📍 BALA CYNWYD · MAIN LINE · PHILADELPHIA
Dental implants are designed to look, feel and function like natural teeth. An implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or an entire arch, so you no longer need to have healthy neighboring teeth cut down for a bridge or put up with loose, uncomfortable dentures.
One implant and a crown replace a missing tooth without altering the teeth on either side.
Implants can support a bridge to replace several missing teeth in a row.
A few implants can anchor a denture so it stays securely in place when you eat and speak.
A full arch of non-removable teeth on implants, often placed the same day. See same-day implants and teeth.
A periodontist is a dental specialist in the gums and the bone that supports the teeth, the foundation every implant depends on. Dr. Waasdorp is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He earned his DMD at the University of Pennsylvania, completed his periodontics and implant training at the University of Maryland, and received the AAP Lazzara Fellowship award in advanced implant surgery.
He works closely with your restorative dentist, who designs and places your final teeth. Meet Dr. Waasdorp.
Our office has 3D cone beam imaging on site. It gives Dr. Waasdorp a precise three-dimensional view of your jawbone before treatment, so implant placement can be planned exactly and carried out in a minimally invasive way, often without cutting or suturing.
We also offer computer-guided implant surgery, which can allow implants and teeth to be placed on the same day.
When teeth have been missing for a while, the jawbone can shrink. If your 3D scan shows there is not enough bone for an implant, bone grafting and ridge reconstruction procedures can grow bone to make implant placement possible.
An exam and 3D cone beam scan to review your bone, gums and goals.
A clear plan coordinated with your restorative dentist, including any grafting you need.
Minimally invasive, computer-guided placement based on your 3D scan.
Once the implant has bonded with the bone, your dentist places natural-looking teeth.
Studies performed around the world over the past 25 years have documented high levels of implant success that often approach 98 to 100%.
Often, yes. 3D cone beam imaging shows exactly how much bone is available. If it is not enough, bone grafting and ridge reconstruction can grow bone so an implant can be placed.
It depends on how many teeth are being replaced and whether bone grafting is needed. Dr. Waasdorp will give you a timeline at your consultation. In some cases, implants and teeth can be placed the same day; see same-day implants and teeth.
Yes. Dr. Waasdorp works closely with your restorative dentist. He places the implants, and your dentist typically makes and places your final crown, bridge or teeth.
Implants are a very predictable treatment. The most common risk factors for implant failure are uncontrolled diabetes, smoking and poor bone quality. Having these does not always rule out implants, and we often work with your physician to identify and reduce risk factors where possible.
Yes. For patients who prefer an alternative to titanium, we offer ceramic zirconia implants. Learn more about metal-free implants.
