Missing teeth can compromise how you look, how you eat, and even how you feel about yourself. If left untreated by a dentist, missing teeth can even lead to more serious issues.
Thanks to unparalleled benefits, dental implants are widely considered the closest thing to natural teeth. Dr. Edward Narcisi can oversee your complete implant treatment at the Center for Dental Excellence in Monroeville, PA.
If You Have A Missing Tooth, You Are Not Alone
*According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Want to know why over 85 percent of our patients in Monroeville, PA, choose dental implants?
Dental Implant Candidacy, Treatment, and Results
The Center for Dental Excellence offers dental implants to suitable candidates. The process involves the placement of the implant by a surgical liaison. Patients report higher self-esteem and a restored ability to chew and eat anything they want.
Implants Are a Long-Term, Natural-Looking Solution for Missing Teeth
Excellent Outcomes
Dental implants are biocompatible and have shown excellent long-term success rates. In many cases, they can last a lifetime.
Unrivaled Support
Implants are a functional substitute for tooth roots. They provide similar signals to your jaw bone to keep it strong.
Lifelike Restorations
Implants hold custom-made restorations firmly in place so your smile looks healthy and complete once again.
Watch what typically happens during a dental implant procedure...
A Solution That Can Last a Lifetime
*According to the Institute for Dental Implant Awareness
Dental implants are surgically placed directly into your jawbone. The implants then fuse directly with the jaw in a process called osseointegration, providing a permanent solution for missing teeth. These strong tooth root replacements can often last a lifetime with proper care. Alternatively, other restorations may require replacement after several years and may be more prone to damage and additional treatments. While dental implants may be more costly up front, they are often viewed as an investment in your overall oral health.
Take a closer look at the three primary parts:
Can dental implants address your individual concerns?
Implants Can Replace Any Number of Missing Teeth
The primary reason why patients in Monroeville, PA, request dental implants is because they need to restore one or more missing teeth. Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth, or an entire dental arch. As a result, implants are the gold standard for most dental professionals. The various types of dental implants, which include single tooth replacement, implant-retained overdentures, All-on-4, and Teeth-in-a-Day, can all help patients achieve a fuller and more functional smile.
Single Missing Tooth
Single missing teeth resulting from facial trauma, periodontal disease, or infection can be restored with an implant-supported dental crown.
Multiple Missing Teeth
If you are missing one, two, or three teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge can fill in large gaps without affecting surrounding teeth.
Completely Edentulous Smile
For patients who have very few or no remaining teeth, implant-supported restorations are a great alternative to removable dentures.
Dental Implants: More Than Just Aesthetic Benefits
One of the great benefits of dental implants that is often overlooked is the oral health benefits the restoration can offer. When a patient in Monroeville, PA, experiences tooth loss, the jawbone no longer receives the proper stimulation it needs to keep the jawbone tissue strong and healthy. As a result, bone atrophy can occur, causing the jawbone tissue surrounding the missing teeth to recede. As the bone and surrounding gum tissue weakens, your facial structure can become compromised and begin to collapse, leading to jowls and a drooping mouth.
When an implant is placed, the bone once again receives the stimulation it needs to keep the bone tissue strong and healthy. Therefore, dental implants can help prevent a prematurely aged appearance, protect against bone atrophy, and decrease the risk of periodontal disease.
Wondering if you are a good candidate for implant dentistry?
Our Honest Approach to Determining Your Candidacy
It is our goal to deliver dental implants that will last you for many years and for you to achieve the most optimal results. Therefore, during an evaluation at our Monroeville, PA, dentistry, Dr. Narcisi and his team will give you an honest, professional opinion of your candidacy. If it is determined that you are not a good candidate at this time, we can help you devise a plan to improve your candidacy, or discuss alternative solutions.
Before moving forward with the planning stages and surgery, Dr. Narcisi must first conduct X-ray imaging and take a look at several factors that will help us determine your candidacy for dental implants. These generally include:
Healthy Gums
Patients must be free of periodontal disease or other oral health issues that could interfere with the placement of the implants. If there are concerns pertaining to the health of your gums, we will address these issues first and then design a plan that can improve your candidacy.
Good General Health
Aside from missing teeth, it is important that a patient enjoys good oral health and good overall health as well. Patients should be non-smokers and free from any diseases or disorders that can interfere with their ability to heal, such as advanced diabetes.
Bone Density
Oftentimes when patients experience tooth loss and do not seek immediate treatment, the jawbone begins to deteriorate. Dr. Narcisi can discuss how a technique such as All-on-4® may be a solution, or you may require bone grafting to rebuild areas of your jaw.
Realistic Expectations
It is very important for patients to have a clear understanding of what to expect during the procedure, the different steps required, and the healing process. In some cases, patients may require multiple procedures and over a year to complete treatment.
Implants Restore Complete Function and Appearance
At the Center for Dental Excellence, in Monroeville, PA, we focus on restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments. If you are missing one or more teeth, or suffer from severe dental decay, we can restore the functionality of your mouth and improve your dental health with implant restorations. Dental implants serve as artificial tooth roots and are the most durable, stable, and reliable solution for dental gaps; implant restorations are affixed atop dental implants and serve as artificial teeth. Our team, led by Dr. Edward Narcisi, focuses almost exclusively on implant restorations and reconstructions, making us uniquely equipped to deliver results that meet our patients’ needs and exceed their expectations. If you are seeking a team experienced with dental implants and restorations in Monroeville, nearly 85 percent of our patients opt for such treatment, and you can trust we will provide you with unparalleled care. To schedule a consultation, contact our Monroeville dental office today.
Dental implants create a stable foundation for a restoration and allow you to smile with confidence once more.
Dental Implants – A Summary
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jaw bone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Through a process known as osseointegration, the implants fuse to the jaw bone, becoming permanently fixed. This preserves the natural jaw structure by preventing shifting of surrounding teeth, and prevents gum and bone erosion. Once in place, dental implants can anchor a range of dental prosthetics, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. The process of placing dental implants can take several months, as the implant must be fully healed before the restoration can be placed. Once the treatment is complete, however, the implants can provide solid support for dental restorations for decades, if not a lifetime. Implants are truly intended to serve as natural teeth do, and are designed with longevity, functionality, and durability in mind.
The Treatment Process
If you have severely damaged or decayed teeth, or are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be right for you. At our Pittsburgh area dental practice in Monroeville, PA, we specialize in dental implant reconstructions and restorations; for the surgical placement of implants, however, we refer patients to an experienced and qualified surgeon in the area. The surgical process (which can be performed under local anesthetic, IV sedation or general anesthesia for the patient’s comfort) involves the drilling of a pilot hole in the edentulous site of the jaw (or the location of the dental gap). Once this pilot hole is drilled, it is enlarged so that room can be made for the dental implant. The dental implant is then screwed into the jaw bone, and the gum tissue is sutured over top of it. As titanium is a neutral element, the bone slowly fuses with the implant post, forming a secure bond. Once the posts have been placed, temporary prosthetics will act as placeholders.
When the dental implants have fully fused with the jaw bone and the healing process is complete, you will return to the Center for Dental Excellence in Monroeville, PA, to have your permanent dental implant restorations placed. We will utilize dental crowns, dental bridges, or dentures, depending on your needs. If you are missing most or all of your teeth, you will likely have just a few implants placed in strategic locations, and these will anchor bridges or implant-supported dentures. This greatly reduces cost and treatment time. If a dental implant is being used to fill in a single dental gap, a crown will be affixed atop the post. Regardless of the prosthetic used, we take great care to ensure that the restoration is functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.
It is our goal to deliver dental implants that will last you for many years and for you to achieve the most optimal results.
Tell me more about the recovery stages...
Downtime and Healing
You should arrange a ride home following your implant placement surgery and plan to rest for the remainder of the day. You can expect some swelling and bruising, which can be controlled with a cold compress and over-the-counter medications. Many patients are able to return to work within a few days of surgery. As the incisions heal, take care when brushing or flossing not to disturb the sutures or tissues. During this time, it is best to eat only soft foods, as well.
After three to six months, Dr. Narcisi will examine your teeth at our Monroeville, PA, dental practice to confirm whether the implants have completely fused with the jaw. If so, you will undergo a second minor surgery in which abutments are attached to the implants. It will take about two weeks for the gum tissue to heal, during which time you should follow the same guidelines as before.
What can I expect once my implants are in place and I have fully healed?
Life-Changing Results
Following a successful dental implants treatment performed by an experienced surgeon, you can expect:
- A fully restored ability to bite and chew. While solutions such as traditional dentures can expand your diet somewhat, implant-supported dentures give you the ability to enjoy any foods you wish without having to worry that your restoration will shift out of place.
- Reduced adjustments. Your implants will typically provide the stimulation needed to minimize any changes in your jaw that might occur because of tooth loss. As a result, you can expect to need far fewer adjustments to your dentures.
- Greater confidence. Your restored smile will allow you to smile and speak without worrying about how you look or sound.
Dental Implants Can Restore Form and Function
The integrated dental implant acts as an anchor for a restoration.
With the final restoration in place, the results restore function and look completely natural.
Why should I trust the Center for Dental Excellence in Monroeville, PA?
Would recommend them to everyone and anyone!!!!
I have been going to this family practice since I was a kid, his dad took care of me first and when he retired, his son took over and has been caring for me ever since! My parents have been using the practice longer than I have. We are life long patients and will continue to be. Would recommend them to everyone and anyone!!!!
-Janine F.
Types of Implant Restorations
We work closely with a trusted oral surgeon to ensure that the placement of your dental implants is successful so that we can ensure your restoration will help you achieve the best results. Once the implant posts have been properly placed and you have fully healed from the surgery, Dr. Narcisi and his team can attach the customized attachment. Depending on the number of missing teeth and the specific needs of the patient, we can offer a number of restorations, including an implant-supported bridge, single tooth crowns, implant-retained overdentures, All-on-4®, and Teeth-in-a-Day.
Implant-Supported Bridge: For patients who are missing several teeth but who do not require a full arch replacement, two implants can be placed on each side of the gap. Dr. Narcisi will work with a trusted laboratory for the creation of the bridge, which will be customized to match the color, shape, and size of your gums and teeth. The bridge will then be attached directly to the implant posts, helping you achieve a stronger, more durable solution to a traditional bridge.
Single Tooth Implants: With a single missing tooth, the implant can be placed by your oral surgeon and Dr. Narcisi can provide a beautiful, custom-crafted crown to be attached. This tooth replacement solution can be effective for patients missing a single anterior or posterior tooth.
We believe that because each patient has unique oral health issues, we must be able to provide you with the solution that will offer the greatest benefits.
Implant-Retained Overdenture: Unlike a traditional denture that rests directly on the gums and can cause issues such as shifting and gum irritation, an implant-retained overdenture is secured directly to the implants. Patients who require a full arch replacement and who also have adequate bone strength to support the implants are good candidates for this procedure. It offers incredible aesthetics, a restored bite, and can help preserve gum and bone tissue.
All-on-4: This advanced technique relies on four strategically placed implants that are used as the base for your restoration. Working closely with your oral surgeon, we can fabricate your prosthesis for a precise fit. This option can be more cost effective than traditional dental implants while still delivering an effective solution.
Teeth-in-a-Day: With proper planning and close collaboration with your oral surgeon, we can fabricate your prosthesis prior to your procedure and attach your new restoration either on the same day or the day after you receive your implants. This is an excellent option for the right patient, as it offers great convenience and still delivers the fuller, more functional smile you are seeking.
Risks of Dental Implants
In addition to weighing the benefits, it is important for potential patients to consider the risks of dental implants as well before deciding upon treatment. Placing implants is a surgical procedure, and carries with it all the risks of any surgical operation, including infection, bleeding, inflammation, and scarring. However, these risks can be greatly mitigated with experience. For the benefit of our patients, we work with some of the most qualified dental implant surgeons in the Pittsburgh area, and we stand by their results.
How do Dr. Narcisi's patients feel about the quality of his work?
Beyond Excellence
Dr. Edward Narcisi is beyond excellence. He performed on my teeth a work of art and precision, a creation of beauty and health.
-Claudia P.
How much does this treatment cost?
No Two Procedures - Or Their Prices - Are the Same
Dental implants are a versatile treatment designed to accommodate a wide range of needs, making it difficult to provide an estimate without first examining a patient's smile in person. However, it is important to understand that in spite of the many practical benefits this procedure can give you, it is not always covered by insurance. While your restoration may qualify for coverage, you will likely have to plan to pay for the implants out-of-pocket. We can help arrange CareCredit financing to help make implants a better fit for your budget.
Tell me about the major cost factors...
What Contributes to the Overall Cost?
Although there are many variables that will affect the cost of your treatment, the three most important are:
- Your Choice of Doctor: The more experience your doctor has, the more likely you are to experience an excellent outcome. Experienced doctors charge more, but this extra investment can make all the difference in your satisfaction with your results.
- Number of Implants: The more implants you need, the more treatment will cost.
- Your Restoration: The size of your restoration and the materials used to make it will also affect the cost. For example, a porcelain dental crown typically costs less than a zirconia denture.
