Dental Implants in Erie, PA

Dental implants are a restorative dental treatment for patients who have lost a tooth. Living with a missing tooth can cause oral health complications and make your days much more difficult. Dental implants are a long term solution that can replace your missing tooth and restore your smile. 


Dental implants comprise three distinct components: the implant post itself, an abutment, and a dental crown. The implant is made of titanium and acts as a replacement for your original tooth’s root. The implant is then attached to the abutment, which is what the crown sits on top of. Once the dental crown has been adhered to the abutment, you’ll be smiling like normal again!  Dental implants do require surgery to be inserted into your mouth completely. While this can be a scary thought, our team of dental professionals at Sleep Dentistry understands our patients’ concerns. That’s why we provide sleep dentistry, relaxation dentistry, and offer dental therapy dogs to comfort our patients so they can receive necessary dental care without any additional stress.

Mold of dental implants for Erie, PA patients

Who can get dental implants?

While dental implants can improve your oral health and the overall function of your mouth, there are reasons someone shouldn’t get dental implants. To be a good candidate for dental implants, you need to have a healthy jaw. Strong and healthy jawbones allow your dental implant to be supported properly, allowing it to last for as long as possible. Otherwise, you may suffer more oral health complications. Any signs of periodontal disease, gingivitis, and even bruxism can disqualify you from getting dental implants installed. 

Benefits of dental implants:

  • Enable you to eat normally
  • Improve your speech
  • Restore your mouth’s bite
  • Enhance the aesthetics of your smile
  • Prevent cavities
  • Stabilize adjacent teeth
  • Restore your confidence in your smile

Schedule an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

What is the process for dental implants like?

Dental implants require patients to have x-rays completed of their teeth and jaw. You may also need the input of specialists to confirm that your bones are healthy and can support the implant. Dental implant surgery has a number of steps. Dr. Mahoney will start by making sure you’re comfortable and discuss your options for anesthesia. During the procedure, your dental implant will be inserted into the jawbone, the abutment will be placed, and then the crown will be added on top of the abutment.

How long do dental implants last?

When a dental implant is well maintained, it’s common for them to last a lifetime. Although it may be daunting to go into the dentist’s office for a comprehensive procedure, your oral health is important and cannot be neglected. Sleep Dentistry provides a comforting atmosphere and specialized services to ensure our patients leave happy and smiling.

How long does dental implant surgery take?

While the procedure itself can take a few hours, healing from dental implants can take longer, typically 3 months or more. It’s important that your implant heals properly so that you can experience the benefits of a full set of healthy teeth. Sleep Dentistry’s team will work with you to organize a recovery plan that you’re most comfortable with so you can get back to doing what you enjoy.

Does insurance typically cover dental implants?

Dental implants can be covered by insurance, but sometimes they’re not. If you’re looking for definitive answers, we recommend calling your insurance provider. Insurances sometimes classify dental implants as cosmetic, and for this reason, they may not cover them. If your insurance doesn’t cover the implant or procedure as a whole, they may cover the installation of a dental crown.

What is the recovery time for dental implants?

Recovery time for dental implants ranges and can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. Although this seems like an unreasonable amount of time to recover, having dental implants installed can benefit your health more in the long run. Neglecting your dental health can seriously impact your overall health and well-being. You can rest assured that Sleep Dentistry’s team will work with you to develop a recovery plan that is best suited for you.

Why can’t you have dairy after having dental implants installed?

It’s not uncommon for dentists to recommend patients stay away from dairy after they’ve had dental implants installed. Dairy can cause inflammatory responses in your body’s tissues, including those within your mouth. It’s best to refrain from dairy products until you fully recover or until your dentist recommends when you can consume dairy again.

Where To Find Us 

📍 Address: 3915 Caughey Rd, Erie, PA 16506
 
📞 Phone:  (814) 833-3505
 

Recent Posts

More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

Posted on April 30th, 2020 at 11:49 AM
More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

As a practicing dental anesthesiologist specializing in family and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Kevin Mahoney has never seen a situation quite like COVID-19. Regardless, he continues to see to his patients' unique needs, delivering quality dental care tailored to the individual — just as he has for over three decades. If you're looking to establish a routine appointment schedule once government closure mandates lift, you can trust Dr. Mahoney to provide for you safely and capably.

For emergency dental care

Oral health closely correlates to overall health, so when a dental emergency arises, it’s important to get care fast. Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney offers same-day appointments to patients and non-patients alike, to address severe pain or swelling of the mouth or jaw, infections and abscesses, or broken or cracked teeth, crowns, or fillings. Don’t fret about payment or lack of insurance — between our work with insurance carriers and our monthly payment plans, our office makes a coordinated effort to ease your financial burden.

If dental fear or phobia is preventing you from getting the urgent dental care you need, do not let it. Dr. Mahoney is the only dentist in the Erie area licensed to administer general anesthesia, characterized by a deep state of unconsciousness. You’ll feel no pain and have no memory of the emergency procedure, but the relief you feel afterward will be something to remember going forward. 

For routine dental care

Of course, trips to the dentist shouldn’t just be reserved for emergencies. It’s recommended that dental visits occur every 6 months, or at least annually — by monitoring the health of the teeth, gums, and mouth consistently, there is a lesser chance of dire situations popping up in the first place! Furthermore, by seeing you more frequently, we can hone in on achieving your best smile through our array of cosmetic (aka aesthetic) dentistry services.

We understand that even routine dental procedures like bonding and fillings can be stressful or difficult for folks with anxieties, phobias, or special needs. For these patients, Dr. Mahoney can administer sedation or general anesthesia before he performs his work, getting more done in fewer visits. He also collaborates with the compassionate canine, Dogtor Gizmo — a certified dental therapy dog who's happy to sit or snuggle with you during your procedure. Dogtor Gizmo is wonderful with children and special needs patients.

It is these efforts to reinforce calm and reduce stress that set Dr. Mahoney apart.

dr kevin mahoney sleep dentistry procedure

Kind words from our patients

We know that deciding on one dentist can seem overwhelming when there are so many options available. We encourage you to choose the dentist best for you — who you’re both comfortable with and who delivers the care you need. In the meantime, here are a few examples of why our patients feel we’re the best for them.

From our Google Reviewers (5.0 stars, 13 reviews)

“Friendly, Professional, Compassionate, Experienced”

— 5 star review from Glenn Henry (Local Guide)

“Dr. Kevin Mahoney and staff have always made me feel at ease. I quite often call myself ‘Chicken Little’ when it comes to dentistry. The Sleep Dentistry is a bonus, the main reason I started to go there. They are very professional, friendly and informative. Thank you for making my visits stress free!”

— 5 star review from Kim Tavernese

From our Facebook Reviewers (4.3 stars, 52 reviews)

“The only phobia I have bigger than spiders and needles is going to the dentist, and I must say in all my years of going to a dentist, Dr. Mahoney has made that phobia go away. I was not put to sleep [when I] didn't need to be, I had my teeth cleaned and 2 fillings done all the same day and I felt no pain and never felt the needles. Dr. Mahoney has mastered his craft and makes you feel so comfortable and anxiety free, if there were 6-star [reviews], Dr. Mahoney definitely would have got one from me!!!”

— 5 star review from Butchie Knight

“My 6-year-old had some major problems with his teeth and needed surgery, [but] he was scared of the dentist ... When we finally thought we found an answer and had scheduled a surgery, the coronavirus outbreak made his surgery get cancelled and hope was lost. Of course my son's tooth took a turn for the worse. We got into [Dr. Mahoney’s] office the same day that we called them and the next morning my son had his surgery. WHAT A LIFE SAVER! Extremely satisfied with the service not to mention sanitary conditions in the office as well!”

— 5 star review from Katie Payne

If you, a friend, or a relative need emergency dental services during the COVID-19 outbreak, call Dr. Mahoney’s office at (814) 833-3505 to arrange a same-day appointment. When routine dental care is allowed to resume, please get in touch with us! We will be seeing new patients after previously scheduled appointments are fulfilled. 

BECOME A PATIENT