Dental Implants

Dental implants consist of three main components working together to create a complete tooth replacement. The implant itself is a small titanium post that serves as an artificial tooth root, surgically placed into your jawbone. Over several months, this biocompatible material fuses with your bone through a process called osseointegration, creating an incredibly stable foundation. An abutment connects to the implant, and finally, a custom-crafted crown completes your new tooth.

Modern dental implants boast a success rate exceeding 95% when properly placed and maintained. The titanium construction ensures long-term durability, with many implants lasting decades or even a lifetime with proper care. Unlike traditional bridges that require grinding down adjacent healthy teeth, implants preserve your natural tooth structure while preventing the bone loss that typically follows tooth extraction.

Our practice leverages state-of-the-art digital implant planning to ensure optimal placement and predictable outcomes. Using 3D X-rays and advanced imaging technology, we create a comprehensive view of your jaw structure, nerve locations, and bone density. This detailed planning allows us to determine the exact position, angle, and depth for each implant before surgery begins.

The integration of CAD/CAM technology and 3D printing in our practice enables us to create surgical guides that ensure precise implant placement. These custom guides fit perfectly over your teeth and gums, directing the implant to its predetermined position with incredible accuracy. This technology minimizes surgical time, reduces discomfort, and accelerates healing while maximizing the long-term success of your implants.

Our photogrammetry and 3D Vectra facial scanning capabilities allow us to analyze how your new teeth will affect your facial aesthetics. We consider not just individual teeth but how your entire smile harmonizes with your facial features. The Tekscan system helps us perfect your bite, ensuring your implants function naturally and comfortably for years to come.

Your implant journey begins with a thorough evaluation at our conveniently located Upper St. Clair office. We assess your oral health, bone density, and overall medical history to determine your candidacy for implants. If you’ve experienced bone loss, we can perform bone grafting procedures to rebuild the necessary foundation for successful implant placement.
Following careful planning, the implant placement procedure itself is surprisingly comfortable. Using our virtually painless anesthesia system and gentle surgical techniques, most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. We also utilize Plasma Rich Growth Factors (PRGF) technology to accelerate healing and reduce post-operative discomfort by using your body’s own healing proteins.

The healing period, typically three to six months, allows the implant to fully integrate with your jawbone. During this time, we can provide temporary restorations so you’re never without teeth. Once healing is complete, we attach your permanent crown, crafted using our CEREC technology for same-day convenience when possible.