If you’re researching options to replace missing teeth, you likely know about dental implants. Implants are metal screws that replace teeth at the root. It takes time for these screws to fuse with the jaw bone to become a part of the mouth. The dental implant process in our Philadelphia, PA, office may seem overwhelming at first. But the result is worth the wait and cost. Teeth implants are the number one choice for replacing single and multiple missing teeth.
Implants are the closest thing to natural teeth and may help prevent the need for further advanced dental care. Dr. Derek Conover provides dental implant services in Philadelphia, PA, for patients with one or more missing teeth. As a long-term investment, dental implants offer a permanent solution for missing teeth. Dental implants may require more initial investment than removable restorations but don’t have future maintenance costs.
The Dental Implant Process in Philadelphia, PA
To understand why the dental implant process is so involved and lengthy, you need to know how it works. Implant treatment has several phases. This includes in-depth planning, oral surgery to place the implants, and healing time. Since no two patients are the same, this process will differ from start to finish.
Generally, you can expect new teeth in about three to nine months. This could take longer if you need any pre-work completed or if you have a particularly complex case. The dental implant process in our Philadelphia, PA, office involves the following steps:
An Evaluation and Planning Phase
Your treatment will begin with a consultation. Dr. Conover will perform a comprehensive evaluation and examination at this visit. He will examine your mouth, teeth, gums, and overall health. Dr. Conover will also take dental X-rays. With these detailed images, he can examine your bone density to ensure you have enough bone structure to support the implant(s).
If Dr. Conover determines you are a candidate for dental implants, he will create a detailed treatment plan. He can also provide pre-work as needed. Such treatments may include gum disease treatment and bone grafts. We recommend grafting if you lack jaw bone tissue due to bone recession. You must have enough healthy jaw bone to support your implants.
Surgical Implantation
If you need any teeth removed, we can perform an extraction before we place the titanium implant posts. An implant post replaces the tooth root. We can complete this routine minor surgery in thirty minutes if you only need one implant.
Multiple implants can take up to three to four hours. We will numb your mouth so you don’t feel pain during surgery. Our office may also recommend sedation, which will help make lengthy treatments seem short.
Healing Period
After surgery, the implant fuses with the surrounding live bone structure. This process is called osseointegration. It can take three to six months for implants to heal. We recommend that you avoid cigarettes, vapes, or other tobacco products during this period because they can slow healing.
Our office may place a temporary crown or bridge to restore the look and function of your teeth. This can depend on the number and location of the tooth implants.
Implant Restoration
After healing, you will have a solid foundation for your new teeth. Dr. Conover will remove the temporaries and uncover the dental implant.
Then, he will attach a piece to the implant post called an abutment. The abutment requires more time to heal. After that, Dr. Conover will place the final implant restoration. Dr. Conover will attach a dental crown if you have a missing tooth. For missing multiple consecutive teeth, Dr. Conover will recommend a dental bridge. Finally, Dr. Conover will place an overdenture if you have missing rows or arches of teeth.
Maintenance
Like your natural teeth, dental implants depend on healthy gums and surrounding tooth structures for support. This means you must brush and floss your teeth twice a day. We also recommend visiting our Philadelphia dental office for regular checkups. During these visits, we will advise you of any special care and maintenance you may need.
Are Same-Day Dental Implants Possible?
“Teeth in a day” is a process that ensures you are not without teeth after implant treatment. While you will not get your final restoration, we will provide a temporary restoration after we place the implants. You don’t have to feel embarrassed by missing teeth while you undergo implant treatment.
Are Dental Implants Worth It?
For many patients, implants are worth the preparation and treatment time. While we take time to ensure you are a good candidate for implants, this preparation ensures that your implants last.
Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement because they look and feel like natural teeth. Implants act as artificial tooth roots to help stimulate your natural jaw bone. This can prevent problems like bone loss that cause facial sagging. Unlike removable restorations, implant restorations support the health of the teeth, gums, and jaw.
Restorations that lay on the gums can cause irritated tissue and create gum sores. Bridges and dentures don’t restore full bite function without support from implants. They often have restrictions against hard or crunchy foods. You can bite and chew naturally with implants. Restoring missing tooth gaps with implants can also make it easier to pronounce certain words.
Get Dental Implants Today
Do you need a lasting tooth replacement? Are you tired of slipping dentures? Call Opus Dental Esthetics for dental implant treatment at (215) 395-6076. You can also schedule a dental appointment with us online.
Please let us know if you have questions about the dental implant process in our Philadelphia, PA, office. We’re here to help you better understand your dental treatment.
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