Do you have one or more missing permanent teeth? Are the gaps in your smile affecting your confidence? Renew the look and function of your smile with dental implants in Bensalem, PA. The gold standard for replacing lost or missing permanent teeth are Dental implants. Dental implants are a restorative dentistry treatment. The dentist will surgically insert the dental implants into your bone tissue. They are small yet durable titanium posts that can secure dental crowns, dental bridges, or dentures.
Dental implants support bone and gum health and improve speech. They allow patients to bite and chew food easily and also look and feel like natural teeth Contact us if you are missing one or more teeth. We will collaborate with you to create your customized treatment plan.
Dental Implant Treatment
Our dental office works with oral surgeons to provide the highest quality restorative care possible. Before treatment, we will examine the teeth and gums to determine if you require additional care. We may recommend bone grafting if patients do not have enough jaw bone tissue to support implants. Additionally, we may need to extract severely decayed teeth or provide periodontal therapy as needed.
In our office, we will take dental scans of the teeth to create the dental crown, bridge, or denture. To begin implant treatment, an oral surgeon surgically places implants in key areas of the mouth. During a process called osseointegration, the titanium implant posts fuse with the jaw bone. This process typically takes 3 to 6 months. Once the implants are stable, we will attach the permanent custom-made restoration in-office.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They’re the only option that replaces the tooth root as well as the crown. When you’re missing a tooth, the jawbone in that area deteriorates. With other tooth replacement options, the jawbone continues to deteriorate. You have to readjust or replace your restoration so that it continues to be effective. You won’t face this problem with dental implants.
Replacing the tooth root gives implants extra stability, as well. You get back 100% of your bite function with dental implants. You don’t have to remove any foods from your diet because your restoration can’t handle them. Nor do you have to worry about your restoration slipping or falling out when you’re eating or speaking in public.
Unlike removable solutions, implants don’t require extra maintenance. You’re able to brush and floss your teeth like you normally would. Dentures especially use adhesive and can be very messy. You have to brush and clean them thoroughly with special cleaners that are designed for dentures. Dental implants aren’t removable, so you don’t have to worry. They look and feel like natural teeth in every aspect.
Implants prevent you from harming your other teeth. When you’re missing a tooth, you’re more likely to lose another or have problems with tooth decay. Replacing teeth lessens the changes. Other solutions like dental bridges damage your natural teeth in order to anchor the restoration. With implants, no impact is made on your remaining healthy teeth.
What Are All-On-Four Dental Implants?
All-On-Four implants allow patients with one or more arches of missing teeth to receive implant-secured dentures. This treatment can secure a denture prosthetic using as few as four dental implants. All-On-Four implants require detailed treatment planning. We will take precise scans of the mouth to find the best placement for dental implants. Our team may also recommend grafting to prepare the bone and gum tissue for treatment.
Can Dental Implants Fail?
Yes, although dental implants have a high success rate, they can fail in some rare cases. We always ensure that patients are in good oral health prior to treatment. This is because dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay will impact the stability of dental implants. Any infection will degrade the bone and gum tissue, which means that the implants will not have any support.
Furthermore, patients will need to refrain from smoking or using tobacco products during their implant treatment. This is because nicotine restricts blood flow. Implants cannot easily fuse to the jaw bone if there is not consistent blood flow to the area. If patients develop dental problems after implantation, we can salvage the dental implants. Please let us know if you notice any change in the fit or appearance of your implants or implant restoration.
Can I get a dental implant years after extraction?
Yes, you can get a dental implant years after extraction. However, over time, the jawbone in the extraction area can lose its density. The success of the implant depends on the quality and quantity of your remaining bone at the tooth implant site. You might need a bone graft to strengthen the area before an oral surgeon or dentist can place a tooth implant. A dentist or an oral surgeon can assess your jawbone to determine if sufficient bone volume exists for an effective long-term outcome.
How painful is getting a dental implant?
Getting a dental implant is typically not very painful. Your dentist or oral surgeon will use local anesthesia to numb the area prior to the procedure. As a result, you should experience only minimal discomfort. The oral surgeon may make a small incision in your gums during the procedure. You may then feel a slight pressure as part of the installation process. After the procedure, some mild soreness or swelling may occur around your implant site. However, any discomfort you experience is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Do dental implants stain?
Tooth implants themselves don’t stain as natural teeth can. They contain materials that tooth implant manufacturers design to resist staining. Tooth implants can, however, become discolored over time due to certain foods, drinks, and medications. Coffee or red wine are examples of drinks that can cause discoloration over time. So, keeping up with regular cleanings and good oral hygiene habits is still important.
Are dental implants a permanent solution for tooth loss?
Yes, dental implants are a long-term and possibly permanent solution for tooth loss. Dental implant manufacturers design implants to last many years. With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, they often last a lifetime. However, while the tooth implant itself (the titanium post) is permanent, the crown or prosthetic tooth attached to it might need replacement after some years due to normal wear and tear.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you want to fill the gaps in your smile? Receive dental implants today at Perfect Smiles. Call our office at 215-770-1081 or request a dental appointment with us on our website.