How can we help you?
We believe that we can provide the highest quality dentistry when our patients are an active part of the decision-making process. Answering your questions isn't just a courtesy—it gives us an opportunity to explain things to you in such a way that you feel confident about the information you're receiving and what it means to you and the direction of your oral health care. No question is too small, and the only silly question is the one that goes unasked.
We've shared a few of the questions we hear most often below. You probably have plenty of your own, though, so please don't ever hesitate to contact our West Chester dental office, and we'll find the answers you're looking for.
Dental Implant Restoration
Losing just one tooth can lead to a series of events that can seriously compromise your overall oral health. The empty space left by a missing tooth gives surrounding teeth room to move into the void and surrounding bone can start to deteriorate.
Considering Tooth Replacement
It is important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible, and dental implants are a popular and effective solution. A dental implant is surgically placed in your jawbone and serves as a replacement root for the missing tooth.
First, we will refer you to a trusted local oral surgeon who places a titanium replacement root into your jaw. This is the underlying piece of the implant. Once the implant has been secured in the jaw bone, healing usually takes several months. When we’re familiar with your case, we’ll be able to give you a better estimate. After the bone heals, we anchor a replacement tooth like a crown, bridge, or denture to the implant.
Implant Consultations in West Chester
Secure, durable dental implants have changed the way we look at tooth replacement, and there’s a lot to consider when thinking about having a dental implant placed. We encourage you to contact our West Chester dental office, and we’ll be happy to arrange a convenient consultation with Dr. Koch.
A dental implant restoration in West Chester is a permanent treatment for replacing a missing tooth. With the right care, it can last for many years and even a lifetime in some cases.
So, what steps can you take to help make your tooth implant last? Here's what you should know.
Proper Care for Dental Implants
Infection is the enemy of a dental implant and could cause it to fail. Your best defense is an excellent home care routine of brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once to remove the plaque buildup that contributes to gum disease and tooth infections.
Use an electric toothbrush if you aren't already to make the brushing easier and more effective. You could also consider adding an antibacterial mouth rinse to your routine to help reduce plaque buildup.
Attending your regular checkups with your West Chester dentist every six months will also help to protect the health of your dental implant and other restorations. Your dentist will take x-rays once a year and perform a thorough exam every time to ensure that your fillings, crowns, or implants are healthy and functioning properly. He'll be able to let you know of any concerns early on before they become more problematic.