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James A. DiPerna, DMD
Amber M.S. Foronda, DMD
David C. Hay, DMD, MPH
Kara Dragone, DMD, MPH, MS
Nestor Foronda, DMD
RIDC/Fox Chapel Office

(412) 963-1911 | View Map

Warrendale Office

(724) 262-2333 | View Map

Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Dental Implants

The Most Natural Replacement for Missing Teeth

Advanced Dental Implant Care for Pittsburgh

As board certified periodontists & implant specialists, Dr. DiPerna, Dr. Foronda & Dr. Hay are all expertly trained in advanced dental implant procedures to restore your oral comfort and function. These procedures include immediate implant loading to reduce treatment time and discomfort, implant stabilization of denture appliances, and sinus lifts to provide greater bone stability.

One of their highest priorities is patient education. During an initial examination and consultation, they will discuss all options for treatment and help you come to an informed decision.  Please do not hesitate to voice any questions you may have.

Replacing a Missing Tooth - Implants Pittsburgh, PA

Dental implants are today's treatment of choice for replacing missing teeth. They are long lasting, natural in appearance, and promote jaw health. By working closely with your dentist, we hope to provide you with a functional and esthetic replacement tooth that will last for a very long time.

A natural tooth is anchored into the jawbone by its root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the jawbone and keep your teeth stable when chewing.

Traditionally, if you were missing a tooth, or if one needed to be extracted, the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth would be cut down and used as supports. A three unit “bridge” would then be inserted to restore the supporting teeth and replace the missing tooth. Because all three teeth are one single piece, a bridge can be difficult to clean and presents other challenges as well.

Dental implants are the modern alternative. Instead of cutting down two perfectly healthy teeth, your periodontist inserts a dental implant into the jawbone to replace your missing tooth root. As it heals, the implant becomes solidly fixed into your jawbone (a process called osseointegration). Once the implant is ready, your referring dentist then places a crown onto this dental implant that looks, feels, and functions like your natural tooth. Dental implants stand alone and do not rely on your natural teeth for support.

Put simply, dental implants are the most natural replacement for missing teeth. The video below explains the benefits of a dental implant compared to a traditional bridge.

Replacing Multiple Teeth with Dental Implants

When you're missing several teeth, you have the option of replacing them with a removable partial denture, individual implant supported crowns or implant supported bridges.

Depending on the situation, your periodontist may recommend that a dental implant be placed to replace each missing tooth. This allows the teeth to function naturally as individual units, or be connected together for increased strength. Our treatment plans are always customized to your specific needs and are based on a number of factors including your jaw strength, bite, number of missing teeth, and bone quality, to name a few.

Sometimes, an implant to replace every missing tooth is not needed or even possible. In these situations, an implant supported bridge may be recommended. An implant supported bridge is a structure similar to a traditional dental bridge, with the exception that it is supported by implants rather than natural teeth. It is generally accepted that two implants can hold a three tooth bridge, three implants can hold a four or five tooth bridge and four to eight implants are required to hold longer bridges or full-arch bridges. An example of an implant supported bridge is depicted in the video below.