When you lose a tooth, it compromises both the form and the function of your smile. Tooth loss makes it more difficult to bite and chew as normal, or to smile with confidence. Dental implants provide a second chance at a full, healthy smile, and are the preferred method of tooth replacement. At Keystone OMS, we are pleased to provide dental implant care for patients living in New Castle, PA.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are widely considered to be the top tier of smile restoration. Implants provide comprehensive root-to-crown tooth replacement, offering results that are natural-looking and long-lasting.
The implant itself is an artificial root, made of titanium and carefully inserted into the jawbone. Once it integrates with the bone, the implant becomes a steady anchor point for a titanium connector piece called an abutment, as well as a custom-made porcelain replacement tooth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
There are a number of reasons why dental implants are the preferred option for tooth replacement.
- Dental implants fuse with your jawbone, which means that so long as you maintain basic oral hygiene, they can become a permanent part of your smile.
- Dental implants replace your tooth roots, making them almost as strong as your natural teeth. Once healed, you will be able to bite, chew, and enjoy all of your favorite foods.
- Dental implants are easy to maintain, requiring the same kinds of brushing and flossing you would use to clean your natural teeth.
- Because they provide ongoing stimulation to your jawbone, dental implants can prevent jawbone atrophy and damage to healthy teeth.
- Dental implants and the dentures they support last much longer than traditional dentures and traditional bridges. Dentures have to be relined, and the teeth that are worn down to support bridges will often require extraction. Dental implants prevent these harmful changes to the smile, allowing the implant-supported dentures to last much longer than the traditional alternatives.
- When you have dental implants placed, you do not need to have any healthy teeth compromised or removed. Implants allow you to maintain the natural integrity of your smile.
What Getting Dental Implants Is Like
Dental implant placement involves a few basic steps.
Consultation
During your initial consultation near New Castle, Dr. Clemenza will ensure your candidacy for a safe and successful procedure, and let you know how many implants are needed to achieve full smile restoration.
Preparation
In some cases, it may be necessary to have supportive procedures in order to ready your mouth for surgery. Examples of these support procedures include bone grafting and the extraction of any unhealthy teeth.
Surgery
On the day of your procedure, anesthesia will be administered as Dr. Clemenza carefully puts the implants into place.
Recovery
You will need about 6 months to recover, allowing 3 months for your implants to integrate with the jawbone and another 3 months for the site of surgery to fully heal. During this recovery phase, it is important to follow the dietary guidelines provided by your surgeon.
Restoration
Once the recovery is complete, you will return to your general dentist to have your final replacement teeth added to the implants, completing your dental restoration.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
During your initial consultation at Keystone OMS, Dr. Clemenza will perform an evaluation, ask questions about your medical history, and verify your eligibility for dental implant placement. Generally, the best candidates:
- Are in good health overall, without any underlying or untreated periodontal disease.
- Do not have any medical complications that would lead to a high risk during surgery.
- Have sufficient jawbone density, or qualify for a bone graft.
- Are able to commit to basic oral hygiene, including routine brushing and flossing.
Dr. Clemenza is also able to see patients with less healthy smiles who need dental implants, and he can work with you to see if implants are right for you during your consultation.
Explore Dental Implant Options Near New Castle, PA
Dental implants can provide a second chance at a beautiful, functional smile. To explore treatment options in New Castle, PA, schedule a consultation with Keystone OMS. Dr. Clemenza is excited to work with you to help you chew comfortably and smile with confidence once again. Call (724) 981-8884 or use our online contact form today.