Wayne Family Dentistry offers several treatment options for patients missing one tooth, several teeth, or a whole row of teeth. However, dental implant are known as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. We offer several types of dental implants in Wayne, PA to accommodate patients missing any number of teeth.
The Importance of Replacing Your Missing Teeth
Replacing missing teeth is important for your self-esteem and health. There are many repercussions to ignoring gaps along your arch. Key reasons why you should consider replacing missing teeth include:
- Help you bite and chew your food properly
- Preserve the natural shape of your face
- Prevent your surrounding teeth from shifting
- Maintain bite stability and proper teeth alignment
- Prevent speech difficulties
- Restore your smile and enhance your facial aesthetics
- Lowers your risk of additional dental problems such gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath
Dental implants are a great missing tooth solution that can preserve your smile, health, and teeth. They the only option that closely resembles natural teeth. Your dentist can create a treatment plan that is personalized to your unique needs.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a medical device that aids in the replacement of missing teeth. It is typically made of titanium since this type of metal is biocompatible. This titanium post looks like a screw and must be surgically placed in the jawbone. Here, it will take the place of the tooth’s root system and support the false tooth or teeth. There several types of dental implants available to accommodate the different locations along the jaw they can be placed. Depending on how many teeth you are missing, you could need anywhere from 1-8 implant posts per arch. Patients with single lost teeth or even whole upper or lower arches of missing teeth can restore function to their smiles with dental implants.
Treatment with Dental Implants in Wayne, PA
Before treatment, we always conduct an initial consultation to make sure that you are in good oral health and qualified to receive dental implants. During this visit, your dentist will make sure there is enough bone tissue in the jaw to support the dental implants. You may need X-ray, CT scan, or other diagnostics to evaluate you oral health.
Treatment Planning
Treatment planning is the next step in the dental implant process. Based on the evaluation, we will create a treatment plan that is based on your unique needs. It will consider the number of missing teeth you have, the condition of your jawbone, and the your overall oral health.
If needed, we can provide tooth extraction treatment or periodontal therapy. If you do not have enough jaw bone tissue to support their dental implants, you will need a bone graft. This tissue is important as it secures the implant posts in the mouth. A bone grafting treatment will remove this tissue from another part of the mouth and place it where it is needed.
Dental Implant Placement
Once you are healthy enough, the implant placement is the next step. This is a surgical procedure that is done by a qualified oral surgeon. To begin the implant procedure, they will use an anesthetic to numb your mouth. During the procedure, they will make an incision in the gums to expose the jawbone. Then, they will drill a small hole in the bone and insert the dental implant. This is repeated in each location where the implanted in needed. The gums are closed up with sutures or they will place protective caps on the implants while they heal.
After the implants are in place, a critical process called osseointegration will take place. This is when the jawbone slowly fuses to the surface of the implant fixture. It creates a stable foundation so that the implants become a part of the mouth. This process typically takes a few weeks to a few months to complete. During this time, we can place temporary teeth so you will not have to go without teeth.
Placing the Abutment and Final Dental Restoration
We will then place small connectors, called abutments, to each dental implant. These attach to the top of each implant fixture and sit right at the gum line. They serve as the base for the final dental restoration.
The final step is creating and attaching the final dental restoration. Your artificial tooth or teeth will be either a dental crown, dental bridge, or a denture. We will use a single dental crown if you are missing one tooth or a dental bridge or denture for multiple missing teeth. Your dental restoration will be custom-made to match the you natural teeth in size, shape, and color.
Dental Implant FAQs
Do you want to know more about dental implants? Read answers to common questions about this restorative treatment. If you still have questions or concerns, please reach out to helpful office staff during regular business hours.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants make it easier for patients to eat and speak properly. This is because they not only replace missing teeth, but also provide a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. When compared to removable options, implant-secured restorations function just like natural teeth. Additionally, the dental crowns that cap off implants match the shape and shade of a natural tooth.
How do I care for my dental implants?
We recommend that patients brush and floss their implants using non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush under and around the implant crown, and use an interdental brush instead of regular floss.
Can dental implants fail?
Yes, although dental implants have a success rate of 95%, they can fail in rare cases. This is often because of tooth decay and gum disease. Even if patients have already received their implants, inflammation, and infection that surround the implants can cause destabilization.
Another factor that many patients may not realize contributes to implant failure is smoking. Smoking or using tobacco products slows the implant process. This is because tobacco and nicotine inhibit blood flow to the implantation site.
Are there any age restrictions for getting dental implants?
While you age is not necessarily a restriction for dental implants, you overall health and bone density is an important factor we must consider. As long as you are in good health and have enough jawbone to support the implants, age should not keep you from getting dental implants. However, you must be at least 18 and done growing.
Can I get dental implants for cosmetic purposes only?
The most common use of dental implants is to replace missing teeth however some people to inquire about getting them for cosmetic reasons, even if they are not missing teeth. Dentists usually only suggest them when there is a functional need, such as missing teeth that affect chewing, speaking, and a patient’s overall health. Therefore, choosing dental implants for cosmetic reasons only may not be the best idea. We offer many other cosmetic dental procedures like porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or dental crowns that can improve the appearance of your teeth.
Will dental implants interfere my pacemaker or the metal implants in other parts of my body?
Dental implants are a very safe way to replace missing teeth and they will never interfere with other medical devices in your body. However, we will want to know if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or medical implants or devices in your body. This is simply to ensure proper coordinated care to keep you safe during every procedure.
Can I get dental implants if I have osteoporosis?
Many of our patients wonder if they will qualify for dental implants if they have osteoporosis due to bone density issues. While it, and other bone related conditions, may impact the success of your implants, it is best to undergo a consultation and full evaluation first. Each patient is a unique case and we will determine the qualification of each patient based on a full exam.
Schedule a Consultation for Dental Implants in Wayne, PA
Do you need to replace your missing teeth? Contact Wayne Family Dentistry for treatment at 610-347-5133. You may also request an appointment with our dental team online.