Dental Implants Doylestown PA

Missing Teeth Solutions | Philadelphia PA Area

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium screws placed in the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. The implants fuse with the surrounding bone over weeks or months, creating a stable foundation for permanent crowns or dental prosthetics that are attached once the implants are fully integrated with the jawbone.

Once dental implants have fully fused (osseointegrated) with the jawbone, they can last 30 years or more. For most patients, they last a lifetime. The visible portions of the replacement teeth can last twenty years or more before needing replacement. Many of our patients retain their dental implants for a lifetime.

Dental Implant Treatment

The placement of dental implants is a sophisticated and highly complex procedure requiring skill and precision for optimal results. The process typically involves several steps, beginning with a comprehensive evaluation and ending with the restoration of a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Initial Consultation

The process starts with an initial consultation with Dr. Keiper. During this consultation, your dental and medical history is reviewed, and a thorough examination of the oral cavity, including X-rays and, in some cases, 3D imaging, is performed. This evaluation helps determine whether you are suitable for dental implants and allows us to plan the placement procedure.

Surgical Placement

If you are deemed a suitable candidate, the surgical phase of dental implant placement is scheduled. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Dr. Keiper then carefully makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. A small hole is drilled into the bone, and the implant is precisely inserted into this hole. The gum tissue is then sutured back into place.

Healing Period

After implant placement, a crucial healing period, known as osseointegration, follows. The implant fuses with the surrounding bone tissue during this phase, which can last several months. This fusion ensures the stability and strength of the implant, mimicking the natural tooth root.

Abutment Placement

Once osseointegration is complete, a second minor surgery may be required to attach an abutment to the implant. The abutment connects the implant and the replacement tooth, and it protrudes above the gum line.

Restoration

The final step in the dental implant process involves creating and placing the replacement tooth or teeth. Depending on your specific needs, this can be a single crown, a bridge, or even a complete set of dentures. The replacement teeth are custom-made to match your natural teeth in appearance and function, providing a lifelike and fully functional smile.

Dental implant placement is a meticulous and well-established procedure with a high success rate. It offers a long-term solution for missing teeth, providing improved aesthetics, speech, and the ability to enjoy a wide range of foods. Patients who undergo this process often regain their confidence and oral health, making it a transformative treatment option in modern dentistry.

Dental Implant FAQs

What kind of dental implants do you use?

After careful research, Keiper Family Dental has chosen Biotech Dental USA’s Kontact and Kontact S+ implant systems. Developed in France, these implant systems are on the cutting edge of dental implant placement, providing a wide range of customized implant sizes, shapes, and capabilities. Kontact and Kontact S+ address both dense and soft bone tissue, allowing more people than ever to get tooth implants.

For more information, download the Kontact patient brochure.

How long does the dental implant process take?

The entire process can take several months. It typically involves initial consultations, implant placement, healing time (2-6 months), and the placement of the artificial tooth.
Is the dental implant procedure painful? The process is usually done under local anesthesia so you won’t feel pain during the surgery. Discomfort afterward can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. Regular oral hygiene and dental check-ups are crucial to ensure their longevity.

Are there any risks or complications associated with dental implants?

Like any surgical procedure, there can be risks and complications, such as infection, nerve damage, or implant failure. However, these are relatively rare, and we will discuss the potential risks with you.

Are there any age restrictions for dental implants?

Age is not usually a limiting factor for dental implants. What’s more important is overall health and bone density. Older individuals can and do receive dental implants.

Can dental implants replace multiple missing teeth?

Yes, dental implants can replace single or multiple teeth or even support full arches of teeth (implant-supported dentures).

How do dental implants compare to other tooth replacement options?

Dental implants offer several advantages, including better stability and greater longevity than dentures and bridges. They also don’t require alteration of adjacent teeth.

What is the cost of dental implants?

The cost of dental implants can vary depending on the number of implants needed, your location, and any additional procedures required. Discussing fees with your dentist and checking if your dental insurance covers the process is essential.

How can I care for my dental implants?

Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential.

Can I get dental implants if I smoke or have certain medical conditions?

Smoking can increase the risk of implant failure. Certain medical conditions can affect eligibility, but your dentist will evaluate your specific situation.

Can I eat and speak normally with dental implants?

Yes, dental implants allow for natural eating and speaking, as they are stable and function like natural teeth.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

Dental implants have a high success rate, often exceeding 95% when placed by a skilled professional and with proper care.