Dental Implants in Plymouth Meeting, PA

To replace missing teeth, no other option is as comfortable or as permanent as dental implants. In Plymouth Meeting, Dr. Shock offers a wide range of dental implant options tailored to his patients’ individual needs and goals.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are replacements for missing or damaged teeth that restore the entire tooth rather than just the visible portion. This makes them unique since dentures and other replacement methods do not replace the roots of teeth. Dental implants have three sections:

• The implant, which is a titanium or zirconia screw surgically placed in the jaw to act as the root.
• An abutment that attaches the implant to a restoration.
• The restoration replaces the visible portion of a missing tooth. The restoration may be a crown or a dental prosthesis resembling a lightweight denture that is permanently attached to the implant(s).

Benefits of Dental Implants

One of the most significant benefits of missing tooth replacement with dental implants is the stimulation of the jawbone that the implant provides. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone begins to deteriorate due to the lack of stimulation from the tooth’s root. An individual can lose as much as 25% of the surrounding bone in the first year, leading to jawbone deterioration and a sunken facial appearance. Implants fuse with the surrounding bone, preserving the jaw and facial contours.

Other benefits of dental implants include:

• Ease of care: You brush and floss implant restorations like natural teeth.
• Comfort: No other teeth replacements feel as close to your natural teeth, and they do not shift or pinch like dentures.
• Convenience: You do not have to remove dentures at night or for cleaning.
• You eat what you like: There are no food restrictions when you have implants. You can eat even tough, chewy, and hard foods.
• A beautiful smile: Dental implants look like natural teeth.

What to Expect When Getting Dental Implants

The dental implant process takes time. During the first phase, dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone. The implants are carefully chosen and strategically placed to take advantage of the best location for optimal stability and support of the restorations. Once placed, it takes 3-6 months for the implants to fuse with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. When osseointegration is complete, abutments (slender pins inserted into the cents of the implants) are used to attach the restorations.

While the implants are integrating with your jawbone, you will be able to wear a temporary denture so that you can eat and smile normally. During this time, Dr. Shock will create an impression of your mouth and have either a crown (for attachment to individual implants) or a dental prosthetic (for attachment to multiple implants) fabricated. When the implants have healed completely, the temporary teeth are removed, and the permanent restorations are attached. You now have a beautiful, functional smile that will last for decades with proper care and maintenance.

Types of Dental Implants

• Dental Implant Crown: For replacing a single missing tooth, a dental implant crown is an ideal solution. The crown is attached to an individual implant. Dr. Shock may also use this approach when more than one tooth is missing, but they are not adjacent to each other.
• Dental Implant Partial Prosthesis: When a partial dental prosthesis is needed to replace multiple missing teeth, Dr. Shock can place two or three implants to support a dental bridge that spans the space of multiple missing teeth.
• Dental Implant Dentures: When a full arch of upper or lower teeth needs to be replaced, Dr. Shock may place several (often 4, 6, or 8) implants in the jawbone to support a full arch of replacement.
• Removable Overdenture: Some patients prefer a removable denture attached to implants for improved stability, combined with the option to remove their denture. These overdentures snap onto an attachment bar or a ball-and-socket secured to implants.

Why Choose The Dental Health Center?

Dr. Shock utilizes the latest technologies, including CT scanning and imaging, to ensure the precise placement of dental implants for optimal stability and a beautiful, comfortable smile. His dedication to working closely with his patients and following their progress through every phase of their dental implant journey ensures their comfort throughout the process.

Dental Implant FAQs

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Anyone who wants to replace missing teeth and is in good general health may be a candidate for dental implants. If you have active dental infections or gum disease, they must be treated before the process begins. Some individuals may not be candidates for implants, including heavy smokers and individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune disorders, or blood clotting problems.

How much do dental implants cost in Plymouth Meeting PA?

The cost of implants and restorations varies depending on the number of implants, the type of restorations used, the complexity of the surgery, the type of anesthesia used, and other factors. If you are interested in missing tooth replacement, Dr. Shock can provide you with an accurate price during your initial consultation.

Is getting dental implants painful?

No. The surgery is performed under local anesthetic and some anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain. During the first few days of recovery, you may experience some discomfort and swelling that can be easily relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. Most patients return to normal activities within a week.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Shock and learn more about your dental implant options, please get in touch with The Dental Health Center at The Dental Health Center Office Phone Number 484-681-9718.