Dental Implants Phoenixville PA
Liberty Dental Group
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants are tiny titanium posts which are placed into the jaw bone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.
Evaluation for Dental Implants
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by either Dr. Singh, Dr. Hart, Dr. Li, and Dr. Joseph Teoli, or by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon referred by our practice. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jaw bone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, dental implants are placed within your jaw bone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually bonding with the jaw bone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
After the dental implant has bonded to the jaw bone, the second phase begins. The surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Drs. Agarwal, Singh, Biron, Bosch, Hart, Li, Abdulrahman or Nanda can then start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life
Dental Implants FAQ
- What are dental implants?
- Am I eligible for dental implants?
- How do dental implants last?
- Are dental implants covered by insurance?
- Do dental implant procedures hurt?
- Do I have anything to replace my tooth while it heals (usually front tooth)?
- What foods can I eat with a dental implant?
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. It is titanium screw-like post inserted into the jawbone. Once the implants are fully integrate with the bone, artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones can then be attached. This includes implant supported single crown, bridge, partial denture and full denture.
Am I eligible for dental implants?
Anyone is healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction should be eligible for dental implants. However, you need to have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant, otherwise gum or bone graft procedure may be required prior for implant placement. The patients with following conditions need to be evaluated on an individual basis:
- Heavy smokers
- Patient suffering from uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease or
- Patient have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area
- Patient taking oral or intravenous bisphosphonates
How long do dental implants last?
Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed and patient’s general health. But, in general, dental implants are predictably successful with reported success rates above 90-95 percent. Unlike natural teeth, dental implants cannot catch decay; however, the health of the gums is important to maintain implant success. Patients with implants must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental cleaning and check-ups are essential elements for dental implant sustainability.
Are dental implants covered by insurance?
The answer to this question is not as easy as ‘yes’ or ‘no’ because dental insurance plans vary. To find out if your dental insurance covers implants, you may want to contact your insurance provider and ask about plan coverage details and plan annual limits. Your dental provider can also help you determine your coverage.
Do dental implant procedures hurt?
During the implant procedure, you will be numb so you will not feel any discomfort. The only feeling you may have during the procedure is pressure, but not pain. The local anesthetic will be in effect for a few more hours after the procedure. During the healing process, you may feel some discomfort that can be managed with pain medication and post-operative instructions that assist healing.
Do I have anything to replace my tooth while it heals (usually front tooth)?
Yes! We understand that you do not want to go without a front tooth during the healing process. Very often this problem can be overcome by either fabricating a removable appliance or temporary fixture.
What foods can I eat with a dental implant?
After your permanent implant crown has been placed, you should be able to eat the same foods that you normally eat with your natural teeth. However, during the healing process, we may recommend a softer diet.