Wayne Family Dentistry offers several treatment options for patients missing one tooth, several teeth, or a whole row of teeth. However, dental implants are 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 vital for your self-esteem and health. Ignoring gaps along your arch can result in additional issues. 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 as gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath
Dental implants are a great missing tooth solution that can preserve your smile, health, and teeth. They are the only option that closely resembles natural teeth. Your dentist can create a custom treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a medical device that helps to replace missing teeth. It is typically made of titanium since this type of metal is biocompatible. This titanium post looks like a screw, and a dentist must surgically place it in your jawbone. It will replace the tooth’s root system and support the false tooth or teeth.
Several types of dental implants are available to accommodate the different locations along the jaw. 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 ensure you are in good oral health. To qualify for dental implants, you must be healthy and free of gum disease or other dental issues. During this visit, your dentist will see if there is enough bone tissue in the jaw to support the dental implants. You may need an X-ray, CT scan, or other diagnostics to evaluate your oral health.
Treatment Planning
Treatment planning is the next step in the dental implant process. We will create a treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Your plan will consider the number of missing teeth you have, the condition of your jawbone, and your overall oral health.
If needed, we can provide tooth extraction treatment or periodontal therapy. You will need a bone graft if you do not have enough jaw bone tissue to support your dental implants. This tissue is vital 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 you need it.
Dental Implant Placement
Once you are healthy enough, the implant placement is the next step. A qualified oral surgeon will perform the surgery. 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. The dentist will repeat this at each implant location. They will place sutures in the gums or protective caps on the implants while they heal.
A critical process called osseointegration will begin after the implants are in place. Here 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, onto 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 your natural teeth in size, shape, and color.
Dental Implant FAQs
Would you like to learn more about dental implants? Our dental team compiled common questions about this popular restorative treatment. Here, you will find valuable information about the implant procedure and recovery to maintenance and long-term care.
Our goal is to provide accurate and helpful answers to help you decide your oral health. If you have additional questions about this treatment, please contact us during regular office 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 age is not a restriction for dental implants, overall health and bone density is. If you are in good health and have enough jawbone to support the implants, your 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. Some people inquire about getting them for cosmetic reasons, even if they are not missing teeth. Dentists typically only suggest them when there is a functional need, such as missing teeth. Missing teeth affect your chewing, speaking, and overall health.
Therefore, choosing dental implants for cosmetic reasons only may not be the best idea. We offer many other cosmetic dental procedures to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Will dental implants interfere with my pacemaker or the metal implants in other parts of my body?
Dental implants are a very safe way to replace missing teeth. They will never interfere with other medical devices in your body. However, we need to know if you have any 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. This disease and other bone-related conditions may impact the success of your implants. However, you should still undergo a consultation and full evaluation. Each patient is a unique case and you may still qualify even if you have certain medical conditions.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. However, their longevity can vary depending on factors such as oral health, maintenance, lifestyle habits, and bone density. Taking care of your oral health and overall health will ensure your implants last forever.
How long will the dental implant process take?
The dental implant process usually takes several months to complete. However, this can vary based on each patient’s circumstances. It typically involves multiple stages such as a consultation, implant placement, healing period, and placement of the final restoration. We will determine your treatment timeline after an evaluation by your dentist.
Can I eat normally with dental implants?
Yes, once the dental implants fully heal and integrate with the jawbone, you can generally eat and chew normally. Dental implants can function like natural teeth. They provide excellent stability allowing you to enjoy a wide range of foods without restrictions.
Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?
In cases of gum disease, dental implants may not be immediately possible. You should treat and manage the gum disease before considering implant placement. Gum disease can affect the stability of the implants and compromise their long-term success. Your dentist will assess your situation and recommend appropriate treatment options.
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.