Do you have one or more missing teeth? Have you just lost a permanent tooth due to a physical injury or accident? You can benefit from treatment with dental implants in our Bensalem, PA dental office. The professionals at Perfect Smiles have experience with helping patients restore their smiles with implants and implant restorations.
Dental implants are titanium metal posts that are surgically inserted into the jaw bone. They have an abutment that attaches the post to a dental crown or prosthetic. Implants can be used to provide support to dental bridges and dentures. When secured by implants, bridges and dentures last longer and allow patients to eat and speak comfortably.
Treatment with Dental Implants
At Perfect Smiles, we work with local oral surgeons to place dental implants. We will coordinate your care to create a customized treatment plan for your smile. First, we will take digital x-rays and scans of your teeth to determine the best implant placement. We will recommend single implants, bridges, or dentures based on your current needs.
During implant surgery, the oral surgeon places the implant posts into the mouth. Over a period of 3 to 6 months, the implant posts fuse to the jaw bone tissue. This healing process is called osseointegration. We can provide you with temporary crowns as your implants heal. Once the implants have fully healed, we will provide you with a permanent dental crown, dental bridge, or denture.
How Do You Care For Dental Implants?
To ensure that your implants or implant restorations last you for years to come, we ask that you continue to brush and floss at home as well as make routine dental appointments. When brushing your implant-secured prosthetic, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Instead of traditional floss, we may recommend floss threaders. This is because floss threads can catch on the implants. Threaders make it easier to gently clean around the implants.
Can Dental Implants Fail?
Yes, although dental implants have a success rate of over 95 percent, they can fail in rare cases. Patients who develop tooth decay or gum disease are more at risk of implant failure. Decay and gum disease are caused by harmful bacteria that build up on the teeth and gums. If a gum or tooth infection reaches an implant, it can destabilize.
Additionally, we recommend that patients refrain from smoking or using tobacco products during their implant treatment. Nicotine restricts blood flow, which inhibits the healing process. Blood clots that form at the surgical site help prevent bacteria from infecting the bone tissue. Without this support, implants can loosen and fall out.
Request a Dental Appointment Today
If you have one or more missing teeth and would like a dental restoration, call Perfect Smiles of Bensalem at 215-770-1081 today. You may also feel free to schedule a dental consultation with our dental team on our website. Please let our dentists know if you have further questions or concerns at your next dental visit. They will help you get the answers you need.