Dental implants are a great solution for missing teeth. This tooth replacement option has a success rate of about 97%. Even though they are the most costly way to replace teeth, they will last longer and are better for oral health. Teeth implants are also more stable than other ways of replacing teeth.
Dr. Conover will suggest dental implants if you have one, two, or even a mouthful of missing teeth. He offers dental implants in Philadelphia, PA, because they are the number one solution for missing teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are false tooth roots that mimic the form and function of healthy teeth. The implant will look like a screw. Most implant posts are crafted from titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses to human bone through 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. These three parts are:
Dental Implants: 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 implant will replace the tooth root and make a strong base for your new teeth or teeth.
Abutments: The abutment is like a connector. It attaches to the implant and holds the fake tooth in place. Dentists add this piece after the implant has settled into your jawbone. You will need another minor surgery to place the abutments.
False Teeth: We will 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. We custom-create them from dental impressions. The type of prosthesis you need will determine how many implants you need.
About the Dental Implant Procedure
Getting dental implants involves several steps and a few months. We work with top dental specialists in this area to complete your treatment. You will first meet with Dr. Conover to check your whole mouth to see if implants are the best option for you. We will create a treatment plan for you to meet all your needs.
If dental implants will work for you, the next appointment is the surgical implantation. An oral surgeon will carefully place the implants in the jaw. They will follow your treatment plan and put them in strategic locations. Your surgeon will make a small incision in your gums to access the bone. Then, they will drill a tiny hole in the bone and place the implant.
Over the next few months, the implants will fuse to your bone. The implants will offer strong, long-lasting support for your new false teeth. During this time, you will wear a temporary dental restoration. After 3 to 6 months, Dr. Conover will do another minor surgery. He will open up the gums again and attach a connector piece. You will heal for another few weeks before the final steps.
After all the soft tissues in your mouth heal, we will take the steps to make your new teeth. For one missing tooth, you will get a crown. For two or more, you might get a bridge or denture.At your last dental appointment, Dr. Conover will place your new prosthesis. He can make any minor adjustments.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants have many advantages over traditional teeth replacement options like dentures or dental bridges. The most exciting benefits include:
Natural Appearance and Comfort
Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They will provide a comfortable and secure fit, allowing you to live normally. You can participate in your usual daily activities without worrying about slippage or discomfort.
Durability and Longevity
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. They will last all traditional restorations and give you predictable and reliable outcomes.
Improved Oral Health
Dental implants will help preserve your jawbone by stimulating bone growth and preventing further deterioration. This not only enhances your facial structure but also contributes to better overall oral health.
Enhanced Chewing and Speech
Unlike dentures, which can sometimes slip or be uncomfortable, we firmly anchor the dental implants in your jawbone. You will be able to chew and speak with confidence and clarity.
Preservation of Adjacent Teeth
Unlike bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent teeth, dental implants stand independently, leaving your natural teeth untouched and preserving your oral health.
Versatile Treatment
We can use teeth implants to replace any number of missing teeth. Your dentist can use a dental implant and crown to replace one tooth. Your dentist can also use multiple dental implants to replace many missing teeth. They can also replace many missing teeth in a row with a dental bridge. If you are missing a whole arch of teeth, we can replace them with a denture.
Dental Implant FAQs
Are you curious about dental implants? We put together answers to the most common questions we receive about them. Whether you are wondering about the procedure, costs, recovery time, or how implants can enhance your smile, we can help. Our goal is to provide clear information so you can feel confident in making the best choice for your dental health. Explore these FAQs to learn how dental implants could be your perfect solution.
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 $5000-$7000 per tooth.
Dr. Conover will perform a comprehensive consultation to evaluate your situation and provide a detailed treatment plan that includes 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?
Your dental implant treatment will be different from that of every other patient. However, 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 placing 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 in the extraction site during the implantation and integration process.
We will evaluate your condition to determine the best options for your particular dental situation. In some cases, we can provide an ‘immediate loaded’ implant, where 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. We can design a treatment plan with anywhere from 2 to 8 implant posts and use them to support bridges or full dentures. We 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.
Why Choose Dr. Conover for Dental Implants in Philadelphia, PA?
Dr. Conover is an experienced restorative and cosmetic dentist in Philadelphia, PA. His experience and hands-on training allow him to provide patients with the highest level of care and state-of-the-art dental implant treatment in our Center City Philadelphia dentist office.
To schedule a consultation or learn more about dental implants in Philadelphia, PA, please call us at (215) 395-6076 or request an appointment online.
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