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How Can Dental Implants Restore My Smile?

Allison Gibbons • February 23, 2023

In the Pittsburgh area, including Upper St. Claire,  dental implants are a popular option for tooth restoration. Dental implants are artificial roots that are surgically placed in your jawbone to support a single crown or multiple false teeth. Dental implants provide a stable and secure foundation for replacement teeth, which can be custom-made to match the look and feel of natural teeth. They also enable you to speak, eat, and smile with confidence. 


Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?


Dental implants are generally suitable for most individuals, although there are certain criteria that must be met before undergoing the procedure. Dental implant candidates must have healthy gums and a jawbone capable of supporting an implant, as well as overall good oral health. Dental implants may also require extra treatments such as bone grafting or sinus augmentation for those with insufficient jawbone density. 


We will perform a comprehensive dental exam and take x-rays to assess your eligibility for dental implants. This includes examining existing teeth, gum portion, and the surrounding bone structure to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. It is also recommended that you are in good general health with healthy gums and a history of regular dental checkups. 


You may not be a candidate for dental implants if you have an uncontrolled health condition such as a heart problem or diabetes. Additionally, if you are a heavy smoker or you have undergone radiation therapy on the head or neck, you may not be a dental implant candidate. 


What is the Process for Getting Dental Implants?


The process for getting dental implants usually begins with an initial consultation. During this visit, your dentist will evaluate your dental health and discuss the best treatment plan to restore missing teeth. Dental implant treatments typically involve multiple procedures that are performed over several months, depending on the number of implants needed and other factors such as bone quality and jawbone density. 


If required, we will perform bone graft surgery, placing natural bone from a different area of the body to repair the areas of the jaw that are too soft or not thick enough to support an implant. 


Before placing the implant, your dentist will prepare the area by extracting any remaining natural tooth root or tissue if necessary. This process may require a local anesthetic. The implant is then inserted into the jawbone, secured in place with titanium screws, and covered with a temporary cap to allow healing time. 


Once the implant has fused with the jawbone and surrounding gum tissue, a second procedure is required to attach the abutment—or connector post—to the implant. The abutment serves as a connection between the prosthetic tooth or bridge and the implant itself. The prosthetic tooth or bridge can be custom-made to match your existing teeth in color, shape, and size for a natural-looking result. 


Finally, after some additional healing time, you’ll return for one last appointment where your dentist will attach your custom-made false teeth or bridge to complete your smile restoration. Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like natural teeth and can provide long-term stability for restored smiles for many years to come.


How Do I Care for Dental Implants?


Proper aftercare is essential for maintaining healthy dental implants throughout their lifetime; this includes:


  • Brushing twice daily
  • Flossing each day
  • Using mouthwash regularly
  • Eating nutritious foods
  • Avoiding using tobacco products
  • Scheduling regular visits with your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings twice yearly, Wearing a mouth guard while playing sports, if applicable
  • Being mindful of hard foods that could damage your implant or cause other damage to your mouth due to their hardness level
  • Attending all follow-up visits after treatment so we can monitor how well you’re healing from surgery and make any necessary adjustments along the way if required. 


Interested in Dental Implants to Restore Your Smile?


Patients seeking dental implants in Pittsburgh can rely on the team at Gregory S. Peterson DMD & Associates to restore their smile! Regain full function and confidence in your smile by contacting us today to get started! 


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A Few Ways The Holidays Are Bad For Your Teeth

By Allison Gibbons • December 21, 2022
The holidays are a time for indulgence and celebration, but unseemly holiday food choices can take a toll on your teeth. This season of sweets and treats makes it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene habits. At Gregory S. Peterson DMD & Associates, your dentist in the Pittsburgh area would like to remind you that excess sugar and poor nutrition can have a long-term impact on oral health. Lots of Sweets During Holiday Celebrations Sugar-filled goodies like candy canes, peppermint bark, and taffy can cause cavities; sticky candy takes longer to wash away from teeth while bacteria feed off the sugar and release acid that weakens tooth enamel. Soda, fruit juices, and single-serve wines also have high sugar content. Swapping sugary snacks for nuts or cheese can help reduce cavities. Lots of Snacking Throughout the Day Snacking is a favorite holiday tradition, but like anything else done in excess, grazing on snacks throughout the day can lead to plaque and tooth decay. Snacks like chips, cookies, and crackers are high in carbohydrates, which produce an acid that weakens the teeth’s enamel. When snacking consistently throughout the day, your mouth doesn't get the chance to clean the bacteria off your teeth, which can lead to issues such as cavities. Increase in Alcohol Consumption Alcohol consumption is common during the holidays, but it can be damaging to teeth. Beer and wine contain sugars that turn into acids that weaken tooth enamel, while dark drinks like whiskey or Merlot can stain teeth. Combining hard liquor with sugary mixers does double the damage. Changes in Your Oral Care Routine When traveling, it can be easy to fall out of your normal oral care habits. You may be staying up late and forgetting to brush your teeth, or you may even forget your toothbrush, being left without proper oral care for a day. Be sure to remain in your regular routine, brushing and flossing regularly and rinsing your mouth out after meals to help combat common holiday threats to your teeth. At Gregory S. Peterson DMD & Associates, your top dentist office in Upper St. Clair , we encourage our patients to maintain good oral hygiene habits during the holidays and all year round. If you’re looking for a dentist in Pittsburgh, call us today to schedule an appointment!

When Should I Get Full Mouth Dental Implants

By Allison Gibbons • November 30, 2022
When Should I Get Full Mouth Dental Implants? Full mouth dental implants are a great option for someone who is looking to improve the function and appearance of their smile. If you are missing most or all of your teeth, full mouth dental implants area great cosmetic dentistry option that can provide you with a stable replacement that functions just like natural teeth. What are Full Mouth Dental Implants? Full mouth dental implants are a type of dental prosthetic that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, which are placed on top of the gums, full mouth dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone. This provides a more stable replacement that functions just like natural teeth. What are the Benefits of Full Mouth Dental Implants? There are many benefits associated with full mouth dental implants, including: -Improved function: Full mouth dental implants allow you to bite and chew just like natural teeth. -Improved appearance: Full mouth dental implants look just like natural teeth and can be color matched to your existing teeth. -Improved oral health: Full mouth dental implants do not require special care and can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth. -Improved self-esteem: Full mouth dental implants can restore your smile and give you back your confidence. Am I Good Candidate for Full Mouth Dental Implants? Most healthy adults are good candidates for full mouth dental implants. However, there are some factors that may make you a less-than-ideal candidate, such as: You have diabetes or another chronic illness that affects healing You have had radiation therapy to the head or neck area You have inadequate bone density You use tobacco products If you are considering full mouth dental implants, it is important to consult with an experienced implant dentist to see if you are a good candidate. What is the Procedure for Full Mouth Dental Implants? The procedure for full mouth dental implants typically takes place over the course of several months. The first step is to have a consultation with your implant dentist to discuss your treatment options. If you are a good candidate for full mouth dental implants, the next step is to have the implants placed. This is typically done under local anesthesia and takes about an hour. After the implants are placed, you will need to wait for them to fuse to the bone, which can take several months. Once the implants are fused to the bone, you will then need to have the abutments placed. The abutments are small metal connectors that attach the implant to the artificial tooth. After the abutments are placed, you will need to wait for them to heal, which can take up to two weeks. Once they are healed, you will then be able to have your artificial teeth placed. Regain Your Smile Today! Gregory S. Peterson DMD & Associates can help you regain the confidence and function of a full smile with full mouth dental implants. Contact us today to get started!
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