What Are Dental Implants?
Replacing Missing Teeth with Dental Implants with Allentown, PA Dentist Dr John Gilliland
A dental implant is a small metal post that replaces a missing tooth. Placed into the jawbone during a minor procedure, it acts like a natural root and is topped with a crown for a lifelike look and feel.
Considering dental implants but not sure what to expect? We break it all down so you can make a confident, informed choice about your care.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your teeth do more than help you chew—they support your bite, keep other teeth in place, and help maintain the natural shape of your face. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth can start to shift, which may affect how you bite and lead to other dental problems.
Even if shifting doesn’t happen right away, there’s another issue you might not notice at first: bone loss. Without a tooth root to stimulate your jawbone, your body starts to break it down. Over time, this can change your facial shape, making your cheeks look sunken and causing you to appear older.
Dental implants are designed to replace missing tooth roots and help keep your jawbone healthy, your teeth aligned, and your smile looking natural. They’re one of the most effective ways to restore both function and appearance.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can impact more than just your smile—it can affect your confidence, comfort, and overall oral health. A missing tooth may cause discomfort while eating, lead to shifting teeth, and even contribute to bone loss over time.
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Restore your natural look
Dental implants are custom-designed to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. Once placed, they look and feel just like the real thing—blending seamlessly into your smile and restoring your appearance with confidence. -
Enjoy lasting comfort and stability
Dental implants are securely anchored in your jawbone, where the titanium post fuses with the bone during healing. Whether supporting a crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture, implants offer unmatched stability. You can laugh, smile, and eat your favorite foods without worrying about shifting or discomfort. -
Support jawbone health
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it can begin to weaken due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants help prevent bone loss by encouraging new bone growth around the implant, keeping your jaw strong and healthy.
Dental implants are a durable, long-term solution that can last for decades with proper care—restoring your smile, confidence, and quality of life.
Dental Implant Restorations
The restoration is the visible part of your dental implant—it’s the “false tooth” that sits on top and completes your smile. While the implant itself is hidden beneath the gums, the restoration is what gives you the look and function of a natural tooth.
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Dental Crown
This is the most common type of implant restoration. A crown is used to replace a single missing tooth and is attached directly to the implant. -
Dental Bridge
A bridge is used to replace multiple missing teeth in a row. With just one or two implants, a dental bridge can span the gap—restoring your bite and smile. Full implant-supported bridges can replace an entire upper or lower arch, supported by four or more implants. -
Implant Denture
For those who wear dentures, implants can add extra stability. A removable denture can securely snap onto two or more implants, offering a better fit and greater confidence when eating or speaking.
A New Life with Dental Implants Awaits
Your smile won’t just return—it’ll come back stronger and more confident than ever.
Dental implants are simple to care for. Just brush and floss daily, protect your smile during sports, and come in for regular checkups so we can keep everything in top shape.
With proper care, your dental implant can give you years of strong, healthy, and confident smiles!
Start today by booking a consultation
How It Feels
Getting a dental implant may sound intimidating, but the experience is usually much more comfortable than you’d expect.
We’ll start by numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Thanks to modern dental technology, implants can be placed quickly and precisely—often in just 30 minutes—minimizing discomfort and speeding up recovery.
Many patients say the most uncomfortable part is simply keeping their mouth open during the procedure. Some even feel relaxed or sleepy throughout the appointment.
Afterward, it’s normal to have some mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness for a few days. Don’t worry—we’ll give you clear aftercare instructions to help manage discomfort before the numbness wears off. Most people start feeling better within a week.
With a success rate of nearly 95%, dental implants are one of the safest and most predictable treatments in modern dentistry.
What to Expect During Your Dental Implant Journey
Getting a dental implant is often more comfortable and straightforward than most people think. Here’s what your treatment process will typically look like:
Consultation and Assessment
Your journey starts with a thorough consultation. Your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan to evaluate your jawbone and determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. We’ll also take digital scans or impressions of your teeth to plan the exact placement and angle of the implant.
Placing the Implant
Once you’re ready, we’ll numb the area with a local anesthetic to make sure you’re completely comfortable. A small opening is made in the gums and jawbone, and the implant post is carefully placed. In some cases, stitches may be needed to close the gums.
Healing and Restoration
After the implant is placed, you’ll go home to allow the area to heal and the implant to fuse with your jawbone—a process that takes a few months. Once healing is complete, you’ll return for your final restoration. We’ll securely attach a custom crown, bridge, or denture, giving you a fully functional and natural-looking new tooth.With each step, we’re here to guide you and ensure your comfort. The result? A long-lasting smile you can feel confident in.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Cost of Dental Implants in Allentown
If you’re considering tooth replacement options, it’s helpful to understand what to expect when it comes to pricing. A single dental implant typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000+. For full-mouth implants, costs can vary from $6,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on your individual needs. A full set of implant-supported dentures generally averages around $30,000.
Dental implants in Allentown are a highly personalized treatment, which is why it’s difficult to provide an accurate quote over the phone. Your final cost will depend on several unique factors.
What Affects the Cost of Dental Implants? Several factors determine the total cost of your dental implant procedure:
- The number and type of implants you need
- The materials used for the implant and restoration
- The experience and time of the dental team involved
- The complexity and location of the surgery
- The post-surgical care and length of recovery
Every patient is different, so the best way to get an accurate estimate is to schedule an in-person consultation and oral exam. We’ll assess your needs and offer treatment options tailored to your goals and budget.
Are There Alternatives to Dental Implants?
Yes. For one to three missing teeth, a dental bridge may be recommended. For more extensive tooth loss, removable dentures or dental prosthetics might be suitable alternatives.
While these options may cost less initially, they typically require more maintenance and may not last as long. Implants, on the other hand, offer a stable, long-term solution that feels and functions like natural teeth—and with proper care, they can last a lifetime.
Want to explore your options? Book a consultation today and take the first step toward restoring your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all—dental implants are designed to look and feel just like natural teeth. While the implant itself is a small metal post placed beneath the gums, it’s completely hidden. What people see is the custom-made crown or restoration on top, which is carefully crafted to match the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth. No one will be able to tell the difference—your smile will look completely natural.
Dentures and implants serve different purposes and function in different ways. Dentures rest on the gums and can sometimes shift, while dental implants are anchored into the jawbone for greater stability and bite strength. Each option has its own pros and cons. The best way to determine what’s right for you is to schedule an in-person consultation so we can evaluate your needs and recommend the best solution.
Yes. If dental implants aren’t the right fit for you, options like dental bridges or full/partial dentures may be ideal. These solutions can restore your smile and function depending on your situation. We’d be happy to discuss all available options during a consultation.
Most healthy adults are good candidates for dental implants, but a strong jawbone and healthy gums are essential for success. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. In many cases, treatments can be done to restore your oral health and prepare you for implants—or help you explore the best alternative.
Absolutely. Your dental implant will be topped with a custom-made crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. Most patients can’t tell the difference between their implant and their real teeth—it blends in seamlessly with your smile.
Not at all. Thanks to modern technology, the dental implant process is highly precise and relatively pain-free. We use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. You may experience mild swelling or discomfort afterward, but we’ll provide thorough aftercare instructions to help you heal smoothly. If you’re anxious about the procedure, please let us know—we’re here to help you feel at ease.
Most patients can return to work the very next day. Depending on your specific treatment, we’ll let you know ahead of time if extra recovery is recommended. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know before and after surgery.
Just like natural teeth, implants require regular checkups and cleanings. Most patients benefit from seeing us every six months, though we may suggest more or fewer visits based on your individual needs.
Caring for implants is simple—treat them like natural teeth. Brush and floss daily, come in for routine cleanings, and let us know if you experience any issues. Good oral hygiene is key to keeping your implants healthy for years to come.
In most cases, no. Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution and can last for decades—or even a lifetime—with proper care.
