People lose teeth for many different reasons, ranging from traumatic accidents to untreated diseases. While the loss of a tooth can be discouraging, it never has to be permanent. Through dental implants, it is possible to have a second chance at a healthy, confident smile. Keystone OMS provides dental implant treatments for patients who live in Cranberry Township, PA.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are generally considered to be a more popular option for tooth replacement over traditional dentures and bridges. Dental implants offer root-to-crown replacement:
- The implant itself is a titanium rod, inserted into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root.
- Once the implant heals fully, fusing with the surrounding jawbone, Dr. Clemenza will place a connective piece called the abutment.
- The dental restoration is completed when your dentist adds a porcelain replacement tooth, custom-made to look and behave just like your natural teeth.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
For patients from Cranberry Township, PA, dental implants offer a myriad of benefits:
- Through a process called osseointegration, your dental implants fuse with the jawbone, making them a permanent part of your smile. Assuming you maintain good oral hygiene, your implants should remain healthy and strong.
- Because dental implants replace your natural tooth roots, they provide a strong and stable bite, allowing you to bite and chew your food like normal without any of the slipping that can occur with traditional dentures.
- When you use dental implants to replace individual teeth, they can be cleaned via regular brushing and flossing, making upkeep simple and straightforward.
- Since they replace your roots, dental implants help to prevent the reabsorption of your jawbone. This, in turn, preserves the integrity of your other natural, healthy teeth.
- Dental implants last much longer than traditional dentures and bridges. Dentures have to be relined, and the teeth that are worn down to support bridges will often need to be extracted. Implants, in contrast, are permanently fused to the jaw and only need the porcelain restoration replaced (assuming you maintain your oral health).
- Dental implants can be placed without any of your healthy, adjacent teeth being affected, meaning implants help preserve your natural smile.
The Dental Implant Process Explained
What is it like to get dental implants? While every patient is unique, the experience usually involves the following:
- You will first have a consultation with Dr. Clemenza. During this appointment, your doctor will evaluate your teeth and gums, and verify that you are healthy enough to have surgery.
- In some situations, it may be necessary for you to have supportive surgery, preparing your mouth for dental implant placement. Examples can include bone grafting or the extraction of non-viable teeth.
- On the day of surgery, Dr. Clemenza will place you under sedation and surgically place the dental implants. Make sure you arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
- It takes several weeks for your implants to heal, fusing with the surrounding jawbone. As your dental implants heal, you will need to carefully adhere to the dietary guidelines provided to you.
- Once the healing process is complete, Dr. Clemenza will finish the restoration process by adding your abutments and your custom-made prostheses.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Ultimately, the only way to determine for sure whether you are a good candidate for dental implants is to have a consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, like Dr. Clemenza. Generally speaking, though, the best candidates for dental implants:
- Are in good health overall.
- Do not have any untreated periodontal disease.
- Have adequate bone density or are willing to have bone regenerated via a bone graft.
- Are able to brush, floss, and maintain regular dental checkups.
Explore Your Options for Dental Implants Near Cranberry Township, PA
Dental implants provide long-lasting, natural-looking tooth replacement. Keystone OMS provides dental implants to the community of Cranberry Township. To learn more about your options for dental implants, contact Keystone OMS online or by calling (724) 981-8884 at your convenience.
