Dental Implants

Implant Dentist serving Philadelphia, Main Line, and Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Implant Dentistry

If you have any missing teeth, you can replace them permanently with dental implants. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots. When a tooth is lost, so is its root lost from the jawbone. A dental implant fills the gap in the jawbone and anchors one or more replacement teeth to fill the gap in your smile.

By replacing lost teeth with dental implants, you can maintain a comfortable bite and reduce the chances of future bone loss in the jaw.

How Does a Dental Implant Work?

Philadelphia Implant Dentist, Dr. Marshall positions a titanium alloy post in the jawbone that has an abutment at its top end to hold a new tooth. One implant can hold more than one tooth; four can anchor an entire arch of teeth, upper or lower, and eight can anchor all your teeth. Implants can also hold a dental bridge that replaces one or more teeth.

The new tooth is a porcelain crown designed to fit over the abutment and to blend with your bite comfortably. If the implant is holding more than one tooth, there is a different connection piece between the top of the implant and the teeth. When teeth are replaced using dental implants, there is no need for crowns to be placed on healthy teeth, is there is if you use a bridge.

Dental Implant Candidates

To be a good candidate for a dental implant you need to have enough bone density, width, and height to hold the implant firmly. Most people do have enough and most implants are of the post type with grooves around them for the bone tissue to grow into, making the implant a part of itself.

For those with insufficient bone tissue there are two another types of implant called subperiosteal implants and plate form implants.

Dental Implant Advantages

By being inserted into the jawbone and filling the gap left by the lost tooth root, a dental implant prevents bone loss and gum recession. If the bone gap is left untreated, the jawbone shrinks to fill it, possibly changing your facial shape and jawline and giving you an older appearance. The gum tissue will sink into the gap also, leaving less tissue for a later replacement tooth.

The implant will not shift or loosen with age and you will be able to eat, speak and smile with confidence. When properly constructed and placed, your dental implants can last the rest of your life, provided you practice good dental hygiene.

If you are in the Philadelphia, Ardmore, or Main Line, Pennsylvania area, please contact the our Implant Dentist, Dr. Lindsey Marshall for a personal implant dentistry consultation.

602 The Times Building
Suburban Square
Ardmore, PA 19003
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