Are you interested in implants and would like to learn more? We invite you to learn more about dental implants at our Philadelphia, PA office, where we provide answers to these commonly asked questions. Dr. Derek Conover and the team at Opus Dental Esthetics are passionate about patient education. Our office wants you to know what to expect during treatment and if you’re a good candidate. We’re also here to help if you have questions along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants
Read answers to common dental implant FAQs in Philadelphia, PA.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants have three parts: a biocompatible, small titanium post, an abutment, and a dental restoration. Our oral surgeon places the post into the jaw bone via a simple surgical procedure. The implant integrates with the jaw bone, acting as the tooth root. The post provides a solid foundation for an artificial tooth.
An abutment is attached to the post and then restored with a dental crown for a single tooth and a dental bridge or denture for multiple teeth. The type of implant you need depends on the number and location of your missing teeth. Dr. Conover can use dental implants in Philadelphia, PA, to replace missing teeth caused by disease, poor oral hygiene, injury, or dental trauma.
Why do many people choose dental implants to replace missing teeth?
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option to preserve the jaw bone and the health of the surrounding teeth. Implant restorations also give you back full chewing function. Even though dental implants cost more initially, you’ll eventually need to repair, replace, or adjust other restorations. That cost will add up over the years.
Dental implants are permanent and require the same care as your teeth. Dr. Conover offers dental implants to patients with complex needs in and around Center City.
Do I qualify for dental implants?
Candidates for dental implants include people with damaged or missing teeth. Anyone can get implants except for children since their jawbone hasn’t fully developed. Young adults can often get implants at around age 16 for girls and age 18 for boys.
The jaw bone must be healthy so the implant can completely fuse with the bone to support the dental restoration. If you have bone loss, Dr. Conover may recommend bone grafting first. Patients also need to have healthy gums. You need to treat gum disease before receiving dental implants so your implants don’t become loose or fail to heal.
Can I replace my dentures with dental implants?
Yes, Dr. Conover offers denture implants for patients missing an entire arch of teeth. Many people choose dentures because they’re the cheaper and faster option. Some people may realize that dentures are not the best option after wearing them for a while. Removable dentures require a lot of care, may slip around, and may need to be repaired because the fit can change over the years. Our Philadelphia dental team can help you switch to implant dentures.
Because dentures don’t replace the tooth roots, the jaw bone can begin to deteriorate. You may need a bone graft depending on how long you have had dentures. After healing from a bone graft (if needed), as few as four implants are surgically placed in your jaw bone. We can then attach the new denture after the dental implants fuse with your jawbone.
What is the success rate?
Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement. The national success rate for implants is over 95%. Factors like smoking significantly increase your chance of implant failure. If you choose dental implants as your missing teeth replacement, you must be committed to good oral hygiene habits for the rest of your life. If bacteria grow on your teeth or gums you can develop infections and diseases, potentially leading to the failure of your implants.
What is the dental implant process like?
You’ll first meet with one of our dentists for a consultation and exam. Then, we create a very detailed and precise treatment plan. If you need any pre-treatments, such as a bone graft or tooth extraction, we perform those first.
The entire process will take about 3-6 months longer if you need a bone graft due to healing time. If not, you move on to the surgical phase, where we surgically place the implants. You’ll need another 3-6 months of healing time.
During this time, you’ll either have a healing cap on the implant, or we may place temporary teeth for your comfort. Then we attach the abutment and the dental restoration at our Philadelphia dentist office. The process can take anywhere from 6 to 9 months.
Do dental implants look natural?
Yes, once your implant is complete, most people won’t be able to tell the difference between your real teeth and your implant restoration. At Opus Dental Esthetics, we work closely with a trusted local dental lab to create custom-made crowns, bridges, and dentures These restorations are made from high-quality, tooth-colored materials like porcelain. Porcelain closely matches the natural color and shine of tooth enamel, so your new teeth blend in perfectly with your smile.
We also make sure your new teeth are the right shape and size for your mouth. Our office takes detailed measurements and provide clear instructions to the dental lab so your restoration doesn’t feel bulky or out of place.
How do you care for dental implants?
Once healed, implants require no more maintenance or care than natural teeth. Like permanent teeth, dental implants depend on healthy gums and surrounding tooth structures for support.
You must continue your oral hygiene home care routine. Brush and floss daily and visit our office at least twice a year for dental cleanings. At-home and in-office care will ensure the long-term success of your implants and oral health.
Schedule a Consultation
Get implant treatment today. Call Opus Dental Esthetics in Center City at (215) 395-6076. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Conover online.
Learn More About Dental Implants