Details to check before getting dental implants in Northeast Philadelphia

If you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, you may find it hard to smile confidently and enjoy food and conversations. While there are many options for teeth replacement, dental implants are considered superior for many reasons. Before you consider getting dental implants in Northeast Philadelphia, don’t miss the details listed below.

Understanding the procedure

Your dentist will start with an oral exam and take X-rays and 3D images to decide whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. If you are a heavy smoker and have heart conditions, you may not qualify for treatment. The first step is to place the implant posts in the missing teeth sockets. This requires surgery, and if you have lost bone mass, you may need a pretreatment, such as a bone graft, before getting dental implants. Once the implants are placed, it can take a few weeks for the jawbone to heal. The recovery process ensures that the titanium posts are fused to the jawbone.

How to get replacement teeth with dental implants?

There are several options to get replacement teeth after the dental implants are in place –

• Crowns: If you are missing one tooth, your dentist will usually recommend a crown, which will be fixed to the implant with the help of an abutment. Crowns are durable and can last for as long as 15 years.
• Bridges: When a patient is missing up to three teeth in a row, a dental bridge is a better option. The bridge will have crowns on both ends, which are secured to the dental implants. Bridges are beneficial for preventing adjacent teeth from shifting out of position.
• Dentures: If you are missing an entire arch of teeth, your dentist can recommend implant-supported dentures. Unlike traditional dentures, these don’t move around in the slip and will not fall off. You can get Snap-On dentures, which are removable and allow you to remove the dentures.

Does getting dental implants hurt?

While you may experience some discomfort, there is no pain. Your dentist will use local anesthesia for oral surgery and recommend antibiotics to speed up the healing process. As with any surgery, there are risks like infection and bleeding, and your dentist will explain how to avoid such concerns and care for your dental implants.

Choose a clinic that specializes in dental implants in Northeast Philadelphia and discuss your goals in detail. A qualified dentist will help you evaluate all options.