Dental Implants in Ephrata, PA
Implant-supported teeth are a comfortable and natural replacement for your own teeth.
Should I Consider Dental Implants?
Implants provide stability and support for eating, chewing, and talking, and will improve your smile. If any of your teeth are missing, you may benefit from dental implants.
Dental Implants 101
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a metal post or frame that replaces the root or roots of a missing tooth. Implants can support a single replacement tooth, a group of teeth, or all of the teeth.
How long will they last?
Dental implants have more than a 90% success rate. With proper care, they will last for many years.
How are dental implants different from dentures?
Dentures are false teeth. Implants actually replace your teeth in the gum line. The implant serves as an anchor for a dental crown that won’t move or slip, avoiding embarrassing situations and discomfort dentures can cause. Implants simulate the appearance of real teeth and feel more like real teeth compared to dentures or bridges.
Who is an ideal candidate for implants?
Healthy gums and good bone structure are needed to ensure lasting implant security. Implants can fail due to poor hygiene, or in some cases, teeth grinding, which places extra pressure on the implant. We want you to receive the care that’s most appropriate for you. Our dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon to perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether you’re a candidate for dental implants and will answer any questions you may have about tooth replacement.
What is the procedure like?
An oral surgeon will place the implants while you are under anesthesia; a metal post or frame is surgically placed into the jawbone. After the implant has had time to fuse with the jawbone — usually a period of a few months — we will make a customized crown, bridge, or complete denture fitted to the implant in your mouth.
Is the procedure painful?
As with any oral surgery, you might experience common discomforts such as:
- Swelling of your gums and/or face
- Bruising of your skin and gums
- Pain at the implant site
- Minor bleeding
How long will it take to fully recover?
You might only be able to eat soft foods while the surgical site heals. This healing can last from 10 to 14 days, typically. In most cases, we use stitches that dissolve on their own. If your stitches aren’t self-dissolving, we will schedule a follow-up visit about 10 days after your procedure.
Will insurance cover it?
Dentures typically cost less, but implants are a more permanent and natural method for replacing teeth. Unfortunately, in most cases, insurances won’t cover implants (or dentures for that matter). Contact your insurer to find out what might be covered. You can also read our office policy on insurance for more information.
Find Out If Dental Implants Are Right For You
Call 717-733-7971 to request an initial consultation or send us an email.
We look forward to hearing from you!