Did you know that 500,000 people get an implant each year? According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, approximately 3 million people currently have dental implants and that number is growing each year!
Marion Smile Center is excited to offer our Zelienople-Harmony patients Implant Dentistry with Dr. Melanie A. Quest! Dr. Quest is an implant specialist and has placed hundreds of implants. As a trusted dentist’s office in Western PA, we understand the importance of providing reliable information to our patients about dental procedures available at our office. Dental implants have revolutionized the field of dentistry, offering a permanent solution for tooth loss that not only restores function but also enhances aesthetics.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dental implants, from the procedure itself to the benefits and aftercare. Many patients are afraid of dental procedures. What we’ve found is that the more information we can give patients like you about a dental procedure, the more we can help you feel more relaxed. To learn about our Sedation Dentistry options, click here.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials such as titanium, which are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line. These implants provide a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth, such as crowns or dentures, to then be securely attached.
Dr. Mark Marion, our Senior Dentist at Marion Smile Center, has a great visual to help patients understand the implant process and its parts. He often describes the actual implant as being the “root” of a tree, the jaw bone and gums surrounding the roots as the “soil”, and the implant crown that you can see as the “tree” itself. To have a healthy stable tree, the roots of the tree must be placed in good nurturing soil (which in our implant process is the healthy gums that are free from disease and infection). After a period of time, the roots of the tree will spread into the soil (adjacent bone) and provide the support for the growing tree. Lastly, a beautiful tree (implant crown) is then visible for all to see.
We are lucky to have Dr. Marion. He has been interviewed for an article written regarding Growing Trends in Dentistry, voted by his patients as Top Zelienople and North Hills Dentist and appeared in several local newspapers, and selected each year by his peers, other Dentists and Specialists, for the prestigious award of Pittsburgh Magazine Top Dentist and Top Cosmetic Dentist each year since 2011. We think you’ll like him too. Click here to learn more about Our Doctors.
Dental Implant Procedures
The process of getting dental implants typically involves several steps.
Step 1: First, Dr. Melanie Quest will conduct a comprehensive examination and assessment of the patient’s oral health to determine if they are a suitable candidate for implants. Our team will take X-rays with our new 3-D CBCT imaging machine to evaluate bone density and structure. There has to be enough healthy bone tissue to support the implant. In many cases, bone grafting can be done, which is a routine and painless procedure. Dr. Quest also has to ensure that the surrounding teeth and gums are healthy. If a patient has signs of periodontal (gum disease), it can increase the chance of infection or other complications after the procedure. It is also best to refrain from smoking before and during the implant process to improve the chance of success, along with maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine. This includes receiving regular professional dental cleanings.
Step 2: Once determined to be a good candidate, the dental implant procedure begins with the surgical placement of the implant into the jawbone, of which the patient is numb. Plenty of patients chose to be sedated for various dental procedures. If you would feel more comfortable, we are happy to prescribe either a calming pill to be taken prior to your appointment or provide nitrous oxide sedation (“laughing gas”) during your appointment. Click here to learn more about the options we offer our patients to calm them during dental procedures.
Step 3: Following the implant placement is a short period of healing known as osseointegration, during which the implant rod fuses with the surrounding bone tissue. Your jaw bone actually gets stronger with an implant after the healing period than it was before. After about three (3) months for a lower tooth and four (4) months for an upper tooth, a healing collar can be inserted and impressions for an implant crown or fixed denture “snap on denture” are taken.
Step 4: After about 3 weeks later, when osseointegration is complete, an abutment is attached to the implant, which serves as a connector for the final restoration. Finally, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is affixed to the abutment, resulting in a natural-looking and functional replacement tooth.
Note: There area such things as “same day dental implants” and “mini dental implants,” however, we do not find that they are very successful and trustworthy in our professional opinion. Dr. Mark Marion and Dr. Melanie Quest are here to provide you with the best, most reliable solutions to get you the most for your money and precious time. Dr. Marion has been restoring implants for many years that complete the osteointegration process over the 3 to 4-month recommended healing periods and has had much success and many happy patients!
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are numerous advantages to choosing dental implants over other tooth replacement options:
- Durability: Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care, making them a long-term solution for tooth loss.
- Functionality: Implants mimic the function of natural teeth, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
- Preservation of Bone Health: Unlike traditional dentures, which can lead to bone loss over time, dental implants help maintain the integrity of the jawbone.
- Aesthetics: Implants are customized to match the shape, size, and color of the surrounding teeth, resulting in a seamless and natural-looking smile.
- Improved Oral Health: Dental implants do not require alterations to adjacent teeth, preserving their structure and reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity of dental implants. Patients should stick to an oral hygiene routine that includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. Avoiding habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to implant success.
Just because your dental implant isn’t ‘alive’ like your natural tooth, it still has to be bushed and flossed daily, along with being professionally cleaned at least every 6 months. Our dental hygienists here at Marion Smile Center have a special instrument that reaches further down into the gums to inject antimicrobial therapeutic rinses in and around the gum tissue that cannot be reached by a patient, even with floss. Keeping the bone and gums around an implant clean is crucial for maintaining implant health because it prevents the buildup of plaque and bacteria, which can lead to inflammation and infection. This inflammation, known as peri-implantitis, can cause bone loss around the implant and ultimately lead to implant failure. Therefore, maintaining proper oral hygiene around implants helps preserve the stability and longevity of the implant.
Dental Implants in Zelienople, PA
Dental implants offer a permanent solution for tooth loss that restores both function and aesthetics. At Marion Smile Center, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care throughout every step of the implant process. If you’re considering dental implants as a tooth replacement option, schedule a consultation with Dr. Melanie Quest today to learn more about how we can help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Call 724.452.4300 or click here to request an appointment with our friendly team.
Have other dentistry needs? Click here to check out more dental services offered in South-Western, PA at Marion Smile Center.
