Dr. Mark Weingarden has been placing dental implants for over twenty years. Through continuing education, he is kept abreast of the most current information and techniques available in implant dentistry. His office is located in the Pittsburgh, PA area.
Benefits of Dental Implant Treatment:
Preserves youthful facial appearance
Virtually stops the bone deterioration (bone collapse) process
Restores natural biting and chewing capacity
Looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth
Does not compromise adjacent teeth
Increases comfort and stability (eliminates the need for adhesives)
Eliminates pain of dentures and partials
Improves digestion
Hygienic (cleaned like a natural tooth)
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Have you lost one or more teeth?
Are you fed up with partial or full dentures?
Are your dentures frequently loose?
Do you use adhesives to secure your dentures?
Do you frequently get sores under your dentures?
Are you observing changes (aging) in your facial appearance?
Have you lost bone in the area of a tooth extraction?
Are you considering replacing teeth with bridgework, but concerned about cutting down or damaging adjacent teeth?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, contact Dr. Weingarden for a dental implant consultation at our Pittsburgh office 412-487-8288
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. A person who has lost teeth can gain the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants:
What is the advantage of an implant over other methods of tooth replacement? (partials, bridges and dentures).
Any way you look at it, implants are a better solution to the problem of missing teeth. With older methods of tooth replacement, the bone that previously surrounded the teeth may begin to deteriorate. Because dental implants integrate into your bone just like the root of your tooth, they maintain your jaw bone and prevent bone loss.
Implants are conservative treatment
Unlike bridges or partials, dental implants don’t damage adjacent teeth. In order to place a bridge, adjacent teeth, (which may be perfectly healthy teeth), need to be “cut down”. Because of this irreversible and expensive loss of tooth structure, bridges are no longer the treatment of choice and are not considered to be a “conservative” treatment option.
Partials are supported by “hanging on” to other teeth. This will often cause decay or loosening of the teeth holding the partial. You will never get a cavity or need a root canal on a dental implant.
Dental implants allow you to speak and eat with confidence. They will allow you to say goodbye to worries about slipping and clicking. No more messy denture pastes and glues and no more unsightly partial clasps.
How long does it take to get implants?
The process of placing dental implants varies depending on the circumstances. Ask us about "Teeth-in-an-Hour."
Aren’t dental implants really expensive?
Dental implants are very cost effective. Bridges and partials have a considerable likelihood of causing significant, future dental expenses. They almost always need to be replaced and commonly cause a need for root canals. Dental implants have an excellent long-term prognosis and are an excellent dental investment.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most people are candidates for dental implants. Adequate bone is necessary; however, bone can usually be added if needed. We will perform a complete examination involving special x-rays to determine if implants are right for you.
This presentation has been designed to answer your many questions regarding Dental Implants.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants, continued:
What is an implant made of?
Implants are made of a bio-compatible, (i.e. the body does not reject it), material called titanium.
What is the procedure like? Does it hurt?
Placing dental implants is surprisingly easy for the patient. Although some patients may experience some bruising or swelling, seldom is discomfort associated with dental implants. (Even if multiple implants are done at one time). Implants are usually placed under local anesthesia, but oral and IV sedation is also available if preferred by the patient.
The implant, which looks like a screw is placed into the jawbone. Over a period of approximately 2-6 months, the implant and your bone are allowed to grow together to form an anchor for the crown of the tooth. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option can be worn over the implant site. Dr. Weingarden and/or your dentist will provide immediate temporary replacement for your missing teeth. You will never be without teeth when you leave our office.
If there is inadequate bone to place an implant, bone may be added prior to placement of the implant. This is called a bone graft. This may add a period of 3-6 months allowing for the bone to grow, prior to actually placing the implant.
When the implant is ready, your dentist will fashion the permanent crown(s) or denture to complete your tooth replacement.
What is the success rate of dental implants and how long do they last?
Dental implants have a 98% + success rate. In the long run, implants can be more esthetic and easier to keep clean than a bridge. Therefore, unlike bridges that often need to be replaced due to decay, implants can possibly last a lifetime.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Dental implants are like your own teeth and require the same care – brushing and flossing.
Single Tooth Replacement
If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it. A dental implant replaces the lost natural tooth and its root.
Replacing Multiple Teeth
If you are missing several teeth, implant supported bridges can replace them. Dental implants will replace your lost natural teeth and some of the roots.
Replacing All of Your Teeth
If you are missing all of your teeth, either an implant-supported denture or a combination of implants and fixed dentistry can replace them.
Unlike a conventional denture, implant-supported dentures are held in place securely. Depending on the number of implants placed, the connecting device that will hold your new teeth can be tightened down on the implants permanently in a fixed fashion, or clipped to a bar or a round ball anchor to which a denture snaps on and off.
Mark J. Weingarden, D.M.D. is a board certified periodontist with over 25 years of experience in Periodontics and more than 20 years of experience in placing Dental Implants in Pittsburgh. He has been a leader in the field, often being the first to bring the newest and most state-of-the art techniques to Pittsburgh.
Our office is located at:4290 Route 8 Allison Park, PA 15101. Serving Allison Park and Pittsburgh Pa.
