Missing a tooth can affect more than just your smile — it can impact your confidence, eating, and even speaking. Whether the result of an accident, tooth decay, or other dental issues, the gap left behind is more than just cosmetic.
Over time, it can cause teeth to shift, make chewing difficult, and even alter your facial structure. Addressing the issue sooner rather than later can help prevent these complications. If you’re tired of the challenges a missing tooth brings, there’s a solution that can restore both your smile and comfort.
At Atlas Dental Specialists, we understand the toll missing teeth can take on your daily life. We offer dental implants as a long-lasting solution designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
With our personalized approach and advanced technology, we create a treatment plan tailored to your needs so you can regain confidence and enjoy all the benefits of a whole, healthy smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a prosthetic replacement for a missing tooth. There are commonly three parts to what is described as an “implant” – the dental implant itself, which is inserted into the jawbone and serves as the “root” of the tooth; the abutment – the component that connects the dental implant to the third part – the overlying tooth or teeth, that you see in your mouth.
The dental implants placed at Atlas Dental Specialists are made of a titanium alloy, a biocompatible metal that offers strength and durability and the unique property of fusing directly to bone – a process called osseointegration.
This ensures the implant integrates perfectly with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for a new artificial tooth or teeth. These same materials have been used for decades for hip, shoulder, and knee implants.
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants come in several types, each tailored to meet specific needs based on your oral health and the location of the missing teeth. Here are some of the most common options:
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are inserted directly into the jawbone and serve as artificial tooth roots that support tooth replacement. Made from titanium and resembling small screws, these implants gradually fuse with the bone, providing a durable foundation for crowns or bridges.
All-on-4 Implants
All-on-4 implants provide a full-arch restoration solution for those missing most or all of their teeth. Four strategically placed implants anchor a complete set of prosthetic teeth, offering a stable, functional alternative to traditional dentures. This approach is more efficient and cost-effective than placing individual implants for each tooth.
Mini Implants
Mini implants are smaller than traditional implants, making them a less invasive option that’s quicker to place. These are often used when there is limited space or insufficient bone density for full-sized implants. Mini implants are frequently employed to stabilize dentures, allowing them to snap into place securely for improved comfort.
Zygomatic Implants
For patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw, zygomatic implants offer a solution. These implants anchor in the cheekbone (zygomatic bone) rather than the jawbone, providing a solid foundation for tooth replacement in complex cases where traditional implants aren’t feasible without extensive bone grafting.
Dental Implant Benefits
Dental implants offer unmatched advantages for replacing missing teeth, enhancing both oral health and quality of life. Here’s why they are the preferred solution:
- Preserve bone structure and encourage bone growth in the jaw.
- Prevent shifting of nearby teeth by filling gaps caused by missing teeth.
- Restore the appearance and functionality of natural teeth.
- Provide a permanent, durable solution that looks and feels natural.
- Eliminate the need for traditional dentures or dental bridges.
- Enhance confidence by restoring your smile.
Dental implants are a long-term investment in oral and overall health, ensuring a natural look and feel that improves chewing, speaking, and daily comfort.
Dental Implant Candidates
At Atlas Dental Specialists, we offer dental implants to patients with failing teeth, missing teeth, or those needing better stability for existing dentures. While some patients may require additional surgical procedures like bone grafting to supplement the natural bone for dental implant placement, there are very few cases where dental implants are not an option.
Our team, led by Dr. Mangini, has successfully helped patients who were previously told dental implants were not possible. Even in challenging cases, our expertise and advanced technology make solutions achievable.
The Dental Implant Procedure
At Atlas Dental Specialists, our dental implant procedure is designed to ensure precision, comfort, and long-term success. Though the timeline can vary depending on individual needs, getting dental implants typically involves the following steps.
Dental Implant Placement Steps
- Initial Consultation: Your dentist will assess your teeth and gums, review your medical history, and take X-rays or 3D scans to evaluate your jawbone’s health. This helps determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants or if additional procedures are necessary.
- Treatment Planning: Your treatment plan will outline how many implants are needed, the type of implants best suited for you, and the overall timeline for your procedure.
- Implant Placement: Under local anesthesia, the implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone, acting as a sturdy foundation or “root” for your future artificial tooth.
- Healing Phase: After the implant is placed, a healing period of several weeks or months allows the implant to fuse with the jawbone. During this time, your dentist may provide a temporary crown or dental bridge to maintain your smile’s appearance and function.
- Abutment Placement: Once the implant has bonded with the bone, an abutment is attached. This connector joins the implant to your new tooth, ensuring it fits securely.
- Final Crown Placement: The last step is placing a custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture on the abutment. This replacement tooth is carefully crafted to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and color.
While the process may take several months from start to finish, the outcome is a long-lasting, natural-looking replacement tooth that functions just like a real one with the proper care.
Maintaining dental implants
Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity of dental implants:
- Brush and floss regularly, just like natural teeth.
- Schedule routine check-ups to maintain overall oral health.
- Avoid habits like smoking, which can compromise bone growth and implant success.
With proper maintenance, most dental implants last a lifetime, making them a reliable solution for tooth replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants depends on various factors, including the number of implants needed and your insurance coverage. At Atlas Dental Specialists, we offer flexible financing options to make dental implant treatments accessible to all patients. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more.
What are the benefits of dental implants compared to other options like dental bridges?
Dental implants offer numerous advantages over traditional dental bridges. While a dental bridge relies on adjacent teeth for support, implants are anchored directly into the jawbone. This means no alteration to your own teeth is required. Implants also provide superior durability, support natural chewing ability, and help prevent bone loss, offering long-term oral health benefits.
Is dental implant surgery considered a major procedure?
Dental implant surgery is typically categorized as a minor surgery, performed under local anesthesia in most cases. Thanks to advancements in technology and the expertise at Atlas Dental Specialists, the procedure is minimally invasive and designed to maximize comfort and reduce recovery time.
Can dental implants look as natural as my own teeth?
Absolutely! Dental implants are designed to mimic your natural teeth in both appearance and functionality. The artificial teeth used in the final restoration are custom-crafted to match the size, shape, and color of your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking smile.
Are dental implants suitable for replacing all my teeth?
Yes, dental implants can replace one, several, or all of your teeth. For patients missing all their teeth, full-arch restoration is an excellent option. This solution secures new teeth using 4–6 implants, providing a more stable, comfortable, and natural-feeling alternative to removable dentures.
How long does it take to recover after dental implant surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, but most patients experience minor discomfort that subsides within a few days. The healing process, during which the implants fuse with the bone (osseointegration), typically takes 2–4 months. Once healed, the new dental implants can be attached, completing the restoration process.
Do All Dentists Place Dental Implants?
While many cosmetic dentists surgically place dental implants, certain dental specialists have advanced training in dental implant procedures. Oral surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists receive formalized advanced dental implant surgery training. However, only prosthodontists have advanced formalized training in both implant surgeries and implant restorations.
Both Drs. Nicholas and Mara Mangini are prosthodontists trained at the University of Pittsburgh. They can manage and execute all aspects of dental implant therapy, from implant placement surgery to final restorations.
Schedule an Appointment With Atlas Dental Specialists for Dental Implants Today
At Atlas Dental Specialists, we focus on providing a seamless dental implant experience tailored to your unique needs. Our team uses advanced technology, including 3D imaging, to ensure precision, safety, and the best possible outcomes. Whether you need a single implant or a more complex case like full-mouth restoration, our Pittsburgh prosthodontists are equipped to restore your smile with confidence and comfort.
From your initial consultation to the final placement of your improved teeth, we prioritize your comfort and well-being every step of the way. With over 25 years of experience and a personalized approach, we’re here to guide you through the implant process with care. Schedule your consultation at either our Downtown Pittsburgh or Shadyside location.
Visit our contact form to schedule your consultation today!
