If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants placed by Greater Philadelphia Oral Surgery may be the right replacement choice for you. A dental implant is a prosthesis that replaces both the root and crown of your missing tooth or teeth.

There are commonly three parts to a dental implant:

• The implant itself is a small titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jaw bone and acts as the replacement for your missing tooth root.
• Another small post, called an abutment, is attached to the top of the implant. This piece protrudes through the gums and acts as a stable anchor and connector between the implant and the third part — the crown.
• The crown connects to the top of the implant and is customized to fit in your mouth like a natural tooth crown.

Whether you have lost a tooth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason, dental implants are a common solution for tooth replacement chosen by patients.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants are the most similar prostheses to healthy, natural teeth. 

A dental implant fits into your mouth like any other natural tooth. In fact, many patients forget that one of their teeth isn’t a natural tooth. Unlike other replacement solutions, dental implants are anchored solidly in your mouth, allowing you to function as though your tooth was never missing.

Dental implants are a long-term solution for tooth replacement. 

While traditional methods like dental bridges have a 7- to 10-year life on average, a dental implant can last a lifetime if placed and cared for properly. Patients with dental implants do not need to worry about implant replacement once the implant has integrated with their jaw bone, although it may need periodic adjustments. Additionally, it is no longer a concern that removable dentures or tooth-supported replacement teeth may fall out or loosen during your day-to-day activities.

Dental implants provide easier speaking, eating, and maintenance. 

Because dental implants are the most similar to your natural teeth, you can enjoy chewing and biting into your favorite foods. This avoids worrying that they may slip or fall out like dentures. Implants give you more ease to speak clearly and maintain the health of your surrounding teeth — you can brush, floss, and care for them just like the rest of the teeth in your mouth!

You can retain natural facial aesthetics. 

Dental implant patients can smile confidently knowing that their teeth look and function like their healthy natural teeth would have. And since dental implants ultimately fuse with the jaw bone, patients can also avoid the common shrunken or sagging appearance that the face can take on when it is missing teeth.

Dental implants protect healthy teeth and bone. 

With dental implants, there is no need to grind down healthy teeth to cement a bridge or rely on the strength of adjacent teeth to carry the burden of a bridge. They also keep adjacent teeth from shifting, a common occurrence when a tooth is missing for an extended length of time. Additionally, dental implants help to prevent jaw bone deterioration that commonly occurs when teeth are lost. They also help to promote continuous bone growth in younger patients who are still developing.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

If you have lost a tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants may be a great choice for you. When considering dental implants, you may need to take extra precaution if you meet one of the following descriptions:

• You smoke on a regular basis.
• There is a history of existing medical conditions.
• Periodontal disease or bone loss is in your history.
• You are under the age of 18.

During your initial consultation, the doctors at Greater Philadelphia Oral Surgery will perform a thorough oral exam and review of your medical and dental history. Additional X-rays, 3D scanning, or CT scanning may also be necessary. This helps your restorative doctor to create models for your custom-fitted crown.

What does the dental implant procedure entail?

Dental implant placement usually involves two surgical procedures; the length of time that the entire procedure may take varies based on each patient’s individual needs. In the first procedure, the implant is placed in the jaw and integrates with the bone over time. It typically takes between three to six months. In the second procedure, the abutment is screwed into the top of the implant, and the custom crown is placed on top of the abutment. If you are in need of a bone grafting procedure to increase the height and width of your jaw, this must occur and heal before implant placement.

The members of our surgical team at Greater Philadelphia Oral Surgery have extensive experience and training in dental implant placement. They are happy to share their expertise with you. If you think that you may be a candidate for a dental implant and want to learn more about the procedure, we encourage you to visit our office for a consultation.

Where can I get dental implants placed near Philadelphia, PA?

Dr. Mogyoros at Greater Philadelphia Oral Surgery located in Elkins Park, PA, specializes in performing oral and maxillofacial procedures and treatments, including the placement of affordable dental implants. Contact us to discuss the cost of dental implants.

Contact Us:

Greater Philadelphia Oral Surgery
401 Township Line Rd
Suite C
Elkins Park, PA 19027

Phone: (215) 379-3382
Secondary Phone: (215) 379-5520
Fax: (215) 663-5934
Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM