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

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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
 

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The Many Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Posted on January 24th, 2022 at 12:06 PM
The Many Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

You deserve to look your best, and that includes your teeth. Teeth whitening has become more popular throughout the years, especially with the rise of at-home whitening kits. The overall health of your teeth is no longer the primary reason that people visit the dentist. Now, taking care of your teeth has just as many cosmetic benefits as it does health benefits. 

Typically, what you eat and drink is the most common reason your teeth may become discolored in the first place. Coffee, wine, tomatoes, berries, and soda can all be culprits of your yellowing teeth. Lifestyle and health habits can be a factor, too, such as smoking or failing to have a hygienic oral care routine. 

Simply put, people are tired of settling for discolored teeth. With technology advancing, and procedures like professional teeth whitening becoming faster and more efficient, you no longer have to settle.

Types of Professional Teeth Whitening

When you’re looking to brighten up your smile, it’s always a good idea to start by considering your options. The most popular options are in-office procedures and prescribed take-home trays. Scheduling a professional teeth whitening appointment will typically entail determining your desired shade for your teeth, followed by your dentist applying whitening agents for a longer period of time. 

Take home trays are where you come in. After your first whitening consultation, your dentist is able to determine how these take home kits can be formulated to optimally whiten your teeth. Perhaps you need a higher concentration of whitening agents, or you may need to use your kits more frequently. Either way, these can give you more comprehensive results. 

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening lasts longer

Teeth whitening strips can last for months, but professional treatments can last for years. The upside of going to your dentist’s office for a whitening is that the concentration of the whitening materials is much stronger than what you can access with a home kit. At Sleep Dentistry, we offer a Lifetime Whitening Program, which gives you a lifetime of pearly whites for a one-time enrollment fee of only $99. 

That being said, the cost of professional teeth whitening could potentially be less over time, especially compared to how many DIY kits you’d need to achieve the same results.

Take home trays designed for you

Many dental offices offer take home trays following a consultation for professional teeth whitening. These trays may sound just like a take-home kit, but they’re not. Take home trays are specially designed based on the results of your in-office whitening results and your desired shade of your teeth. Because these take home trays are built from a mold of your mouth, your specific whitening treatment will yield results faster and more effectively. 

Skip the tooth sensitivity

A downside of having your teeth whitened can be the sensitivity that comes with it. With professional whitening services, your dentist’s tried and true methods don’t come with the risk of harmful side effects. No need to worry if whitening agents will touch your gums, tongue, or cheek. At Sleep Dentistry Erie, our team will be attentive to your specific needs and concerns. 

Better teeth whitening results  

When you choose a dentist over a DIY kit, you’re automatically going to get better results. It’s better to trust a trained professional dentist with something as important as your teeth instead of guessing with home kits. Sleep Dentistry Erie can ensure that you get the results you're looking for faster, while also keeping your comfort and the safety of your teeth our top priority.

Trust Sleep Dentistry Erie with Your Teeth

Sleep Dentistry Erie has an experienced team of trained professionals. We’ll assemble a personalized teeth whitening treatment that’s tailored to you. We specialize in dentistry for those who have dental phobias when it comes to making their yearly check-ups. 

Consider our Lifetime Whitening Program, which is offered to our patients for a one-time fee of $99. 

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