which can take anywhere between 3 to 6 months. This will give you ample time for the bone to grow around the new implant and secure it in place. This will be a time when your gums may be swollen or bruised and the implant area may bleed a bit. It is important to adhere to the dentist instructions regarding soft food and maintenance of the implant. Effective healing will take place with tender care.
Once the implant is secure and has healed and bonded with the jawbone, another impression of your tooth will be taken. An artificial tooth will be created for that part. The artificial tooth or dental crown will then be fastened securely to this abutment.
About two weeks’ time is given for the gums to heal. The final step is the insertion of your new crown. Thanks to technology, the dental crown, or the artificial tooth looks similar to the original tooth. The crown is then fixed atop the dental implantthat was fixed into your jawbone. Because of the strong roots, chewing and eating should be normal. A yearly follow up is usually recommended
Dental implants need not be unpleasant. If you are in need of one or you know of someone who has been struggling with a missing tooth or teeth, but has been hesitant to go to a dentist, rest assured, your fears will be allayed with us. Call us at 914-303-6150.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. It may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. Dental implants are a long-term option for restoring your smile. They are made up of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body
The following are ideal candidates for dental implants:
Some people who may not be good candidates for dental implants, include:
If you are considering dental implants, the staff at the office of Dr. Aki Shirakura & Associates is both trained and experienced in the process of dental implants. Contact us today to see if dental implants are the right choice for you. Call us at 914-303-6150 or email at draki@drakicosmeticdentist.com. We are dedicated to addressing and meeting the needs and expectations of each and every patient who walks through our doors.
A Ddental implant is a modern technique for replacing missing teeth. It consists of an implant made of titanium that is fitted beneath the gum line, and a dental crown is fitted on top of the implant to form the upper part of the tooth. Dental implants are ideal for replacing missing tooth /teeth, restoring oral and general health. Here are the top reasons to choose dental implants:
Dental implants involve replacement of the entire tooth structure. They look, feel and function like natural teeth. Dental implants are incredibly stable, they don’t slip or shift like removable dentures. This allows you to eat, speak and smile with complete confidence.
Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing teeth. They become part of your jawbone. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, unlike other tooth replacement methods that need to be replaced over time.
Tooth loss can cause the surrounding jaw bone to deteriorate. If left untreated, it can cause the jaw to be more vulnerable to fractures. A dental implant is the only tooth replacement method that can prevent bone loss and stimulate bone growth.
Empty spaces from tooth loss can cause the rest of the teeth to tilt off or loosen over time. Gaps create areas that are hard to clean, which leads to plaque buildup, and increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Implants help to maintain the proper spacing and support from adjacent natural teeth.
Missing teeth can cause facial structure changes. They can cause cheeks to shrink and sag, creating a more aged look. Dental implants replicate the function of natural teeth. They support and retain the facial structure, giving your face a more youthful appearance.
It can be difficult to chew food properly with missing or unstable teeth. Dental implants restore your ability to chew a wide variety of food thoroughly before swallowing. This aids digestion; improve nutrition and overall health of an individual.
Several implants supporting a fixed bridgework, can replace multiple missing teeth. Usually, four to eight implants are used to replace a full arch (jaw) of teeth, containing 10 or more crowns on fixed bridgework.
Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth, such as brushing and flossing regularly. Dental implants never decay. However poor oral hygiene can cause gum tissues to be inflamed or infected. Good oral hygiene, regular professional cleanings and dental exams can help to prevent gum disease, and improve the lifespan of your dental implants.
Dental implants look natural and attractive. They can improve your appearance, confidence, and self-esteem. They can also help you regain the full functionality of your smile.
Missing teeth may cause a person’s speech to be distorted. Teeth play an important role in creating the sounds needed for normal speech. Dental implants restore normal speech function.
If you are considering dental implants, the staff at the office of Dr. Aki Shirakura & Associates are trained and experienced in the process of dental implants. Contact us today to see if dental implants are the right choice for you. To schedule an appointment, call us at 914-303-6150
A few years ago, cosmetic dentistry was something that was considered only by the rich and famous in their effort to maintain their ‘Hollywood’ looks. Over time, it has gained more popularity and has become a common procedure for anyone trying to improve their look.
The following reasons are why cosmetic dentistry procedures are becoming more popular:
Technological advancement
With the advancement in technology, cosmetic dentistry has vastly improved in the last 10-15 years. Painless injections and conscious sedation techniques have been developed to provide pain free dentistry. A patient can get computerized programs to build exacting 3D replicas of their mouth. Additionally, with the advancement in technology, a patient can have a set of teeth removed and replaced with natural looking replacements all in the same day.
Increase in demand
Men and women of all ages are self-aware about retaining their youthful look. Cosmetic dentistry is one of the many options which helps them to achieve their desired result.
Improvement in skills
Cosmetic dentistry used to be only practiced by a select few, who pioneered the early treatments. Nowadays it is practiced by thousands of highly skilled and well trained individuals who choose to practice it. They are well trained and are experts in the cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Affordability
Cosmetic dentistry is much more affordable these days. Many dentists offer patients various options of spreading payment over a period of time. Secondly, the procedure not only gives one a natural look, but it is also long lasting. A patient is not required to make frequent visits to the dentist.
Call the office of Dr. Aki Shirakura & Associates if you are thinking of getting a cosmetic dentistry procedure in New York. You can call us at 914-303-6150 or email at draki@drakicosmeticdentist.com. We are dedicated to addressing and meeting the needs and expectations of each and every patient who walks through our doors and will give you the individualized professional care that you need and deserve.
Factors that Influence the Success of Veneers
Dental veneers are effective for restoring teeth that are chipped, stained, discolored, crooked or have gaps. You can have healthy looking teeth, and a bright smile from dental veneers. However, there are certain factors that influence the success of dental veneers and how long they last, including the following:
The type of dental veneers– The two main types of dental veneers are composite veneers and porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are made from a tooth-colored resin, and porcelain veneers are thin tooth-colored shells. Porcelain veneers are more durable than composite veneers. With proper care and hygiene, porcelain veneers can last for 15-25 years.
The quality of veneer preparation– Hiring Professional Interior House Painting ContractorsAccuracy in building the dental veneers is vital. The quality of the construction affects how veneer margins against the tooth and contact points with other veneers or natural teeth. The quality of preparation will also influence the veneer matching the existing teeth to create a natural color.
The condition of tooth/teeth– Sufficient tooth structure is essential for the strength of the tooth/teeth and bonding the veneers. Options like crowning can be ideal for fractured or heavily restored teeth/tooth.
The color of the teeth also dictates how much tooth enamel is removed before placing the veneer. Excessive discoloration or staining requires the removal of more tooth enamel for the best results. So consider whitening your teeth before treatment to minimize unnecessary reduction of the tooth structure.
The preparation of tooth/teeth– The right technique of preparing the incisal edge (tip) of your tooth for the veneer is important. The dentist can prepare the tooth depending on the strength of the tooth and aesthetics required. He or she can finish at the edge of the veneer or reduce the height of the tooth to create a natural looking result.
A tooth/teeth that are out of position also require more preparation before placing the veneer. However, if the tooth is far back, the preparation may be minimal and the thickness of the veneer simply increased.
Veneer placement– The type of bond/cement used, the quality of the cementation, and the bonding procedure is also crucial to the strength of the dental veneer. This protects the veneer and the tooth from any contamination that can weaken it.
Your oral hygiene– It is important to maintain consistent good oral hygiene. Poor teeth care and hygiene can lead to decay around the veneers as well as increase the risk of gum disease problems.
Your diet– Staining foods and heavy smoking can discolor your veneers. Generally, composite veneers stain considerably more than porcelain veneers.
Your habits– Some habits can increase the chance of chipping or fracturing your veneers. Avoid habits like chewing ice, pencils, nails, grinding your teeth, etc.
Dental checkup– Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help to protect your natural teeth and improve the veneers durability.
At the dental offices of Dr. Aki Shirakura & Associates, we put great care into getting your veneers just right. Schedule a consultation to learn more about dental veneers. We can tell you if veneers are right for your situation.
Different Options for Dental Replacement
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root or a titanium screw placed into the jaw to support a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are highly beneficial to those who have lost a tooth or teeth due to injury, periodontal disease or some other reason. The different options available for dental replacement are single tooth replacement, multiple tooth replacement and removable implant-supported tooth replacement.
Single tooth replacement
A single tooth replacement is when a tooth is replaced by a single implant and a crown. An implant which looks like a screw is placed into the jaw. After a period of healing, an abutment is attached to the implant. A replacement tooth called a crown, which is custom-made by the dental laboratory, is then attached to the abutment permanently. The custom made crown is fabricated to match the existing natural teeth.
Multiple tooth replacement
In a multiple tooth replacement, temporary healing caps or abutments are placed on multiple implants until the healing phase is complete.Once the healing is complete, permanent abutments are attached to the implants. These abutments can attach to custom made crowns or bridges that are fabricated to match the natural teeth.Finally, the custom bridge is cemented or screwed to the abutments.
Removable implant-supported tooth replacement
If all teeth are missing, removable implants can replace them. Depending on design of the removable restoration, two to six implants may be used to support a lower denture. If all the upper teeth are missing, a minimum of four implants may be used to support the upper denture. Many times, removable dentures are used to replace extensive tooth, bone and gum-tissue loss to support the facial skeleton, lip and cheeks. To create additional strength and support to the restoration, the dentures can have attachments or a custom made, milled bar can be fabricated.
If you are considering dental implants, the staff at the office of Dr. Aki Shirakura & Associates is both trained and experienced in the process of dental implants. Contact us today to see if a dental implant is the right choice for you.
Benefits of Dental implants
Dental implants are ideal for replacing missing or damaged teeth. This treatment has been recognized as a standard of care for tooth replacement for more than 50 years. Unlike other options, dental implants are the “next best thing to healthy, natural teeth.” Listed below are some of the many long lasting benefits of dental implants:
You deserve to smile again and you will, with dental implants from Dr. Aki Shirakura & Associates.The staff at the office of Dr. Aki Shirakura & Associates are both trained and experienced in the process of dental implants. Contact us today to see if dental implants are the right choice for you. Call us at 914-303-6150 or email at draki@drakicosmeticdentist.com.
Cosmetic dentistry enhances the whiteness, fullness and shape of the teeth. It has become popular among many celebrities, who underwent cosmetic dentistry procedures to not only improve their teeth, but also their careers.
Below are 10 celebrities who underwent cosmetic dentistry procedures:
We perform restorations that can give you a Hollywood smile! A healthy smile not only improves your appearance, but also boosts your self-esteem and confidence. To request an appointment, call us at 914-303-6150 or email at draki@drakicosmeticdentist.com. We will give you the individualized professional care that you need and deserve.
There are two main steps involved in a dental crown procedure which usually requires two visits to the dentist. The first step involves examining and preparing the tooth and the second step involves placement of the dental crown.
Dental crowns are an excellent way to get a beautiful smile. Would you like to know if a dental crown is right for you? Contact the dentists at for a consultation. Call us at 914-303-6150 or email us at draki@drakicosmeticdentist.com
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, and smile. Below are the dental cosmetic procedures that you can undergo to improve your smile:
A healthy smile not only improves your appearance, but also boosts your self-esteem and confidence. Our desire is that each and every client who walks through the doors of Dr. Aki Shirakura & Associates has a dental experience that they feel great about.