Dental implants are the number one solution for missing teeth. This tooth replacement option has a success rate of about 97%. Whether you have a single missing tooth or full tooth arches missing, Dr. Derek Conover will recommend dental implants in his Philadelphia, PA, office for a stable bite that lasts for years.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are false tooth roots that mimic the form and function of healthy teeth. The implant post will look like a screw. Most implant posts are crafted from titanium. This biocompatible material fuses to human bone through a healing process called osseointegration. This fusion turns the dental implant into a sturdy foundation to support a dental crown, bridge, or denture.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
We create implant-supported restorations from three main parts. These parts all play a role in making the entire tooth replacement. The three parts of an implant include:
- Implant Post: This part acts like a new tooth root. Most implant posts are made from strong titanium. This is a common material doctors use to replace hip or knee joints because it fuses well to human bone. The post replaces the tooth root and makes a strong base for your new tooth or teeth.
- Abutments: These connector pieces attach to the implant and hold the fake tooth in place. We add this piece after the implant has settled into your jawbone. You’ll need another minor surgery to place the abutments.
- False Teeth: We work with local labs to create a crown, bridge, or denture that looks and feels like real teeth. The material we use depends on where the false teeth go in your mouth. The type of prosthesis you need will determine how many implants you need.
The Benefits of Dental Implants in Philadelphia, PA
Dental implants offer many advantages over traditional dentures or bridges. The most exciting benefits include:
- Natural Appearance and Comfort: Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They provide a comfortable and secure fit. You can bite and chew without worrying about your new teeth slipping.
- Long-Lasting: Your new tooth replacement restoration will last for many decades. However, their longevity requires good care and maintenance. Dental implants are a long-term investment in your dental health. While you may need to replace your crown, bridge or denture over time, the implant posts are permanent.
- Improved Oral Health: Implants stimulate your jawbone and stop bone loss. Unlike traditional bridges, they leave your natural teeth untouched.
- Better Chewing and Speech: Traditional dentures can slip or feel uncomfortable, but implants are firmly anchored in your jawbone. You can chew and speak clearly with the support of implant posts.
- Versatile Treatment: We can use teeth implants to replace any number of missing teeth. You can get a single implant, an implant bridge, or implant denture to replace all your teeth.
- Anti-Aging: When you lose teeth, your jawbone shrinks, and your face can look sunken. Implants are the only option that replaces the root, preserving your facial structure and keeping you looking youthful. Dr. Conover calls this anti-aging dentistry.
The Dental Implant Process at Opus Dental Esthetics
Getting dental implants in Philadelphia, PA, involves several steps and a few months. We work with top dental specialists in this area, who use the latest technologies to complete your treatment. You will first meet with Dr. Conover, who uses advanced digital technology to plan and place your dental implants. Digital imaging and 3D scanning allow for:
- More accurate implant placement
- Faster, more comfortable procedures
- Predictable, long-lasting results
Dr. Conover uses his implant training and technology for precise implant placement.
Pretreatments
Dr. Conover will ensure you’re a good implant candidate before treatment. He may recommend bone grafting or a sinus lift if you don’t have enough jaw bone. If you have gum disease or cavities, our office will treat these problems before we place implants. You should be in good oral health for implant surgery.
Implant Placement
If dental implants are right for you, the next appointment is the surgical implantation. An oral surgeon will strategically place the implants in the jaw. Your surgeon will make a small incision in your gums to access the bone, then place the implant.
Healing
Over the next few months, the implants will fuse to your bone during a process called osseointegration. This healing will ensure your healthy jaw bone grows around the metal post. During this time, you will wear a temporary dental restoration.
After 3 to 6 months, Dr. Conover will do another minor surgery. He will attach a connector piece called an abutment. You will need to heal for another few weeks before you receive your final restoration. In the meantime, dental technicians will create your tooth-colored restoration in a lab.
Final Restoration
You’ll return to our office after all the soft tissues in your mouth heal and your final crown, bridge, or denture is ready. Dr. Conover will place your new prosthesis and make minor adjustments so it feels comfortable and looks great.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more? Read answers to common questions about dental implants in Philadelphia, PA.
How much do dental implants cost?
Dr. Conover offers many types of dental implant systems, and prices vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and the materials selected. Dental implants typically cost $5,000 to $7,000 per tooth.
Dr. Conover will conduct a comprehensive consultation to evaluate your situation and provide a detailed treatment plan, including associated costs. We offer several flexible payment options for dental implants, including interest-free financing through CareCredit. To learn more about the cost of dental implants, see Cost of Dental Implants.
Why is a dental implant often the ideal choice for replacing a missing tooth?
A dental implant is a single-tooth solution for a single-tooth problem. While a dental bridge relies on neighboring teeth for support, a dental implant can be placed without affecting adjacent healthy teeth. Because a dental implant is an actual root replacement, it helps to preserve bone that would otherwise be resorbed.
Dental implants can also replace multiple missing teeth by supporting a permanent bridge or denture. Dr. Conover will evaluate your condition, assessing the quality and quantity of bone and facial anatomy to determine how many dental implants will need to be placed.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The length of dental implant treatment differs from patient to patient. But you should expect it to take at least several months. In most of the implant cases we completed, it took 3 to 6 months for the implants to fuse to the jawbone.
In some of our more complex cases, the entire treatment took a year, from extraction/implantation to placement of the final restoration. To learn more about the teeth implant process, see Dental Implant Process.
Will the dental implant process hurt?
The implantation is very gentle because working on bone is easier than working on teeth. It is a pain-free experience, and you can return to work immediately following the procedure. It is normal to experience mild soreness after the anesthesia wears off. There will be little or no pain as the dental implant heals and integrates with the bone.
Will I be missing a tooth during the treatment?
Many patients are concerned about the appearance of a missing tooth during treatment, especially those missing teeth in the front of the mouth. Dr. Conover offers many options for temporary tooth replacement at the extraction site during the process.
We will evaluate your condition to determine the best options for your particular dental situation. In some cases, we can provide an ‘immediate load’ implant. When we provide immediate dental implants, we place a temporary crown at the same time as the implant. To learn more about dental implants, see Dental Implants FAQs.
How long will it take me to recover from dental implantation surgery?
Recovering from dental implant surgery usually takes about 3 to 6 months. The first week is the toughest, with some pain and swelling. After that, you will begin to feel better each day.
Most people can return to normal activities within a few days. However, a full recovery where the bone fully fuses around the implant takes several months. Everyone’s recovery will be unique.
Can you replace multiple missing teeth with dental implants?
Yes, we can use several dental implants to replace multiple missing teeth in our Philadelphia, PA, office. We can design a treatment plan with anywhere from 2 to 8 implant posts and use them to support bridges or full dentures. Our office may place individual implants for a few missing teeth in different areas of your mouth.
For many or all missing teeth, they can use fewer implants to hold a larger bridge or full set of teeth. This way, you can get back your smile and ability to chew well.
Before and After Dental Implants at Opus Dental Esthetics
Kat came to our Philadelphia dental office for a complete smile makeover. We placed new dental implants and crowns and performed a teeth-whitening procedure. Our dentists restored Kat’s teeth to optimal esthetics and health! The result is a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Choose Dr. Conover for Dental Implants in Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Conover is an experienced Philadelphia restorative and cosmetic dentist. His experience and hands-on training allow him to provide patients with the highest level of care.
Please call us at (215) 395-6076 to get customized treatment. You may also request an appointment online. We’re proud to serve patients in Center City, Logan Square, and Filter Square.
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