No one should ever be too embarrassed to smile. Missing teeth can, unfortunately, make many people feel self-conscious about their appearance. Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, dentists can replace missing teeth with natural-looking dental implants.
Dental implants have taken traditional restorations such as dentures and bridges to the next level. They are the next best option if you have damage or missing natural teeth. Dr. Drew Shulman and Dr. Marlene Sardina are Philadelphia dentists who offer all types of teeth implants to patients with missing teeth.
A dental implant is actually a screw-like titanium post. A trusted oral surgeon surgically places it in the jaw bone. The titanium post will act as the replacement root for the missing tooth restoration. For patients missing just one tooth, your dentist will place a single implant with a dental crown.
For many missing teeth, the dentist may place anywhere from two to eight dental implants and a dental bridge, partial denture or denture. The type of restoration and number of implants you will need depends on the location and number of missing teeth.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Many benefits to choosing dental implants over other dental restorations exist. The benefits of dental implants are endless and they are truly an investment in your oral health and quality of life. The following are some of the benefits that you can look forward to after getting dental implants from Dr. Shulman and Dr. Sardina.
Improved appearance
When a tooth goes missing, the bone will immediately begin to deteriorate. This will lead to a change in your facial structure, adding years to your overall appearance. Over time this deterioration will lead to the lips folding in while the lower face shrivels inward. Deep wrinkles may also develop around the mouth.
Replacing teeth with implants will stimulate the bone and prevent bone loss, keeping the facial structure intact. Dental implants don’t just replace your teeth, they also improve your appearance.
Most natural solution
Implants are the next best option to natural teeth. They will replace the entire structure of the tooth, including the root. Your smile will look and feel completely natural and no one will even notice it is a fake tooth.
Keeps remaining teeth healthy
Options such as dental bridges will require your adjacent teeth to be ground down to accommodate the restoration. That means you are degrading teeth that are perfectly healthy and adding stress to them. Replacing your missing teeth with implant-secured restorations will not harm your natural, healthy teeth.
High success rate
We often have patients who are worried that implants will not work for them. While there is no guarantee that implants will work for you, they do hold a 98% success rate. Your implants can last a lifetime with proper maintenance and visits to Dr. Shulman and Dr. Sardina at their Philadelphia dental office.
Eliminates embarrassing situations
Dentures have a bad reputation for not fitting properly, slipping around in the mouth, and sometimes even falling out. Since dental implants are permanent, you will not have to worry about these embarrassing situations. Eating, speaking, and smiling will be easy and effortless since they are more durable and stable than dentures.
Supports a healthy diet
Traditional restorations will come with food restrictions, often eliminating healthy food from your diet. Since implants are stable and durable, they have little to no food and diet restrictions. You can use more force to chew, and eating will feel more natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more about the benefits of implant treatment? We’re here to help. Read answers to common questions about the benefits of dental implants in our Philadelphia area office.
Will implants feel like teeth?
Yes! Dental implants are designed to feel and function like natural teeth because they replace the tooth all the way down to the root. A titanium post is placed in your jawbone, acting like the root of a real tooth, which keeps your jaw strong and stable.
The visible part of the tooth, called the restoration, is made from high-quality dental materials that look and feel natural. At our office, Dr. Shulman and Dr. Sardina work closely with trusted dental labs to create custom restorations that fit perfectly and match your smile.
How do implants prevent bone loss?
Dental implants help prevent bone loss because they replace the tooth root, which stimulates your jawbone. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone can shrink over time. Jawbone loss may change your facial structure and make your face look older. The implant’s titanium post helps maintain bone health and strength.
Are dental implants permanent?
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth. The implant posts will stay permanently in your mouth. However, the restorations that attach to the implants aren’t permanent. You may need to replace or repair your crown, bridge, or denture from normal wear, damage, or changes in your bite.
How do dental implants support my long-term health?
Dental implants support your long-term health in several ways. First, they replace missing tooth roots to keep your jawbone strong and prevent bone loss. This protects your facial structure and keeps your smile looking natural.
Implants also don’t require altering your healthy teeth, so the rest of your mouth stays strong. Because they’re stable and permanent, implants make it easier to eat a healthy diet and speak clearly.
How long will it take until my implant restoration feels natural?
Most patients find that their implant restoration starts to feel natural within a few days to a couple of weeks after it’s placed. At first, your mouth may feel a little different as your gums and jaw adjust to the new tooth. But the restoration is custom-made to fit your bite and match your other teeth. As you get used to it, chewing, speaking, and smiling will feel just like your natural teeth.
Are dental implants easier to care for than dentures?
Yes, dental implants are usually easier to care for than traditional removable dentures. Removable dentures need to be taken out every day for cleaning and soaking. You also have to clean your gums and use special products or adhesives to keep them in place.
Implant dentures are different because they are secured to dental implants in your jaw. They stay firmly in place and are cared for much like natural teeth. You can brush and floss them daily and visit the dentist for regular checkups. Because they don’t slip or move, implant dentures are more comfortable and simpler to maintain for many patients.
Restore Your Lost Teeth
Do you want to know more about the benefits of dental implants in our Philadelphia, PA, dental office? Call Dr. Shulman today at (215) 392-4244.
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