Dental Implants
Turning Back the Clock on Tooth Loss!
If you’re missing teeth, whether it be a single tooth or your entire arch, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans have to deal with the consequences of missing teeth on a daily basis. Being forced to eat a limited diet or deal with constantly shifting teeth only leads to malnutrition and additional tooth loss. While missing teeth can negatively impact your image and self-esteem, the health factors are extremely problematic for your oral and overall health.
Thankfully, dental implants in Philadelphia can help you turn back time.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
The main difference between dental implants and other options for replacing teeth is their ability to replace the tooth root underneath the gum line. Once placed, the implant undergoes a process known as osseointegration, which is the biocompatible titanium post permanently bonding with your natural bone. Once fully bonded and healed, your implant should feel indistinguishable from your natural teeth, offering benefits that you likely experienced prior your tooth loss. These include:
- The fullest biting force possible thanks to bone stimulation
- A more youthful appearance thanks to increased blood flow to the face and cheeks
- A beautiful and natural-looking smile
Furthermore, dental implants are extremely reliable, durable and capable of lasting 25 years to a lifetime when properly maintained. Even after a 10-year period, dental implants on average see a 95 percent success rate; now that’s something worth smiling about.
Indications for Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the most versatile tooth replacement option in dentistry to date. Replacing a single tooth, multiple teeth or an entire arch is simple and comprehensive; here’s how we make it happen.
Missing Single Tooth
If replacing a single tooth, the dentist will place one implant and one implant-retained crown on top. This crown is typically made entirely from porcelain, offering the most natural appearance possible.
Missing Multiple Teeth
If multiple teeth are missing, you can combine the traditional dental bridge with implants to create an implant-retained bridge. This option is ideal if you intend on replacing three or four consecutive teeth. This option only requires two implants on either side of the bridge to place. It also does not require wearing down of natural teeth because they’re no longer being used to anchor the bridge.
Missing All Teeth
Those who currently have or are considering dentures should ask their dentist about implant-retained dentures. By strategically placing four to six implants throughout the mouth, you can support an entire arch and receive a better fitting denture in the process.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
The only way you can get an exact total cost for dental implants is by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Gary Henkel to discuss your needs. Every patient is unique when it comes to implant placement and total cost can vary based on a few different factors. The most influential factors include:
- The number of implants placed
- The type of restoration and abutments used (abutments attach the implant and restoration together)
- Preparatory treatments to make implants viable or easier for certain patients (i.e. bone grafts, sinus lifts, sedation techniques, etc.)
As you start to learn more about the process, you’ll quickly learn that dental implants have a higher upfront cost than dentures or traditional bridges. Since implants are an advanced procedure that not only takes a lot of planning and expertise, but is meant to last much longer than other methods, the cost is higher. Think of implants as a long-term investment, especially considering the fact that most dentists call them the most cost-efficient solution to extensive tooth loss.
Ready to determine your needs before implant treatment? Contact our office today to speak with our team!
Experience comfortable, state-of-the-art dental care in Philadelphia, Horsham, and surrounding areas with Horsham Dental Elements. We proudly serve patients from all over Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Bucks County. Contact us today to make an appointment and discover what difference in technology, education, and experience can make in your dental care.
