Dental Implants: The Next Best Thing After Natural Teeth
If you’re someone who has been wearing dentures for years or perhaps you’re looking for a solution to reinvent your smile, receiving dental implants from Eagle Valley Family Dentistry in Bellefonte, PA could be the perfect permanent solution. More than 8 million Americans have dental implants because they are the best next option after natural teeth.
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If you properly care for your dental implants, they will last just as long as natural teeth. Plus, they are more durable than dentures and won’t move around in your mouth. They look and feel just like natural teeth, so you can gain back the life you had before dentures and missing teeth.
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It is more of a process to receive dental implants and will take several months for us to place them. But once the work is done you will have a great smile for life.
The Process of Receiving Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial teeth that we attach directly to your jawbone with something that looks like a screw. The screw is made of titanium and it acts like a root for your new tooth. There are a few steps we need to take to place your dental implants:
Step 1: The first appointment is considered surgery where we place the implants in your jawbone. If possible, we will also place the posts, also known as connectors, but sometimes this requires another appointment. After both are placed, the gums need time to heal and get used to the implants and posts, so after this step you will need to wait anywhere from 3-6 months.
Step 2: After your gums are healed, we will then mount the artificial teeth to the posts.
If we determine that your jawbone isn’t strong enough for this kind of dental implants, there are other solutions. One is a dental implant that we place below the gum, but above the jawbone. Another possible solution is placing a metal frame to your jawbone for added support.
To determine what is the best solution for you, we use state-of-the-art 3D digital imaging so we can analyze your jaw and what kind of dental implants are the best fit. We will make sure to explain all the details of the procedure so you stay informed about each step of the process.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
The best candidates are those who have healthy gums, have a strong enough jawbone, and are dedicated to daily oral health. There are many things for you to consider when deciding if dental implants are the right choice for you, so we are here to help.
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We have a team of experts at Eagle Valley Family Dentistry right in Bellefonte, PA ready to answer your questions. To schedule a consultation, please contact us at (814) 473-5554 or use the form below.