Top Dentist in Bethlehem, PA
Dental implants are a permanent solution for patients seeking that perfect white smile. Implants are a great choice for patients that have broken, damaged, or missing teeth. Implants act similar to an artificial tooth that is placed in the jawbone. They are extremely durable, and are built to last upwards of 25 years.
Dental implants function like our natural teeth, and allow patients to speak and eat normally. They are comfortable in the mouth, and do not cause gum or mouth irritation like with other restorative solutions. Implants provide long lasting results, and if cared for properly they can last a lifetime.
The dental implants process requires multiple appointments in our office. We require a consultation with each patient to discuss any goals, and to determine the best treatment plan. Once we are ready to begin the implant process, the first step involves placing the implant into the jawbone. After this step is complete there is a healing process that must occur.
The healing period allows the implant time to fuse to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This allows the implant to function like a natural tooth root in the mouth. In order for the implant to remain sturdy, and provide the required support, the patient must have enough bone present in the jaw. If necessary, bone grafts can be done to provide the additional support that is needed.
Once the healing process is complete, the patient returns to our office to complete the implant process. An abutment or connector is placed on top of the implant, and this holds the crown securely in place. Custom crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. Temporary crowns may be necessary until patients return to have the permanent crown installed.
Dental implants are a great way to completely replace a missing tooth. Single implants replace just one missing tooth at a time. The implant is typically made out of titanium, which is inserted deep into the jaw bone. Over time, the implant will actually fuse with the bone and become an integral part of your smile. After healing, a crown can be made to attach to the top of the implant.
If you are missing a tooth, this can affect both your confidence as well as your ability to eat and chew properly. Over time, the surrounding teeth may even begin to shift out of place, causing orthodontic problems. An implant is a better option for patients because it does not require surrounding teeth to be filed down or compromised in order to replace what is missing. Likewise, implants are not removable like a partial denture, and they are made to fit perfectly in with your smile.
The first step is to place the actual implant. This is done by creating an incision through the gums and Dr. Grewal making a small tunnel in the bone for the new implant. The implant is then placed and is given time to begin to heal. You will then come back in after a few weeks for the abutment to be added to the implant. After this has been given time to heal, a dental crown is made and placed over the actual abutment and implant.
A dental implant is specifically designed to replace one or more teeth within your mouth. Implants are often made of titanium, and they are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Over the course of a couple of months, the implant itself will fuse with the bone, becoming a solid and stable part of your smile. We can then place single crowns, bridges or even full dentures over the freshly healed implants.
Dental implants work best for patients who have solid, healthy bone in the area where the titanium posts are going to be placed. X-rays allow us to see these areas and to make note of any signs of bone loss. If you suffer from bone loss or have low-lying sinuses, we may recommend either a bone grafting or sinus lift as a way to successfully place the implants. Implants can last for decades without showing signs of wear or damage.
All-on-4 technology refers to placing four strategically planned implants to keep a denture in place. This prevents the need for more than just four implants to be used and all of the implants can be placed in one or two appointments. The procedure helps your denture to fit more securely and prevents the need for creams, adhesive strips and gels. The procedure is safe, easy and most implants heal fully in about six months.
The first step is discussing your sedative options so that we can provide you with the comfortable experience you expect. We then administer this sedation and begin the surgery. Small incisions are made through the gums and the titanium implant posts are inserted deep into the bone. The sutures may be sutured to close the area and help promote proper healing. Over the course of about three to six months, your implants will naturally begin to fuse with the surrounding bone and become secure, stable and virtually permanent. You’ll then come in and have a specially made denture for you after taking impressions. We’ll show you how to remove and place the dentures as needed throughout the day.