Dental Implants FAQ
Allentown, PA
 Tooth loss is a common dental problem affecting millions of Americans. Even as dentists strive to help families and individuals prevent tooth loss, sometimes people lose their teeth. Fortunately, teeth replacement solutions have advanced. Dental implant technology helps people bring back their bite function, beautiful smiles, and improved oral health. Dental implants are the most effective devices that can limit the oral health problems resulting from lost teeth.
Our dental implant specialists at Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery have been providing cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry services to our esteemed patients. We strive to deliver dental excellence to guarantee ideal outcomes for people of all ages. You can rely on our team for dental implants in Allentown, PA and the Lehigh Valley Area.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are devices for restoring the tooth's bite and function. They are placed into the jawbone and stimulate the underlying bone. They stop bone loss and facilitate tissue and cell regeneration, which maintains tooth stability.
Dental implants consist of three critical parts: the tooth root, connecting posts, and crown. The implant post is placed into the gum through the bone to mimic the function of the tooth root. The root goes into the jawbone before attaching a connecting post. This connecting piece is known as an abutment and it facilitates the linkage of the crown to the root. The crown is the upper portion of the artificial tooth. Most crowns are made of a ceramic material, which resembles the outer appearance of the tooth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Tooth implants are crucial for patients after an extraction or after knocking out a tooth during an accident. Quickly replacing the tooth can limit numerous oral health problems by preventing misalignments and bone resorption.
The tooth maintains the structure of your mouth's dental arch. When one tooth is out of place, it will affect the entire arch. Closing the space with dental implants maintains the stability of your teeth and gums.
Dental implants also have the same effect on the bone as a regular tooth. They place pressure on your gums and underlying bone to encourage blood flow and stimulate bone tissue. It minimizes the loss of bone and may regenerate cells on the site with missing teeth.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
Dental implants are installed into the jawbone in several outpatient appointments at the dental office. The procedure begins with evaluations of the patient's oral cavity tissues. Any issues needing to be resolved like tooth decay or gum disease are first addressed.
The placement happens after the dental team opens the gum tissue to reveal the area below the tooth gap. Minor incisions allow the drill to tear a micro pit in the bone tissue. Through this oral surgery the dentist will root the implant posts into the jawbone. They are fastened to provide an anchor that will hold the new teeth. After the healing time of around three to six months, you will come back in to receive your prosthetic teeth which may be a crown, bridge, or denture.
What Are the Types of Dental Implants Available?
Dental implants are usually made of materials like titanium. The metal is chosen for its ability to join with the surrounding bone tissue. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch of teeth. A single tooth implant consists of a tooth root for one gap. Multiple teeth implants use individual teeth to cover all the spaces.
All-on-4 implants are a form of full arch denture teeth supported by a few implants. They are unique in that they use prosthetics attached to four dental implants. These implant posts are positioned at different angles and tilted to give the best performance in terms of stability and strength. They replace a full set of teeth within the lower and upper arches of the mouth.
What Does Dental Implant Aftercare Look Like?
Aftercare entails brushing teeth and flossing daily to prevent microbial infections. Problems can crop up during recovery including inflammation. Our dentists can provide instructions on how to avoid swelling and bleeding.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants require your teeth and gums to be in excellent condition before you can proceed with the procedure. Our dental team may recommend treatment if you have gum disease or oral health issues. The initial assessment will determine if you have healthy bone to support the artificial tooth. If the bone is not strong enough, our team may recommend bone grafting.
Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options
Dental implants are the most versatile tooth restoration options. They do not require as much daily care as bridgework or dentures. A dental hygiene routine is sufficient to keep them durable and strong.
Common FAQs About Dental Implants
Knowing what to expect when planning to receive implants is crucial. You might have questions that you want the dental specialist to answer before you make your decision. Here are a few of the FAQs that we often receive.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants can serve you for many decades but that depends on commitment to aftercare. The material and the quality of treatment also determine if the dental implant will last. Most implants can have a lifetime of between 10 and 15 years.
Is the Dental Implant Procedure Painful?
The implant procedure is virtually painless during the procedure. Anesthesia is used which numbs the nerves during treatment. Some patients experience mild soreness after the appointment to implant the device. Most sensations should disappear within several days. Talk to your dentist if you experience intense pain or swelling during recovery.
Can Dental Implants Be Used to Replace Multiple Missing Teeth?
Dental implants can replace multiple missing teeth in two ways. One is by using individual implants for every space created by missing teeth. Another is by connecting a dental prosthetic with several implant devices.
What is the Success Rate of Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implant surgery has a high success rate of more than 90%. It is less risky for patients under the age of 40. The risk is higher in older patients who are more susceptible to infections and health complications.
Are There Any Risks or Complications Associated with Dental Implants?
Dental implants, like most surgical procedures, have associated risks like infections and inflammation. You can reduce the risks by adhering to maintenance instructions from our dentists.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants
We can help you choose dental implants to restore your smile and self-esteem. Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is known for its exceptional standards of excellence. Contact us at (610) 435-6161 to meet our dental implant team and be evaluated for replacement of your lost teeth.
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