Overview of Dental Implant Placement
Single Tooth Implant Procedure in Lancaster PA
The procedure to place a dental implant takes 30 to 60 minutes for one implant and only 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. The number of appointments and time required varies from patient to patient. The surgeon will bring great precision and attention to the details of your case.
View our Dental Implants Before and After Photos
Prior to surgery, you may receive antibiotics and for greater comfort, intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These options are discussed with you at your consultation appointment. A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area where the dental implant will be placed.
When you are comfortable, the surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to reveal the bone, creates space using special instruments, and gently inserts the titanium implant. The top of this implant is often visible through the gum. Sometimes it is better in the early stages of healing to have the implant covered by the gum tissue.
1. Normal
2. Tooth Loss
3. Healed Bone
4. Implant Placed
5. Healing
6. Implant Restored
Healing after Dental Implant Surgery
Now the healing begins. The length of time varies from person to person, depending upon the quality and quantity of bone. In some cases, implants may be restored immediately after they are placed. The surgeon will advise you on follow-up care and timing. After the initial phase of healing, the surgeon places an abutment (support post) or a healing cap onto the dental implant during a brief follow-up visit. This allows gum tissue to mature and provides access to the implant.
Occasionally, impressions are made at the time the implant is placed. This enables the crown to be ready when the implants have healed. How long your mouth needs to heal is determined by a variety of factors. Follow-up care (one to four appointments) is usually needed to ensure that your mouth is healing well and to determine when you are ready for the restorative phase of your treatment.
It may be beneficial to perform a soft tissue graft to obtain stronger, more easily cleaned and natural appearing gum tissue in the area around the implant. This process involves moving a small amount of gum tissue from one part of your mouth to the area around the implant. Most often, it is a brief and relatively comfortable procedure.
Whether it’s one tooth or all of your teeth that are being replaced, your dentist will complete the restoration by fitting the replacement tooth (crown) to the dental implant.
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When are dental implants placed?
Implants are often placed several months after extraction. At times, an implant may be placed immediately after extraction of a tooth. This may involve a little more risk, but it simplifies the process—you won’t have to wait for another appointment to place the implant. When infection or other problems with the bone are present, immediate implant placement is not the best treatment.
If your tooth has been missing for some time, the adjacent support bone is likely to grow thinner and shrink. This occurs because the root of the natural tooth has to be present to stimulate the bone. As much as one-third of your jaw’s thickness can be lost in the year following tooth extraction. If you are missing enough bone, you may benefit from having additional bone grafted into the area. This ensures the implant will be adequately supported when it is placed in the jaw.
How many implants do I need?
Most frequently, one implant per missing tooth is placed. Because many of the larger teeth in the back of your jaws have two or three roots, the most common approach is to replace missing back teeth with larger implants.
Weierbach & Genetti Prosthodontics
Patient Review
I consulted three other dentists within the past year, before finding Dr.Weierbach. My experiences under his treatment and the care of his staff are the best I've ever had. I look forward to continuing care in the future.
- James K
Patient Review
I have had dental implants for thirty years due to a car accident. I was having severe pain and irritation from my dental implant appliance. Dr Weirerbach knew exactly what was needed, it didn't fit properly and the hardware was outdated. The temporary appliance fit better than the actual appliance I had from a prior dentist. I have my permanent appliance now and it is absolutely beautiful and better yet it fits perfectly. My teeth look real and very much like my actual teeth looked. I am very anxious at the dentist and Dr Weirerbach and all of his staff were very accommodating and kind. I could not be more thrilled and grateful for my new smile and the fabulous customer service provided. I highly recommend Dr Weirerbach and staff!
- Allison G
Patient Review
My teeth were so terrible I was petrified even to think of going anywhere to have a consultation I found myself not smiling, I won'tdidnt want to socialize so one day I ran into a friend of mine I hadn't seen for a long time she had the most beautiful smile so I asked her who is your dentist her reply was doctor John Weierbach 2nd she said hes not just a Dennist he does it all.So I looked him up on his website and wrote an email I kept that he mail for 2 weeks as a draft it was so hard for me to hit that send button because I was so ashamed of my teeth! Well the day I hit send I received a reply set up an appointment for a consultation I was so petrified to go but the day I went sat down had the consultation of what could be done was totally amazing when I got there not 1 person looked at me in a weird way,I myself knowing how terrible my teeth looked they treated me as a normal everyday person that had nothing wrong I felt so at ease not embarrassed at all wow why did I wait so long the doctor and his staff went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and unashamed now that all procedures are complete I feel like a whole new person with over 100% confidence I feel beautiful again and my smile Oh what a most gorgeous smile Dr. Weierbach and his staff have given me I can't thank them enough I highly recommend Dr. Weierbach 2nd nand his staff to anyone they are so kind polite ,professional and go above and beyond their Call of Duty as I've not only gained a gorgeous smile I've also gained a whole new family so Dr. Weierbach Melissa Chelsea Amanda Cheri Jen and everyone else thank you from the bottom of my heart you are all very very special when I came home after my final procedure I could not stop looking in the mirror thanks for helping me find myself again with total confidence and non stop smiling you are all the best there is to be always Tina
- Tina M
Patient Review
Polite and respectful receptionists and office staff. Always greeting the patient by name as soon as they enter the practice. Dedicated dental team. I am very happy with the work and highly recommend Dr. John A. Weierbach II, D.M.D to patients in need. Howard Groff, Jr.
- Howard G
Patient Review
My experience with Dr. Weierbach and staff was awesome. Everyone from scheduling to the hygienists and billing specialists were courteous, competent and professional. The care that Dr. Weierbach shows to his patients is reflected in his entire team. I began wearing dentures a year before my first visit to his office. In October of 2018, he placed 2 lower implants. The comfort, fit and security his new dentures have given me, compared to my old ones, is surprising. I am a very satisfied. confident and grateful customer.
- Benjamin S