Dental Implants in Lebanon & Lancaster
Lebanon Oral Surgery Group and Lancaster Oral Surgery group offer lasting, permanent replacement of missing teeth with dental implants. The beauty of dental implants is not your restored appearance (although you will have an attractive smile) but the return of natural function and comfort. Tooth implants are the only permanent solution to tooth loss, whether you are missing a single tooth or an entire row of teeth.
What are dental implants?
Tooth implants replace the missing root of a missing tooth and support restorations such as full arch replacement teeth or individual dental crowns. The implant looks like a screw and is surgically placed in the jawbone, which will function as an artificial tooth root and fuse with the jawbone. The implant placed in the jawbone is made of titanium, a biocompatible metal often used for joint replacements.
After a dental implant has healed and fused with the surrounding jaw area, an abutment (a small metal clip or pin) is placed in the hollow center of the implant and attached to the crown or restoration. The visible portion of the replacement tooth mimics natural teeth so closely that no one but your dentist will know your implants are not your natural teeth.
Why Get Dental Implants?
There are numerous advantages of dental implants instead of dentures or bridges to replace missing teeth. Perhaps the most important is how dental implants preserve and protect the health of your jawbone. When a tooth is lost, you can lose as much as 25% of your jawbone mass in the area surrounding the empty tooth socket. As your jawbone deteriorates, the adjacent teeth may shift or the deterioration may lead to loose or missing teeth.
Other advantages of dental implants include the following:
- A lovely, permanent smile.
- Dental implants do not develop tooth decay.
- Caring for dental implants is the same as caring for natural teeth – you brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly for checkups.
- Dentures can slip, shift, and pinch. Dental implants do not; they feel natural and never move.
- You can eat any foods you like with dental implants without worrying about getting something lodged under a denture.
- You are less likely to develop gum disease with implants, which is common in individuals with missing teeth.
- Dental implants prevent premature sagging of the face and preserve facial contours for a more youthful look as you age.
What Kinds of Dental Implants are There?
There are many different kinds of dental implants used for restorations. You can get a single dental implant with a crown to replace the visible portion of your tooth. If you have several missing teeth, dental implants may replace all the teeth roots individually, or a few dental implants strategically placed in the jawbone can support an entire arch of teeth.
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants commonly replace anything from one tooth to an entire arch. The titanium implants replace the roots of individual restorations or support an entire arch of replacement teeth. The implant resembles a screw, is placed in the jaw, and then allowed to heal for several weeks before the final restorations are attached using abutments.
Would I Be a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults in good health with no oral health problems are candidates for dental implants. They have been placed in patients of all ages, including the elderly. However, there are a few restrictions. If you have a bleeding disorder, cancer, some autoimmune diseases, or are a heavy smoker, you may not be eligible for implants. If you have dental health issues such as gum disease, they have to be treated before you can think about surgery. If your jawbone has deteriorated, you may need a bone graft to build up the jawbone before scheduling implant surgery.
Our surgeons can review your medical history, take digital images, and examine your teeth, jawbone, and gums to determine whether you are a good candidate.
“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Some patients are concerned that dental implants are too expensive. While the upfront cost is significant, they quickly pay for themselves over time. Dentures may cost less at purchase, but they wear out and must be relined, repaired, or replaced frequently. Without implants, you have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Your jawbone will deteriorate over time, leading to an aged appearance.
The cost of implants varies depending on issues such as how many implants, what kind, and whether bone grafting is needed. To learn more about the cost of dental implants, please schedule a consultation with one of our oral surgeons.
Dental implants can dramatically improve your oral function, comfort, and appearance. A complete, healthy smile boosts your confidence and alleviates self-consciousness. If dental implants seem like a good way to replace your missing teeth, call our Lebanon Office at Lebanon Office Phone Number (717) 273-6745 or our Lancaster Office at Lancaster Office Phone Number (717) 740-2373 to schedule an appointment with one of our dental implant specialists.
