Dental implants are one of the most effective and long-lasting options to replace a missing tooth or teeth. They help patients maintain a stable and comfortable bite, reducing the risk of additional tooth loss down the road. Dental implants in Media, PA are surgically placed into the jaw where teeth are missing. They are constructed from titanium posts that will fuse with bone tissue over a matter of months. After healing, the implant is restored with a permanent dental crown or used to secure a permanent denture. We also provide additional restorative dentistry treatments to new and existing patients in Media, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Alexandra Monroe has advanced training in the placement of dental implants. She works with patients on an individual basis to develop personalized treatment plans and create beautiful new smiles after tooth loss. Dr. Monroe can address the loss of soft tissue as a result of missing teeth as needed to create a stable oral foundation.
Complete Dental Implant Services
We offer complete and comprehensive care for dental implants in our Media dentist office. Our office uses advanced technology including CBCT scanning to diagnose and treat tooth loss with exceptional results. Dr. Monroe is able to thoroughly evaluate all aspects of your dentition and oral structure for use in treatment planning and implant placement.
The convenience of all aspects of treatment being available under one roof also means that patients can enjoy consistent and quality dental care throughout the process. Our dental care team is available to meet your tooth replacement needs, address your concerns, and help you regain the benefits of a stable and healthy smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants in Media, PA
Dental implants offer you a number of important benefits compared to other restorative options such as dentures or dental bridges. Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth since they are secured to the jawbone and are capped off with a dental crown. Other restorations that are not implant-secured tend to slip over time, often causing you to slur or mumble when you speak.
Dental implants become a permanent restoration and eliminate the slippage issues associated with removable bridges and dentures.
Dental implants function just like your natural teeth and do not have any dietary restrictions. Implants prevent bone loss, which reduces the risk of additional tooth loss down the road. When properly cared for, dental implants can last for the rest of your life.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Ideal candidates for dental implants:
- Maintain healthy teeth and gums
- Have sufficient jawbone density to accommodate the implant
- Do not suffer from uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases
However, if you do not have enough bone structure to accommodate the dental implant, a bone graft may be performed to allow you to undergo the procedure. In addition, patients who have gum disease will need to be treated prior to receiving dental implants.
Your Dental Implant Procedure
Dr. Monroe works closely with patients to create a personalized treatment plan and timeline that suits their needs. She has post-graduate training in the placement of dental implants and can offer complete care under one roof. Our in-house digital technology includes the ability to provide 3-D scanning for a thorough evaluation of your oral structure. This is an important part of the dental implant process and the foundation of a stable and predictable result.
A dental implant consists of a tiny titanium post inserted into the jaw bone which serves as an artificial root. It will take about three to six months for the implant to heal and integrate into the bone.
When creating the dental crown that will be used as your new prosthetic tooth, Dr. Hillyard and Dr. Monroe work with a local lab in order to maintain the best aesthetic result. Your new prosthetic tooth will look and function exactly like your other natural teeth, and the dental crown that caps off the implant will blend in seamlessly with your smile.
If you are securing a denture or dental bridge with implants, they will be fabricated in a lab. Once the implant has been integrated into the bone, we will attach the abutment to the implant post.
Dental Implant FAQs
Learn more about dental implants in Media, PA, with answers to these common questions:
Is dental implant treatment painful?
Dental implant treatment isn’t usually painful. During the procedure, your dentist will numb the area, so you won’t feel much pain, just a bit of pressure. After the surgery, you might have some soreness or swelling, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medicine. Most people find that any discomfort goes away after a few days. We will give you instructions on how to care for your mouth to help with healing and keep you comfortable.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The dental implant process can take several months from start to finish. First, the dentist places the implant in your jawbone, which then needs time to heal. This healing period, called osseointegration, usually takes about 3 to 6 months as the implant fuses with the bone. After that, the dentist attaches a crown (the artificial tooth) to the implant. So, while it can take a while, the result is a strong, long-lasting replacement for your missing tooth.
What happens if a dental implant fails?
If a dental implant fails, it means that it didn’t properly bond with the jawbone or became loose over time. This can happen because of infection, not enough bone to support the implant, or too much pressure on the implant. If an implant fails, our dentist will remove it and clean the area. After giving your mouth time to heal, you might be able to try the implant process again, or our dentist might suggest a different treatment option to replace the missing tooth.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Dr. Monroe will provide post-treatment and ongoing care advice on an individual basis, tailored to your needs and overall dental health. For most patients, dental implants are cared for like their natural teeth.
Daily brushing and flossing will help prevent common dental problems and maintain the stability of your new implant(s). We recommend a Waterpik toothbrush for thorough cleaning around all surfaces.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. However, the specific lifespan of a dental implant will depend on various factors, such as the material for the implant, the health of the person receiving the implant, and the quality of the implant placement surgery.
On average, dental implants have a high success rate after ten years. If you brush and floss your teeth, and have regular checkups with your dentist, your tooth implants should last for many years.
Do dental implants stain?
There is a small risk of dental implant staining, but it’s usually minimal. Tooth implants are made of titanium, which is a non-reactive metal. However, the porcelain crown that sits on top of the implant can stain over time if you do not take care of it properly.
To avoid staining, you should brush your teeth and floss regularly. You should avoid eating foods that cause staining, like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. It is also a good idea to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
Can I eat normally with dental implants?
Dental implants function just like natural teeth, so you should be able to eat all of your favorite foods without any difficulties. However, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and avoid eating hard or sticky foods that can damage the artificial teeth or cause the tooth implants to loosen.
Avoid biting down on hard objects, such as ice or hard candy, as this can damage dental implants. Finally, if you have any questions or concerns about your diet and dental implants, please speak with Dr. Monroe today.
Will people be able to tell that I have teeth implants?
In most cases, people will not be able to tell that you have dental implants just by looking at them. Dental implants are designed to look and function like natural teeth, so they should blend in seamlessly with your existing teeth. However, if the artificial teeth or crowns attached to the dental implants are a different color than your natural teeth, they might be slightly noticeable.
Schedule A Dental Implant Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, call Dr. Gregory Hillyard or Dr. Alexandra Monroe’s Media, Pennsylvania dental office at 610.566.0291.