Am I a Candidate For Dental Implants?

If you've lost one or more teeth to trauma or decay, dental implants can give you a full smile again.

If you've driven down a highway or watched any television, you've probably seen ads for dental implants. Maybe your friends have mentioned them or you've seen information in your Pittsburgh dentist's office. If you have one more missing teeth, you might be wondering if these implants are a solution for your situation. 

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are permanent fixtures made up of three parts. The post, which looks similar to a tiny screw, is made of titanium and is designed to simulate a natural tooth's root. At Sartorio Dental, a brief surgical procedure installs the post under the gum line. The site of the procedure takes a few days to heal over, but it will require several months of bone growth before the post is fully integrated into the mouth. The middle section of an implant, called the abutment, is then attached to the top of the post. This holds the topmost section - the crown - in place. Crowns are porcelain or ceramic tooth replacements. They allow for the regular functions like chewing, talking and support for the adjacent teeth.

How do I know if they'll work for me?

As your Dr. John Sartorio will explain, dental implants are popular for replacing teeth in a variety of situations. They can replace one tooth or several - if a full set is needed, the crowns are attached to denture plates, which are then held in place by a series of implants. This is a very attractive alternative to removable dentures. Regardless of how many are needed, dental implants are high quality, long-lasting and very natural-looking. Much like regular teeth, they only need daily brushing and flossing and checkups at your Pittsburgh dentist to keep them in working order. Dental implants can last a lifetime if they are well-maintained.

Not everyone's jawbone can support dental implants. If the bone is not healthy or the immune system is compromised, Dr. Sartorio may present other restorative options. Having a thorough evaluation to determine if you're fit for dental implants is the first step, so contact Sartorio Dental in Pittsburgh today!