If you have a loose or uncomfortable denture or if you’ve recently lost a permanent tooth, you’re not alone. Missing teeth can affect the way you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. But the good news is that help is available. At our dental office in Bethlehem, PA, you can get high-quality dental implants that look, feel, and work just like real teeth.
Bethlehem restorative dentist Dr. Damien Ren helps patients regain their confidence with this advanced tooth replacement option. Dental implants are a strong, stable, and long-lasting restorative dental service. Dr. Ren can give you back the ability to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and smile.
Dental Implants in Bethlehem, PA
Dental implants are small titanium posts that serve as replacement tooth roots. They are placed into your jawbone during a simple in-office procedure. These strong metal roots bond with your natural bone over time, creating a sturdy foundation for artificial teeth called crowns.
Think of implants as anchors that hold your new teeth firmly in place. Unlike dentures that might slip or bridges that rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants stand on their own. They look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth!
When you lose a tooth, the bone that once supported it begins to shrink. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that actually stimulates bone growth, helping to maintain your facial structure and prevent that sunken appearance that often comes with missing teeth. As the gold standard in restorative dentistry, implants offer the most comprehensive solution for replacing missing teeth.
Dr. Ren has advanced training and experience in the placement of all types of implants. He helps patients restore their smiles and their quality of life with this permanent, stable, and natural tooth replacement solution.
We offer different types of dental implants in Bethlehem, PA. The best type of implant restoration for you will depend on your health, budget, and number of missing teeth. Dr. Ren will review your tooth replacement options after a thorough exam.
Implants for A Single Missing Tooth
We have multiple options if you knocked out a tooth or only have one tooth missing:
- Implant-Supported Crown: If you’re missing just one tooth, a single tooth implant can support a crown that replaces it. A surgeon places an implant post to replace the missing tooth root. Then, a custom-made crown is attached. The result is a replacement tooth that blends perfectly with your natural smile.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Implant-supported bridges can be an excellent solution when you’re missing several teeth in a row. We don’t need to grind down healthy teeth to support an implant bridge. Instead, implants serve as sturdy supports for your new teeth.
Implants for Multiple Missing Teeth
If you’re missing most or all your teeth, full-mouth implant solutions can give you a stable and comfortable smile:
- Implant-Supported Dentures: These dentures snap onto dental implants placed in your jawbone. They stay in place better than regular dentures. Implant dentures make it easier to talk and eat without worry.
- All-on-4 Implants: This advanced treatment uses just four implants to support a full arch of teeth. Patients can often get their new teeth on the same day as the implant surgery. All-on-4 is a great option for people who want a fast and strong full-mouth replacement.
- Mini Dental Implants: Mini implants are smaller than traditional implants and can be used when you don’t have enough jawbone for regular ones. The procedure is quicker and less invasive. Many patients find that mini implants are often more affordable.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Implants are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. They are strong, long-lasting, and look just like your natural teeth. At DICE Dental in Bethlehem, PA, Dr. Ren offers affordable implants to help patients feel confident and comfortable with their smiles. The advantages include:
- Look Natural: Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like your real teeth. The crown is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth. Most people won’t be able to tell the difference between your implant and your natural teeth!
- Help You Bite and Chew: Missing teeth can make it hard to enjoy your favorite foods. Implants are anchored into your jawbone, giving them strong support like a real tooth root. This means you can eat crunchy, chewy, or tough foods without worry.
- Improve Speech: When you lose teeth, it can affect how you speak. Some people with dentures may find that they slip or move, making it hard to pronounce certain words. Dental implants stay in place, which helps you speak clearly and confidently.
- Last for Years: Implants are made from strong materials like titanium and ceramic. With good care, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, implants can last many years. They’re a smart and long-term solution for tooth loss.
The Dental Implant Process at Dice Dental
The journey to your new smile happens in several steps. While it may take months to a year to get implants, many patients find the results worth it!
Initial Consultation
Your implant journey begins with a visit to our office. Dr. Ren will first examine your teeth, gums, and jaw. He’ll then take digital X-rays or scans to see where you’re missing teeth and whether you have enough healthy jawbone for implants.
Dr. Ren will also talk with you about your goals and answer all your questions. After this exam, he will create a custom treatment plan just for you, explaining your options so you know what to expect.
Preparation
Before placing the implants, you may need some extra care to get your mouth ready. Dr. Ren may recommend a tooth extraction if you have a damaged or infected tooth.
If you don’t have enough jawbone to support the implant posts, Dr. Ren will recommend bone grafting. Not everyone needs these steps, but if you do, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and prepared.
Implant Placement
Once you’re ready for treatment, Dr. Ren will schedule your implant surgery. First, the oral surgeon will numb the treated area. Then he or she will place the implant posts into your jawbone. Most patients report less discomfort than expected, comparing it to a tooth extraction.
Healing Period
Over the next 3-6 months, your implants will bond with your bone in a process called osseointegration. This is what gives implants their incredible stability. During this time, Dr. Ren will provide a temporary restoration.
Abutment Placement
Once healing is complete, small connectors called abutments are attached to your implants. These connect your implants to your new teeth. It will take more time for your gums to heal before it’s time for your final restoration.
Dr. Ren will also take dental impressions to create your final restoration. He works with a local dental lab to create your crown, bridge, or denture.
Final Restoration
You’ll return to DICE Dental once you’re fully healed. Dr. Ren will attach your restoration to the implant posts. He’ll make adjustments if needed so it looks great and feels comfortable.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Caring for your new implants is very similar to caring for your real teeth:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily, being gentle around the implant area
- Visit Dice Dental regularly for checkups
- Avoid chewing hard or crunchy items like ice or hard candy
With the right care, your restoration can provide you with decades of comfortable use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more about your implant options? We’re here to help. Read answers to common questions about dental implants.
Do you do teeth in one day?
In some cases, we can offer an “immediate load,” or teeth-in-a-day like you see on TV. But you must have enough bone and no active infection to be a candidate. We’re happy to review all possible options for treatment with you when you visit us for a complimentary consult.
How soon can I eat and talk normally after getting implants?
Your jaw needs time to heal while the implant posts bond with your bone. Most patients can start eating soft foods right away, and over time, you can return to your normal diet.
Most patients notice that they can speak clearly right after getting temporary restorations, and once your final teeth are attached, your speech will feel natural. If you experience any difficulty pronouncing certain words during the healing period, it usually improves as you adjust to the implants. Because implants are stable and secure, they help you speak clearly and comfortably, even as you heal.
Can I get implants if I have a removable denture or bridge?
Yes! Even if you currently wear a removable denture or have a dental bridge, you can often get dental implants. Dr. Ren will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if you’re a good candidate. Then he can create a personalized plan to replace your missing teeth with the support of stable implant posts.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
Most patients are surprised that the dental implant process is comfortable. The procedure is usually done with local anesthesia, which means the area is numbed so you won’t feel any pain during the surgery.
After the procedure, it’s normal to feel some soreness or swelling. However, most people say the discomfort is mild and only lasts a few days. You can usually manage it with over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Dr. Ren will also give you instructions to help you heal and feel better quickly.
Will my implants last forever?
Most of our patients are pleasantly surprised by the relatively pain-free process of getting a dental implant. It’s a much quicker and streamlined process than most patients ever imagined.
Are you a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with missing teeth are good candidates for implants. The main requirements are:
- Healthy gums
- Adequate bone to support the implants (or undergo bone grafting)
- Good overall health
- Commitment to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits
Age is rarely a limiting factor. We’ll help ensure you’re prepared for implant treatment beforehand. We want you to benefit from the best results.
Schedule an Implant Consultation Today
If you’re tired of hiding your smile or struggling with uncomfortable dentures, ask us about dental implants. Request an appointment online with Dr. Ren, your Bethlehem dental implant specialist. You can also call DICE Dental at 484-917-2734. We serve patients in Allentown, Easton, and your local neighborhoods.
