Dental Implants in Richboro

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the closest replacement to natural teeth that modern dentistry offers. Unlike dentures, which rest on top of the gums, implants are anchored in the jawbone and function just like the roots of natural teeth. With implants, you can eat, speak, and laugh with confidence.

Each implant restoration has three main parts:

• Implant post: A small titanium post placed into the jawbone. Over time, it fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a strong, stable foundation.
• Abutment: A connector that attaches the post to the visible replacement tooth.
• Crown: A custom-made artificial tooth designed to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth.

Implants can replace a single missing tooth, several teeth, or support a bridge or implant-retained denture for patients missing an entire arch.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Natural look and feel: Implants blend in seamlessly with your smile and feel like your own teeth.
• Preserves jawbone: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink. Implants stimulate the bone and help prevent this loss.
• Protects facial structure: By preserving bone, implants help prevent the sunken, aged appearance that can follow tooth loss.
• Keeps teeth aligned: Implants fill gaps so neighboring teeth don’t drift out of position.
• Long-lasting: With proper care, implants can last for many years, often a lifetime.
• No dietary worries: Once healed, you can enjoy your favorite foods without the slipping that loose dentures can cause.

Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters

The loss of a tooth often triggers bone loss in the jaw, which can gradually change the shape of your face and make you look older than you are. Over time, bone loss also leaves the jaw more vulnerable to injury and can make future tooth replacement more complex. After a tooth is lost, neighboring teeth may shift into the open space, creating gaps and bite problems. Implants address all of these concerns by replacing both the root and the visible tooth.

The Dental Implant Process

Your implant treatment takes place over several visits and is carefully planned around your oral health.

• Consultation and evaluation: Dr. Sandhu examines your teeth, gums, and jaw and takes X-rays to determine whether you have enough healthy bone to support an implant. If a damaged tooth still needs to be removed, a tooth extraction comes first.
• Preparing the jaw: If bone loss is present, Dr. Sandhu may recommend a bone graft or other regenerative procedure to rebuild healthy bone. Any active gum disease is treated before implant placement.
• Implant placement: The titanium post is placed into the jawbone. Over the following months, it fuses with the bone. A temporary restoration may be provided in the meantime.
• Final restoration: Once healing is complete, your custom crown is attached. Each crown is crafted in a high-quality dental lab to look just like your natural teeth.

What Results Can You Expect?

Most patients are thrilled with their results because implants look and function like natural teeth. Once your implant has healed, you can eat normally and brush and floss as usual. Continue visiting Dr. Sandhu for regular exams and cleanings so she can monitor your implant and the health of the surrounding gums and bone.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Good candidates generally have healthy gums, adequate jawbone density or are eligible for bone grafting, and are committed to good oral hygiene. Smoking and certain health conditions can affect healing, so Dr. Sandhu will review your medical history during your consultation. If implants are not the right fit, she can discuss alternatives such as full or partial dentures. Visit our financial information page to learn about payment options.

If you are considering dental implants, you deserve expert care. Request an appointment or call (215) 485-5151 today.

Dental Implants in Richboro – FAQs