Dental Implants

The doctors at Lehigh Valley Smile Designs thoroughly examine patients’ existing teeth and bones, upper and lower jaws and gum tissues before recommending implants. Implants replace the roots of lost teeth and are inserted under the gums. After 3-6 months, the bones grow around and adapt to implants as if they were natural roots. Once the implants are firmly in place and the surrounding gum tissue is strong, they are ready to support a crown or restored tooth. When the process is completed, the “new” teeth are often hard to tell apart from a patient’s original teeth.

Bone Grafts

If the implant site does not have enough bone volume to support the appropriate sized implant, you will need a bone graft. Bone loss can be the result from periodontal disease, injuries, cysts, infections or an extracted tooth. Normally, it can be determined if you will need a bone graft from your x-ray prior to surgery, but in some cases it is not discovered until opening the implant site.

Bone grafts are very safe and effective in the dental implant restoration. Once it is placed, it will help replace missing bone, stimulate bone formation and increase bone volume.

Dental implant patients experience the benefits of new and permanent teeth, as well as a renewed confidence and improved quality of life. Contact us for more information about Dental Implants.