Missing a tooth can mean losing your confidence. Luckily, an experienced dentist such as Dr. Gabriel can restore the look of your smile with dental implants, providing patients with a solution that’s effective and long-lasting. Unlike traditional dental bridges and dentures, dental implants are inserted directly into the jaw to create a smile that feels strong while looking natural.
You don’t have to hide your smile anymore. Learn how our experienced team can help you replace your teeth with dental implants. You can become confident in knowing that you have a perfect smile that lasts a lifetime. Our Wexford dental office offers patients dental implant treatments that can be completed in just two appointments. Call us today at (724) 935-2100 to schedule a consultation and learn more about our treatment options.
We proudly welcome patients from the surrounding Cranberry, Gibsonia, and Pittsburgh communities.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are high-quality prosthetics that are designed to fit naturally with your teeth and blend perfectly with your smile. A simple surgical procedure is performed where a small hole is created in order for Dr. Gabriel to insert a titanium post into your jawbone. Through a process known as osseointegration, the implants slowly and naturally bond to the jawline and are fitted with custom-crafted crowns — restoring your smile and the confidence that comes with it.
Dr. Gabriel’s Unique Expertise
Dr. Gabriel is an expert dentist who specializes in dental implants. Graduating from the prestigious Misch Implant Institute and being a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, you can be confident in knowing that your smile is in professional hands.
To Dr. Gabriel, you aren’t just a file on the computer. Each patient is a unique person with individual needs and desires. He’ll take the time to get to know you and formulate a unique treatment plan so you’ll be happy with your smile.
PRP Therapy
Give your body’s healing a natural boost with PRP therapy in Wexford, PA. Under the expert care of Dr. Paul Gabriel, platelet-rich plasma is used to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce downtime, and improve outcomes for procedures like dental implants. Safe, effective, and revolutionary, PRP therapy taps into your innate healing abilities to promote better results with fewer risks.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are an incredible tooth replacement solution that surpasses all other options in terms of long-term investment and efficacy. What sets dental implants apart are the titanium posts that act as anchors for your new teeth, keeping them secured while you speak, eat, and brush your teeth.
Other advantages of dental implants include:
Jawbone Stimulation: Dental implants act as an effective replacement for tooth roots, stimulating your jawbone and helping to maintain its bone density. Not only does it make your smile stronger, but also supports your oral health.
Long Lasting: Dental implants are permanent, with your crowns having to be replaced after 25 or more years. With proper care, which includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing, you can keep your confidence high with healthy teeth.
Comfort: Dental implants will always stay stable without getting in the way of your natural teeth, providing a reliable foundation for your custom crowns.
Natural Appearance: Best of all, dental implants will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth for a stunning smile.
The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect
Step One: Initial Consultation
Your dental implant journey will start with an initial consultation. During your appointment, Dr. Gabriel will evaluate your overall oral health to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants. Digital cone beam CT scans will be performed to get a better view of your head and jaw, allowing Dr. Gabriel to consider which treatment options may be right for you.
Step Two (Optional): Supplemental Procedures
Dental implants require your jawbone and gums to be healthy. If you’ve been missing a tooth for a while, your jawbone may have already started to deteriorate. Luckily, Dr. Gabriel may be able to restore your jawbone by conducting a bone graft. He can also restore gums that have receded using soft tissue grafts in the areas that need attention. Your body will build additional tissue in response to the procedure.
Step Three: Implanting the Posts
Once Dr. Gabriel determines that you’re ready for dental implants, he’ll begin the placement process. While dental implants do require surgery to be placed, Dr. Gabriel will make sure you are comfortable throughout the treatment by applying a local anesthetic. He can also administer sedation for additional ease during surgery. The implant will spend the next couple of months bonding with your jawbone once placed.
Step Four: Recovery and Integration
Your dental implants need time to bond with your jaw through a natural process called osseointegration. While a few months may seem too long, a dental implant is the best replacement option for missing teeth. The initial integration process is what allows the dental implant to provide its benefits. Once the implant is done healing and integrating, you’ll be ready for the final step of the process.
Step Five: Placing the Crown
The final step of the dental implant process is attaching the crown to the titanium post. The abutment is then placed to complete the procedure, fully integrating the piece into your natural smile. Once Dr. Gabriel attaches your custom crown, you’ll be able to leave our office showing off your newfound confidence that comes with having a perfect smile.
Caring For Your Dental Implants
Taking care of your dental implants is as easy as taking care of your regular teeth. That’s one of the reasons why they’re so popular as a tooth replacement option. All you have to do is maintain a proper oral hygiene regimen, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling bi-annual dental checkups with Dr. Gabriel.
Our office recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush with non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching your implanted crowns. Using unwaxed floss can also help keep your implants in their best shape.
Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?
It’s important to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gabriel to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. Patients should have proper bone density and good gum health to get the best results. In some cases, certain patients may need a supplemental procedure before moving forward in the dental implant process.
If you have type 2 diabetes or take other medications that suppress your immune system, you may be at a greater risk for infection during the process. Teeth grinding during sleep can also do damage to your implant, leading to long-term complications. Let Dr. Gabriel know of any of these conditions so he can make the best decision for your oral health.
Dental Implant Costs and Insurance
The cost of dental implants varies depending on the location, dentist, and type of implant. Insurance coverage of dental implants often depends on whether your medical or dental insurance applies, or whether both apply. We’ll outline the estimated cost of your dental implant procedure, including prep or follow-up treatments. We accept many dental insurance plans and are happy to answer questions and help you understand your benefit coverage.
Choosing the Right Dentist or Oral Surgeon in Wexford
Choosing dental implants is a big step, but the first smaller step on your journey is choosing the dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon to help you restore your smile. At the Gabriel Center for Advanced Dentistry, we’re happy to provide patients with the right questions to help you choose the best implant dentist for you.
Experience and Qualifications
How many years of experience do you have with dental implants?
What specific training or certifications do you have in implant dentistry?
How many implant procedures do you perform annually?
Treatment Options and Procedures
What types of dental implants do you offer (e.g., single, full-arch, all-on-4)?
Are there alternative treatments you would recommend for my case?
Do you use advanced technologies, such as 3D imaging or guided implant placement?
Customization and Planning
How do you create a personalized treatment plan for each patient?
Can you show me before-and-after photos of similar cases you’ve handled?
Will you provide a detailed estimate and timeline for the procedure?
Safety and Comfort
What measures do you take to ensure patient safety during surgery?
What is the follow-up process after the implant procedure?
How do you handle maintenance and repairs for implants?
Will I need regular checkups with you after the procedure?
Cost and Insurance
What is the total cost of the procedure, including consultations and follow-ups?
Do you offer payment plans or financing options?
Will you help me verify if my insurance covers any portion of the cost?
Patient Reviews and Recommendations
Can you provide testimonials or references from previous patients?
Are there any online reviews I can check for your practice?
Our Wexford dental team uses the latest technology to provide high-quality, natural-looking dental implants. Dr. Gabriel has years of experience in implant dentistry and is dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. We’re committed to providing exceptional care and service.
If you have any questions about dental implants, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Gabriel by calling our Wexford office at (724) 935-2100.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most intimidating part for patients about getting a dental implant is the surgery. Some patients may need more than one supplemental procedure for their dental implants, making the process longer than most tooth replacement options. While more secure, the implant takes several months to bond with your jawbone, requiring a lot of patience.
The dental implant procedure isn’t painful at all due to receiving anesthesia and sedation. You may experience some discomfort after the procedure as your tooth is healing, but this tends to go away within a week. Your dentist will make sure that you’re comfortable during your treatment and that you receive the care your smile needs.
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of your case. For many patients, implant-supported dentures are an incredible option due to them being stable, promoting jawbone health, and requiring less maintenance. In cases where dentures are a better option, these can help your smile by providing you with a full set of teeth while maintaining the shape of your face.
Dental implant surgery takes about one to two hours, but the healing of the initial implant can take between three to six months. As the titanium post naturally integrates with your jawbone, your fixture will become stable and permanent with the rest of your smile.