Dental Implants – State College, PA
State-of-the-Art Tooth Replacement
Whether you are missing one tooth or several, you’re probably well aware of the problems they can cause. Simple things like eating and speaking can become awkward and uncomfortable, plus they can make you very hesitant to smile, even among family and friends. For people in this situation, Donald Marks Family Dentistry is happy to provide the most state-of-the-art tooth replacement available today: dental implants. Compared to any other treatment, they provide the most durable, reliable, and beautiful results. To learn more about what dental implants in State College, PA can do for you, contact us today.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
As one of the most complex dental procedures, getting dental implants can seem intimidating, but unfamiliarity shouldn’t keep you from reaching your smile’s full potential after tooth loss. The four basic steps we’ll take to restore your teeth consist of the following: consultation, surgery, osseointegration, and restoration. During your appointment with Dr. Marks, he can explain these steps in greater depth and answer any questions you have!
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
Before doing anything else, you must have a consultation with Dr. Marks. In addition to answering your questions, this appointment is essential because it allows him to examine your mouth, make sure you’re ready for treatment, and plan the procedure meticulously. To do this, we’ll use our cone beam CT scanner, which will show not only your jawbone but also your blood vessels, nerve endings, and other details Dr. Marks will need to know to avoid complications.
Dental Implant Surgery
Most general dentists don’t possess the knowledge and skills to place dental implants themselves, so you have to be referred to an outside specialist. Dr. Marks, on the other hand, is perfectly able and qualified to both place and restore your implant in-house. This saves you the inconvenience of visiting an unfamiliar specialist.
After the local anesthetic has numbed the area, during the procedure, Dr. Marks will insert the implant post into the jawbone and close the gum tissue over the site.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
Following the placement surgery, you’ll need to take it easy for a few days and have a soft diet for up to a week to give the tissue time to heal. Then, you should be able to return to a normal diet and carry on with your usual schedule. Meanwhile, for the next three to six months, your jawbone will produce new growth and wrap around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This is what provides stability and strength for your new teeth!
When osseointegration is complete, an abutment or connection piece is added to the implant to prepare for the last step.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
Prior to the lab fabricating your restoration, we will need to take impressions of your upper and lower arches. Instead of pressing messy putty into your mouth, we use a digital impression system, which accurately scans and measures without any unpleasantness.
Finally, when the restoration has been crafted, you’ll come back in to have it bonded to your implants, completing your smile and giving you freedom to bite, chew, laugh, and smile with confidence again.
Benefits of Dental Implants
When it comes to tooth replacement, dental implants are clearly the best choice. They are the only solution to tooth loss to replicate not only the visible crown of the tooth, but the root as well. Because of this, your jawbone is stimulated by the implant posts, preventing jawbone loss that prematurely ages you. Implants also have a success rate of more than 95%, can last upwards of 30 years, and don’t require any damage to surrounding teeth, unlike dental bridges.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Chosen by several patients for their numerous benefits, dental implants are exceptionally popular as they can effectively replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or even an entire smile. In your initial consultation, we'll determine your eligibility for dental implants in State College. Following our discussion, we’ll craft a customized treatment plan to address your specific needs. Click on the button below to learn more about this process!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are generally suitable for almost any healthy adult. To be considered a good candidate, you typically need:
- Good overall health – Since dental implant placement involves a minor procedure, it's important to be in good health to undergo the surgery successfully.
- Great oral health – Existing issues like gum disease or cavities can affect implant success, which is why they must be addressed before proceeding.
- Strong jawbone – Adequate jawbone density is important for supporting dental implants.
Even if you initially seem unsuitable, we offer preparatory treatments like bone grafting and gum disease treatment to ensure implant success. After completing these procedures, your smile will be prepared for implants, and we'll design a plan tailored to the number of missing teeth.
Missing 1 Tooth
For just one missing tooth, we can place a single implant post, abutment (a metal connector piece), and a lifelike dental crown. Once this procedure is finished, your implant should be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Missing Multiple Teeth
For those missing several teeth in a row, a few crowns can be strung together to form a sturdy dental bridge. An implant with a crown will be placed on either end of the space in your smile, and these will be bonded to prosthetic teeth to literally bridge the gap. Implant-retained bridges are not only much stronger than traditional ones, but they also do a better job of blending in with your smile.
Missing All Teeth
Instead of placing an implant for every missing tooth you have, we can simply place four to six in order to provide enough support for a full denture. This eliminates the need for ill-fitting dentures that slip around when talking or chewing. These prosthetic teeth are instead permanently fixed in your mouth, giving you a more consistent bite and smile.
Start-to-Finish Dental Implant Treatment
Most general dentists don’t possess the knowledge and skills to place dental implants themselves, so you have to be referred to an outside specialist. Dr. Marks, on the other hand, is perfectly able and qualified to both place and restore your implant in-house. This saves you the inconvenience of visiting an unfamiliar specialist. Instead, you can rest easy knowing that your trusted dentist will take care of everything.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
There is no set cost for dental implants because every situation and every patient are different. The total cost of your new teeth could depend on a few factors, such as how many implants you’re receiving, your level of sedation during the placement surgery, and the type of restoration you’re getting. Keep in mind that although implants may seem expensive upfront, you’re making an investment that should last for decades. You shouldn’t have to pay to get your teeth replaced every few years like you would with a bridge or denture. If you take proper care of your implants with regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings, your dental implants can even last the rest of your life!
Dental Implant FAQs
Dental implants in State College are the most reliable method of replacing lost teeth; however, they are a big investment. Don’t worry if you have some concerns because we will explain everything during your dental implant consultation . While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions to feel confident about the road ahead.
Can I take dental implants out?
No, you can’t remove a dental implant because it replicates both the root and crown. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jaw to mimic a root. Your bone will fuse to the implant through a process called osseointegration, allowing it to stay in place forever with the right care. Although some implant dentures are removable for easy cleaning, only a trained dental professional can remove posts, such as in cases of dental implant failure.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants provide predictable results. They are proven to last for 30 years or more with the right maintenance. Various factors affect the lifespan of the prosthetic, like the location. The back teeth experience more pressure from chewing, so they may have a slightly shorter life expectancy. You can safeguard your investment by limiting hard or sticky foods. Your oral hygiene habits are essential to promoting the long-term success of your new smile. Besides brushing and flossing, visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Your implant dentist in State College will recommend avoiding anything that may lead to complications, like smoking, chewing on your fingernails, or using your teeth to open packages.
What are the signs of dental implant failure?
The risk of dental implant failure is less than 5%, but it’s important to remain vigilant for any signs of complications, like pain, swelling, or redness near the post. Do not wait to see a dentist if you develop any concerning symptoms because they can be caused by an infection, called peri-implantitits. Your dentist can provide the quick care you need to preserve your smile.
What should I do if my dental implant feels loose?
After your jawbone has fused to the implant, it should never feel loose. If your dental implant wiggles, you need to see a dentist right away. While it could be caused by a loose restoration, the instability can also be the result of bone loss or infection. Your dentist will identify the problem to restore a healthy, functional smile.
Am I too old to get dental implants?
There isn’t an age limit for dental implants; however, older patients often have certain health issues or take medications that may complicate the surgery or recovery process. Pre-existing medical conditions don’t disqualify you from undergoing the procedure. Your dentist will perform a thorough consultation to ensure you have minimal risk factors for complications. They will create the personalized treatment plan you need to safely and effectively replace your missing teeth. It isn’t uncommon to need a little prep work, like gum disease therapy or bone grafting. Although it may add additional steps to the treatment process, they are necessary to ensure your new smile thrives.
