Losing teeth, no matter if it is only one or you lose several, has a significant impact on your whole life. Fortunately, tooth loss can be treated.
There are several options available for replacing your missing teeth. Traditionally, your treatment options were limited to bridges or dentures.
Today, in addition to these traditional treatments, there are also dental implants.
At Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we are proud to offer dental implants as a long-term solution to replace your missing teeth and get your life back.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a modern alternative to traditional bridges and dentures. Implants consist of 3 components and involve a surgical procedure for placement multiple missing teeth.
| • | A post. The post is the actual Titanium implant itself, which is surgically placed directly in your jawbone. During the healing phase, your jawbone fuses to the post in a natural process known as osseointegration. This process stabilizes the post within your jaw, enabling it to become a strong, secure root to hold your replacement tooth, or teeth, in place. |
| • | An abutment. The abutment, also called the connector, is placed on the exposed end of the implant. This piece stabilizes your replacement tooth in place. |
| • | A crown. The crown is the actual replacement tooth. It is made from ceramic, a material that perfectly imitates the functions of your natural tooth enamel, including color as well as how enamel reflects light. |
The Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a versatile treatment that can be used in some different situations. Whether you are missing a single tooth, several teeth, or even all of your teeth, there is an option for you.
| • | Single tooth implants. A single tooth implant is exactly what the name suggests. A single implant supports a single crown and is used to replace just one single missing tooth. |
| • | Multiple tooth implants or implant supported bridges. This type of implant is used to replace 2 or more consecutive missing teeth, often requiring multiple implants depending on the number of teeth and jawbone condition. The number of implant posts required depends mainly on the number of teeth you are missing as well as your jawbone. |
| • | Full arch replacement or an implant supported denture. If you are missing an entire arch of teeth, dental implants may be an option. Typically in this situation, a full arch of teeth is replaced using 4 to 8 posts to support an entire arch of new teeth. |
| • | All-on-4® Treatment Concept. If you do not have enough bone mass in your jaw or you have other anatomical structures such as nerves and sinus cavities that prevent conventional implant placement you may be a candidate for All-on-4. This treatment uses only 4 implants, which are strategically placed within your jaw, to support your full arch of new teeth. With this treatment, you avoid the need for a bone grafting or sinus grafting, saving you from further surgical procedures that will increase your overall treatment time and costs. |
How Are Dental Implants Placed? A Guide to Implant Placement
Unlike traditional treatments for replacing missing teeth, dental implants require a surgical procedure for placement. This procedure is done under a local anesthetic, which ensures that you do not feel any pain.
We can also provide you with sedation, which can help you to relax and remain comfortable while we place your implants. Surgery begins with small incisions created in your gums, exposing your jawbone underneath.
Next, holes are drilled into the bone, and the implant posts are placed inside. Your gums are sutured closed around the posts, and temporary teeth are placed on them.
The recovery process for dental implants varies from patient to patient. Typically, it takes anywhere from several weeks to several months.
During this time, the bone gradually fuses to the posts, stabilizing them within your jaw. Proper healing is crucial during this phase to ensure the long-term success rate of the dental implants.
Several follow-ups during the recovery process ensure that the bone is fusing properly and that there are no issues present.
In the early stages of recovery, you may feel some pain and swelling. This can often be managed with over the counter or prescription pain relievers.
Ice and heat can help as well. Additionally, you should stick to a soft food diet at the beginning of the recovery process, which will help to prevent discomfort.
As you begin to heal, you can gradually resume both normal activities as well as a normal diet. You will be provided aftercare instructions that will help you to ensure that your recovery goes smoothly.
Once you have fully healed from surgery, the process for placing your final restorations begins. This process generally takes two appointments.
At the first appointment, we remove your temporary teeth, place the abutments, and take impressions. The impressions are used to design and create custom restorations.
Once they are complete, we check them for fit and bite and secure them into place with small screws.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Dental implants can, and should, be cared for just like the rest of your natural teeth. They should be brushed and flossed daily.
Maintaining good oral health is essential to ensure the longevity and stability of your dental implants. While the ceramic crowns cannot develop decay and cavities, they can still collect plaque and bacteria.
If the crowns are not properly cared for, the buildup of these substances can lead to gum disease. Gum disease can affect you even if all of your teeth have been replaced with implants.
Bacteria that fall below your swollen tissue attack your jawbone, which compromises the stability of your implants.
Taking proper care of your implants ensures that your new smile always remains healthy and beautiful. Read more about Caring for your Dental Implants.
What Benefits Do Dental Implants Offer?
There are several benefits associated with dental implants. These benefits include
| • | Your teeth look completely natural. Ceramic mimics the properties of natural tooth enamel, providing a completely natural, beautiful smile. No one will be able to tell the difference between your new teeth and your real teeth. |
| • | The teeth feel natural just like real teeth. There is no need to worry about adjusting to a foreign object in your mouth. Your speech is completely restored. |
| • | The crowns are held securely in place. You do not have to worry about them slipping out of place. This avoids denture sores. Additionally, secure teeth mean that you can eat all of your favorite foods without fear. With the ability to properly chew completely restored, your digestion and overall nutrition improve. |
| • | Greater comfort. Your crowns are supported by the titanium posts, rather than your gums. This means no unnecessary pressure on sensitive tissue, preventing discomfort. |
| • | Ease of care. Your implants can be cared for just like your real teeth. |
| • | They preserve the integrity of your jawbone. The posts of your implants stimulate your jawbone just like the roots of your real teeth. This restores the stimulation to the bone, triggering the body to send essential nutrients. As a result, bone loss in the jaw is stopped, and new bone loss is prevented, helping to maintain the health and strength of your jaw. Implant-supported dentures provide a stable and effective solution for replacement teeth, significantly improving the quality of life for many patients everywhere. |
| • | Implants provide a long-term, even permanent, solution. Because the posts are integrated into your jawbone, they essentially become a part of your jaw. The teeth are even affixed to the posts with small screws and are not meant to be removed. If the crowns do become damaged, they can be replaced without needing to replace other teeth or the posts. |
Read more about the Benefits of Dental Implants.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
While implants can be used in some different situations, an initial consultation is needed to determine that they are the best solution for you.
| • | You are missing at least one tooth. Dental implants are a versatile treatment that can replace a single tooth or many teeth. |
| • | You are in good overall health. Because implants require surgery, it is important that you be in good overall health. We will go over your medical history during your consultation. If you have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, it is important that the condition be well-managed. |
| • | You do not use tobacco products or are at least willing to abstain during your treatment. Cigarettes and other tobacco products can interfere with the healing process, increasing your risk for infections and implant failure. |
| • | Your jawbone is in good condition. Implants rely on bone structure in your jawbone for stability. If you do not have enough bone mass in your jaw during your consultation, we may recommend a bone graft first, or you may be a candidate for the All-on-4 treatment concept or Trefoil concept. |
With a CBCT Scan, we can get a 3D image of your mouth to better treat bone loss.
Dental Implants in Allentown, PA
If you are missing teeth, and are interested in finding out if dental implants are the right solution for you, call us at (610) 435-6161 today.
If you are considering dental implants in Allentown, our team can provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.