A dental implant is a small, titanium screw surgically placed in the jawbone below the gums. Dental implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. They can anchor a tooth crown, dental bridge, or denture and offer long-lasting dental restorations. Since they are permanently secured to your jawbone, they help restorations to function very similarly to natural teeth, allowing patients full chewing capacity. They also do not come with any dietary restrictions.
Dr. Jeffrey Bellisario restores dental implants and implant-secured dental restorations in Ardmore, PA. He works with oral surgeons to place the implants. Then, Dr. Bellisario and his team construct custom-made crowns, bridges, or dentures that will be permanently secured by the implants. Implants offer a restoration that looks and functions extremely close to your natural teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Compared to traditional restorations, dental implants offer multiple advantages to our patients. These benefits include:
- Aesthetics: Dental implants are crafted to feel and look just like natural teeth. This is because they are made of long-lasting titanium and capped off with custom crowns. They also prevent facial sagging, a common problem for many patients with missing teeth. Implants prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can age the face.
- Comfort: Unlike removable dentures, dental implants feel comfortable in the mouth. After the dental implants are fully healed, they feel just like natural teeth. With implants, restorations like bridges and dentures require fewer repairs.
- Durability: Dental implants can last for many years with the right care. Removable dentures can slide around the mouth, even with adhesive. Patients do not have to worry about eating hard or chewy foods with implant restorations because dental implants function like natural teeth.
- Improved Oral Health: Dental implants reduce the risk of further bone loss. This is because they fuse with the bone tissue, becoming a part of the smile. Restoring one or more teeth with implants can prevent shifting teeth and tooth decay.
Treatment with Dental Implants
Prior to treatment, we will ensure that patients have enough bone tissue in their jaw to support their implants. If they do not have enough bone tissue to support implants, bone grafting is an option. Our office works with a local oral surgeon to place the implants. The surgeon inserts the titanium dental implants into your jawbone beneath the gums. During a process called osseointegration, the implants fuse with the jawbone. This may take anywhere from three to six months.
Once we determine that your implants have healed, we will place an abutment and temporary crown. The abutment attaches to the implant and connects it to the restoration. We will fit you for a temporary crown until your permanent restoration is created. In order to create your permanent restoration we will take dental impressions of your mouth that can be used to make your crown, bridge, or denture. The restoration will be matched to the exact color, shape, and size of your natural tooth. Once your permanent restoration is complete, you can enjoy your new, aesthetically pleasing and functional smile.
Same-Day Dental Implants
We offer same-day dental implants for individuals who need to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Also known as All-On-Four, this treatment uses four or more implants to secure a denture. The dental implants are placed strategically along the arch at specific angles to ensure that support is maximized for the restoration.
Patients can enjoy their new teeth right away, as we can place a temporary restoration the same day that the implants are placed. When the dental implants are healed, we will provide you with your permanent prosthetic. This type of implant typically requires less bone density that traditional ones, so All-on-4 may be a good option if you do not have enough bone density to support traditional implants. Call our office or schedule a consultation today to find out if All-On-4 could benefit your smile.
Dental Implant Aftercare
After your implants are placed, you may experience some tender pain in your gums, along with bleeding. This is completely normal and is nothing to be concerned about. An OTC pain reliever can help to alleviate pain. If your gums are actively bleeding place a gauze on them to help clotting form.
We recommend that patients refrain from smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, and drinking anything through a straw for at least 24 hours. We also recommend getting ample rest the day following your implant placement, and laying with your head above your heart. Rinsing with saltwater can help reduce pain and swelling. It is also important to be careful and very gentle while brushing your teeth around the site of the procedure.
Restore Your Missing Teeth Today
Schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Bellisario or call his office at (610) 839-8967. If you have questions about your eligibility for dental implant treatment, let Dr. Bellisario know at your next consultation. He will be glad to assist you.