The dental implant process may vary depending on which type of implant and restoration you receive, but treatment typically consists of the same phases. First, your treatment will be planned using x-rays and images of your mouth, and your dentist will determine the perfect position for your dental implant.
During the placement process, your mouth will be numbed and a small opening will be made in your gums and jaw bone. Your implant will then be placed into the proper position and the area will be cleaned and sutured shut.
The healing process typically takes about 3-6 months, and during this time your implant will “osseointegrate”. This means that your implant will bond with the surrounding gum and jaw tissue until it is strong enough to act as an artificial tooth root.
Once the healing and osseointegration process is complete, your restoration will be checked to make sure that it fits perfectly and looks natural. Next, your restoration will be permanently attached to your implant and you’ll leave our office with a fully-restored smile.
At D3 Dental, we provide comprehensive restorative dentistry by offering professional quality dental implants in Ambler, PA
For individuals with missing or severely damaged teeth, getting a dental implant is a great way to permanently restore bite function and aesthetic. Our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Dudhat, is happy to provide patients with an effective replacement for their missing teeth at his Ambler, Colmar, Lansdale, and Warminster dental offices. Dr. Dudhat is an active member of the International Congress or Oral Implantologists and has received extensive training in the placement and restoration of dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a permanent tooth and root that is substituted for a missing tooth. The root portion is made from titanium and integrates naturally with the bone in your jaw through a process called osseointegration. Once the implant has fused to your jaw bone, it prevents bone loss you would normally experience from a lack of stimulation from your organic tooth root.
The crown that is placed on top of the titanium root is made to be durable and to blend in with the coloring of your existing teeth.
Should I get a Dental Implant or a Fixed Bridge?
Just a few years ago, the best solution for one or more missing teeth was a fixed bridge. Existing teeth surrounding the space where a tooth used to be are used as anchors for attaching replacement teeth. The fixed bridge method does nothing for the health of the bone in your jaw and can cause damage to the natural teeth that are supporting the replacements. While both a fixed bridge and a dental implant are permanent fixtures, a dental implant is a permanent way to restore missing teeth that is also great for your overall oral health.
If your dental issues are more complex and involve the position of your teeth, we offer procedures that can help.
What does getting dental implants involve?
The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.
X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the post that will hold the artificial tooth in place. With other implants, the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.
After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.
Am I Eligible for a Dental Implant?
Are you an Ambler, PA patient interested in getting a dental implant? Dr. Dudhat will gladly discuss all treatment options with his guests who are concerned about replacing missing teeth. Depending on your unique concerns and oral health, some patients may need services before an implant can be considered. Please contact us or request an appointment for a consultation.
With the help of modern advancements in dentistry, dental implants have become the preferred method for restoring missing teeth and maintaining good oral health, on top of a beautiful smile.
Questions? Ready for a Dental Implant Consultation?
If you are an Ambler, PA resident who is interested in getting dental implants to restore the function and aesthetics of your smile, contact us by calling (215) 619-6756 or schedule an appointment online today.
Come see why so many families in Montgomery and Bucks County come to us for their complete dental care. Our dental practices in Ambler PA proudly serve the dental needs of patients in Lansdale, North Wales, Hatfield, Abington, Chalfont, Warminster, Horsham, Willow Grove, Warrington and more, and we are always welcoming new patients to join our dental family.
Digital X-Rays
Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer.
This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping the dentist and dental hygienists detect problems easier. Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.
Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
Dental x-rays may reveal:
- Abscesses or cysts.
- Bone loss.
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
- Decay between the teeth.
- Developmental abnormalities.
- Poor tooth and root positions.
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage may save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!
Are dental x-rays safe?
We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. Digital x-rays produce a significantly lower level of radiation compared to traditional dental x-rays. Not only are digital x-rays better for the health and safety of the patient, but they are also faster and more comfortable to take, which reduces your time in the dental office. Also, since the digital image is captured electronically, there is no need to develop the x-rays, thus eliminating the disposal of harmful waste and chemicals into the environment.
Even though digital x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered very safe, dentists still take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation. These precautions include only taking those x-rays that are necessary, and using lead apron shields to protect the body.
How often should dental x-rays be taken?
The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based upon the review of your medical and dental history, a dental exam, signs and symptoms, your age, and the risk of disease.
A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.
Dental X-Rays
Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
Dental x-rays may reveal:
- Abscesses or cysts.
- Bone loss.
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
- Decay between the teeth.
- Developmental abnormalities.
- Poor tooth and root positions.
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!
Are dental x-rays safe?
We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.
Dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental x-rays. These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each x-ray.
How often should dental x-rays be taken?
The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.
A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.
