Implants
 

Fill in the Gaps with Implant Dentistry

Do you feel too self-conscious to smile because you have missing teeth? Dental implants are an ideal option for patients who want to replace any missing teeth, which will provide longevity and preservation of oral health. Not only will they look incredible, but our implants also help avoid any bone loss that may occur from teeth that are missing.

What Makes Up An Implant?

An implant consists of a screw-shaped titanium post, an abutment, and the implant crown. The screw replaces what should be the root part of the tooth which will secure the implant into the bone. The abutment connects the screw to the crown. This crown is custom-made to match the rest of your natural teeth.

The Process

The process of getting dental implants at CCED in Center City, Philadelphia takes between six to eight months, and is comprised of a varying number of steps, depending on which type of dental implant procedure is being performed:

  1. Numbing: We begin the implant process by providing local anesthesia to numb the area and prepare the site for the dental implant.
  2. Accessing the Jawbone: The first surgical step we take is to make incisions in your overlying gum tissue and use an elevator (a kind of hand tool) to push and peel the flaps of your gum tissue back so that we have access to your jawbone. If your jawbone is not flat and smooth, we will need to take the extra step of using a drill to reshape it slightly.
  3. Screw Placement: Next we place a screw into your jawbone using specially made surgical instruments for the mouth, and make sure that the area is cleaned.
  4. Healing: After the screw has been secured, it is essential to wait an appropriate amount of time for your jaw and gum tissues to heal; usually, it takes three to six months for an implant to fuse with your jawbone before it can be restored (this step can take more time for some people than others).
  5. Placing Your Permanent Dental Prosthesis: After the fusion has occurred and your jaw has fully healed, an abutment is screwed into place, and your fabricated dental crown is cemented over the abutment.

Types Of Implants

In-Bone: Endosteal, or in-bone dental implants, are the most commonly used. They are inserted inside the jaw bone using screws, blades, or cylinders.

On-Bone: Subperiosteal, or on-bone dental implants, are placed on top of the jaw. Posts from a metal framework are put in place, which protrude through the gum. The implants are connected to these posts and remain secure. This type of dental implant is used when one of our dentists determines that your bone height will not support in-bone implants, or you are unable to wear dentures.

To ensure the longevity of your implants and that the attachment stays strong, be sure to maintain good oral hygiene and attend routine cleanings. Lack thereof can result in bacterial infection, peri-implantitis, which will have serious implications down the line for your teeth.

Are Dental Implants Right For You?

In order to qualify for candidacy for a dental implant procedure, patients must meet the following criteria:

  • Have no current cavities
  • Show no signs of active infection
  • Be in general good health (oral and otherwise)
  • Remain free of periodontal disease (have healthy gum tissues)

If you have any questions concerning your eligibility for getting a dental implant at CCED, give us a call and consult with one of our medical staff to determine whether we can perform the procedure. As the #1 choice for dental care in Center City, Philadelphia, we work together with you to help ensure we can give you safe, healing dentistry.