Implants for Permanent Tooth Replacement

Missing teeth means you bite differently, chew differently, and maybe even talk differently. There are several replacement options out there but only dental implants have the ability to last a lifetime. This is why we offer dental implants here at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA.

Implants are permanently placed in your mouth. The titanium implant post is placed into the bone socket, where it will bond with the jawbone. The bonding process will take a few months, so you will wear a temporary crown during this time. When the customized crown is ready, an abutment is attached to the implant post. The permanent crown is then cemented into place for a lifetime.

Dental implants are a great option because they don’t require healthy teeth to be reduced to place them. Being a single tooth replacement, brushing and flossing are made easier, so oral health is easier to maintain. With a good oral hygiene routine, implants can last a lifetime.

To find out about implants, a permanent tooth replacement solution, contact Lehigh Valley Smiles. Our Easton, PA office can be contacted by calling us at  (610) 252-7414 or by visiting our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net. 

i-CAT Technology at Lehigh Valley Smiles

A dental 3D scan allows clinicians to view dental anatomy from different angles. A 3D scan can help gain a better view of bone structures, such as adjacent root positions, in order to locate canals and root fractures, as well as provide the ability to more accurately measure anatomical structures. Here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, Dr. Alan Dilsaver utilizes the i-CAT Cone Beam 3D Dental Imaging System for the dental implant procedure.

The i-CAT 3D Cone Beam Imaging system is a fast, simple and completely painless procedure. Patients sit in a chair for a single 10-second scan and from that scan Dr. Alan Dilsaver can quickly see computer-generated views of the bones of the face, the teeth, and other details from any angle in 3D and in color. The patient benefits from less radiation as well as the comfortable, open environment. Aside from the physical comfort of this system, Dr. Alan Dilsaver can share a visual diagnosis with patients, making them more comfortable with their treatment plan and actively participate in their care.

To learn more about our i-CAT technology and services provided here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Sinus Augmentation in Easton, PA

If you lose any of your posterior teeth, known as premolars or molars, it can increase the amount of force placed on your remaining teeth and negatively affect your bite and oral health. This makes replacing extracted teeth incredibly important, and dental implants provide a long-lasting solution to these gaps in your smile. However, there isn’t always enough room in the upper jaw for dental implants to be placed. When this lack of space is caused by the position of the sinus or because of bone loss, Dr. Alan Dilsaver can perform a sinus augmentation at our office in Easton, PA.  

A sinus augmentation—also called a sinus lift—is performed by repositioning the sinus floor and adding bone so that there is enough space for a dental implant to be inserted. A variety of grafting materials are used to encourage bone to grow more quickly into the area and help stabilize the dental implant.

The bone used in a sinus augmentation may come from the patient’s own body (autogenous bone), a donor (allogeneic bone) or from cow bone (xenograft). Dr. Dilsaver will cut the gum tissue where the missing back teeth used to be in order to expose the bone. Then a small oval window is opened in the bone to gain access to where the sinus meets the jaw, and the sinus floor is pushed up and away from the jaw. Granules of bone-graft material are then packed into the space where the sinus was, adding several millimeters of bone to the jaw.

Once the bone is in place, the tissue is closed with stitches and left to heal. Implants are usually installed four to nine months later after the grafted material meshes with your bone.

Whether you need a sinus augmentation or not, if you are looking to receive dental implants, we can make it happen at Lehigh Valley Smiles. To schedule an appointment, call (610) 252-7414. For more information, please visitwww.lehighvalleysmiles.net. 

Dental Implants in Easton, PA

If you’ve lost one tooth or multiple teeth due to extensive decay, gum disease or facial trauma, we can provide you with the solution you need to restore your oral health in Easton, PA. Since teeth can shift out of place after a tooth has been removed, and since teeth that shift are more susceptible to disease and decay, Lehigh Valley Dental offers dental implants to both restore the beauty of your smile and improve your oral health. While bridges or dentures can also be used to replace missing teeth, these options either require work to healthy teeth or are not permanent fixtures in the mouth. Dental implants, on the other hand, look and feel natural.

The first step of the implant process is to implant a titanium screw in the jawbone. This screw serves as your replacement tooth root and keeps your jaw from deteriorating or changing shape. Once the screw is in place, your jaw is left to heal around the implant in a process called osseointegration—a process that can take three to six months to complete. During this healing, you will receive a temporary crown for easier speaking and eating.

When the implant has healed, Dr. Alan Dilsaver will install the abutment, which acts as the foundation upon which your permanent crown is placed. An impression is then taken of the area, and the permanent crown is custom made and adhered to the abutment to give you a new smile that looks and functions like your natural teeth.

With our help, you can achieve an attractive and complete smile with dental implants. Schedule a consultation by calling (610) 252-7414. For more information, please visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net.

Dr. Alan Dilsaver and Mini Implants

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and are an option available for one or multiple missing teeth. There are two types of implants offered here at Lehigh Valley Smiles: traditional and mini implants.

Mini implants use the same basic procedure as regular implants, but are smaller and the process takes significantly less time. Our patients don’t need as much bone density for implanting them since the titanium metal post is about half the size of regular implants. They also don’t need to wait the three months for the bone to heal before completing the procedure.

Here are the steps our patients go through when getting mini dental implants at our dental office:

1. Patients first get x-rays to determine if there is enough jawbone for the implant.

2. A crown abutment is fabricated prior to beginning the process .

3. The patients is administered anesthesia and our dentist makes a small incision in the gum to reach the jawbone.

4. The small titanium post is installed directly into the jawbone.

5. Once the post is in place, the crown is screwed on top of the post.

Mini implants are done in about 2-3 weeks, as opposed to 3-6 months for regular implants. They cost less, are completed easier and have a simpler recovery process.

To learn more about mini dental implants, visit dentist Dr. Alan Dilsaver in Easton, PA. For more information, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net.

Why Would You Need Bone Grafting?

In some cases, our patients do not have the proper amount of bone mass in their jaw to allow for the placement of dental implants. However, thanks to recent developments in bone grafting, people who would not have qualified a few years ago can now receive dental implants. In Easton, PA, Dr. Alan Dilsaver performs bone grafting to increase the amount of bone in his patients’ jaw to allow for future implants at Lehigh Valley Smiles.

There are several bone grafting techniques, but they can all be grouped into two types. The first type of bone grafting is the most extensive type and is performed only by an oral surgeon, which Dr. Dilsaver is. Always done as a surgery separate from dental implant placement, this first type makes large changes to the shape and size of the dental ridge for the sake of implants, which are usually not implanted until several months later.

The second type of bone grafting is usually performed if the jaw has enough bone for implant placement but not enough to completely cover the sides of the implant. These grafts are usually small and performed when dental implants are placed.

Whether you need bone grafting or not, if you are looking to receive dental implants, we can make it happen. To schedule an appointment, call (610) 252-7414. For more information, visit www.LehighValleySmiles.net.

Bridges

If you have had a tooth extracted due to damage, decay or disease, it is important to have the resulting gap filled or else your remaining teeth can shift out of position. When this happens, your teeth become more susceptible to disease and decay. At Lehigh Valley Smiles, we can help keep your smile beautiful and functional with dental bridges.

Called a bridge because it literally creates a bridge to cross the area where your tooth is missing, this prosthetic tooth replacement is usually made from gold, metal, alloys or porcelain to ensure a strong and durable smile that can last more than a decade if properly cared for.

The process of creating a bridge takes two visits to our office. In the first, Dr. Alan Dilsaver will create abutments out of the existing teeth on both sides of your missing tooth. This is where the bridge will be attached. After the abutments are in place, a mold is made of your mouth for creating the bridge, which will fit and feel as close to your natural teeth as possible. The bridge will consist of two crowns, which will be fixed to the abutments, and a pontic, which is the prosthetic that will replace your missing tooth. We provide you with a temporary bridge while your permanent one is crafted in the lab. On the second visit, the permanent bridge will then be fixed to the abutments with an adhesive.

For more information, call our office in Easton, PA at (610) 252-7414. You can also visit www.LehighValleySmiles.net.

Mini Implants

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and are an option available for one or multiple missing teeth. There are two types of implants offered here at Lehigh Valley Smiles: traditional and mini implants.

Mini implants use the same basic procedure as regular implants, but are smaller and the process takes significantly less time. Our patients don’t need as much bone density for implanting them since the titanium metal post is about half the size of regular implants. They also don’t need to wait the three months for the bone to heal before completing the procedure.

Here are the steps our patients go through when getting mini dental implants at our dental office:

1. Patients first get x-rays to determine if there is enough jawbone for the implant.
2. A crown abutment is fabricated prior to beginning the process .
3. The patients is administered anesthesia and our dentist makes a small incision in the gum to reach the jawbone.
4. The small titanium post is installed directly into the jawbone.
5. Once the post is in place, the crown is screwed on top of the post.
Mini implants are done in about 2-3 weeks, as opposed to 3-6 months for regular implants. They cost less, are completed easier and have a simpler recovery process.

To learn more about mini dental implants, visit dentist Dr. Alan Dilsaver in Easton, PA.

Orthodontics

Here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, we offer orthodontics in additional to our other dentistry services. Our patients range from adolescents and teens to adults, all of whom are hoping to straighten their teeth and fix their bite problems. We offer three main types of orthodontics which are:

• Invisalign
• Traditional Braces
• Clear Braces

Traditional and clear braces are somewhat similar, though clear braces use ceramic, tooth-colored brackets on the teeth that are less visible. Some clear braces include metal wires between the brackets, while others also have translucent wires. Invisalign is the most inconspicuous type of orthodontics offered by Dr. Alan Dilsaver as they utilize clear, plastic aligners.

These options help patients choose their orthodontics based on their own needs, budget, and preferences. Having orthodontics options is also beneficial to families who also come to our dental practice for general dentistry and can also receive their orthodontic work right here at Lehigh Valley Smiles as well.
Ask us about orthodontics and our new patient special by calling 610-252-7414.

Veneers

If you are looking to improve your smile, you are like many of our patients here at Lehigh Valley Smiles. They often visit our dental office in Easton, PA looking to restore and enhance their smile so they feel more confident.Veneers are one way to do that, as they cover a wide range of smile imperfections.

From staining and discoloration to the shape, alignment, and size of the teeth, veneers cover it all. Made from ceramic or porcelain, veneers are made to fit over the patient’s natural teeth and blend in beautifully with the rest of their teeth for a flawless smile.

Some patients need to have their teeth filed down in order to make room for the veneers. This is for their benefit as it prevents the teeth from looking abnormally large or obvious. After this is done by our dentist, Dr. Alan Dilsaver, impressions are made and in two weeks, patients return to our office for the veneers. They are bonded to their teeth with cement and polished as the final step.

Veneers function and look like natural teeth, providing a quick and effective fix for many dental issues. Contact Dr. Alan Dilsaver to learn more about how dental veneers can restore your smile.

Invisalign

Invisalign is one of many orthodontic services provided by Dr. Alan Dilsaver here at Lehigh Valley Smiles. Invisalign uses plastic aligners that are nearly translucent, are comfortable, and are removable. Patients here at our Easton office with mild to moderate spacing, overcrowding, and bite issues are great candidates for Invisalign.

Our patients start the process by getting impressions of their teeth and waiting for their first set of aligners. They are asked to wear them at all times, except during meals and while brushing or flossing their teeth. Every few months, they return to our office for a new set of aligners, which continue moving their teeth to the correct position. By the end of the process, they are left with straight teeth and their overbite or underbite corrected. It is a simple process, with a fabulous end result of a beautiful smile.

Patients that choose Invisalign often report they enjoy how easy they are to use and that they did not stain their teeth. Another benefit to Invisalign is that wearers tend to wear them for less time than other types of orthodontics.

If you think this may be a good option for you, call us at 610-252-7414. We’ll be happy to answer any and all questions you have about Invisalign braces.

Dental Implants

To replace missing teeth, many of our patients here at Lehigh Valley Smiles choose dental implants. This is the most permanent and effective solution as they are implanted in the jaw bone of the missing teeth. From start to finish, it takes 3-6 months to complete the implant process. Much of this is due to the waiting period between the post being placed and the healing process. Here is a closer look at the steps required for dental implants:

1. Our dentist, Dr. Alan Dilsaver, x-rays the jaw bone of the missing tooth to determine if enough bone exists to hold the implant. To create an abutment matching these other teeth, impressions are also made during this appointment of nearby tooth.
2. An incision is made in the gum and the titanium post is implanted into the jaw bone. This is done under anesthesia.
3. The incision is sutured and our patient returns home for 3-6 months.
4. Once the bone heals around the implant, the patient returns to our clinic where they get the final abutment over the titanium post.

Not only do patients benefit from replacing missing teeth with dental implants, but their jaw bone grows around the implant, holding it in place permanently.
To learn more about how dental implants are performed and if it is a right option for you, visit Dr. Alan Dilsaver in Easton, PA.

Inlays/Onlays

Here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, we provide a variety of dental procedures for our patients, including inlays and onlays. Inlays and onlays are types of tooth restorations used for molars that have decay, but are not severe enough for crowns or other restorative procedures. They are made from composite resin and porcelain, so they match the color of the tooth. It helps restore the smile and provides cosmetic benefits as well.
The procedure for inlays and onlays unfolds as follows:

1. The tooth is first prepared for the inlay or onlay by removing as much decay from the tooth as possible. This leaves only health tooth structure behind.
2. An impression is made of the tooth.
3. After the inlay or onlay is ready, it is adhered to the tooth, where final adjustments are completed.

The primary difference between inlays and onlays is where on the tooth it needs restoration. Dental inlays are for decay in the intended surface, while the onlay is for the projections and cusps of the tooth. By getting inlays and onlays, patients prevent having crowns done which require more work.

If you are in need of restorations, contact Dr. Alan Dilsaver at 610-252-7414 about inlays and onlays.

Dentures

If you have missing teeth, one of the best ways to replace them is withdentures. While there are dental implants and bridges for one or a few missing teeth, when a larger number of teeth are missing, dentures are a great option.

Here in our Easton, PA dental practice, we provide both complete and partial dentures. The main difference between these types of dentures is in exactly how many teeth you are missing or need to be removed. With complete dentures, they are made for the entire mouth, including upper and lower teeth. If any teeth remain before getting the dentures, Dr. Alan Dilsaver makes impressions of their teeth before creating the dentures.

With partial dentures, only some of the teeth are replaced, whether they are among the top or bottom row of teeth. These are removable dentures, as opposed to bridges where they are fixed to the mouth. Either way, the dentures last longer when they are cleaned daily and well cared for. This is done with a soft bristled toothbrush and a special soaking agent.

Call Lehigh Valley Smiles at (610) 252-7414 to schedule an appointment for your new set of dentures.

Protective Mouth Guards

Protective mouth guards are given to patients here in Easton, PA that need to protect their teeth. There are many reasons that our patients need a mouth guard, including to play contact sports or to protect the teeth at night from grinding or clenching of the teeth. Mouth guards usually only cover the top teeth, but there are others for the bottom teeth as well.

There are three primary categories of mouth guards: custom fit, stock, and boil and bite. The custom fit protective mouth guards are the type Dr. Alan Dilsaver prefers creating for his patients because they are individually designed for the patient. They are made from impressions of the patient's teeth and fit over them perfectly. These are also ideal if the patient has an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, and needs the mouth guard to fit over them and protect them from damage.

Benefits of wearing a mouth guard include protecting oral appliances and protecting the teeth from damage. They are used most often with children and adults who play sports and don’t want to make any permanent damage.

Visit Lehigh Valley Smiles here in Easton, PA today to get a protective mouth guard custom made for you.

White Fillings

If you have a cavity that you need to fill or are hoping to replace an old filling with a newer and higher quality restoration, we can do this with white fillings. White fillings are made from composite resin, mixed to match the color of your tooth. They help fill a cavity in order to prevent further decay and destruction of the original tooth’s structure.

Benefits to getting white fillings here at Lehigh Valley Smiles include:

• Preventing further damage of your tooth.
• They do not contain mercury.
• They match the color of your tooth.
• Less of your tooth structure needs to be removed.
• They don’t expand or contract in your tooth.

Most often, white fillings are used to protect a tooth that has a cavity of tooth decay inside the tooth. However, it can also be used here in Easton, PA for cracked or broken teeth, as well as for teeth being worn down due to clenching and grinding the teeth. For white fillings, the tooth is first prepared by removing any possible decay, then numbing the area. The filling is prepared to match the tooth and then bonded to the tooth.

If you are interested in learning more about white fillings, contact Dr. Alan Dilsaver.  When you call us at (610) 252-7414, be sure to ask us about our new patient specials.

Pediatric Dentistry

Children who begin getting regular check-ups and professional cleanings at a young age have a reduced risk of cavities and more serious complications. Pediatric dentistry includes visits every six months, as well as digital x-rays, education and instruction for oral hygiene, fillings, and preventative care. Dr. Alan Dilsaver provides gentle dental care for children to improve their experience and keep them from having anxiety in the chair later in life.

Oral hygiene instruction is an important part of pediatric dentistry because it teaches children the importance of hygiene and how to properly brush and floss their teeth. Children should visit the dentist every six months for a full exam and cleanings. As long as they visit our Lehigh Valley Smiles office every six months, the young patient will continue having good oral health care. Preventative care includes sealants and mouth guards. Mouth guards protect their teeth during contact sports, while sealants prevent tooth decay by covering their teeth with fluoride.

We also perform tooth-colored fillings on children, which are completely safe for children and go quickly. Lastly, we offer orthodontic care, including Invisalign, traditional, and clear braces. If you would like additional information on pediatric dentistry, contact our office.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes breaks in the person’s breathing, as well as shallow breathing. These pauses typically last a few seconds, but can be minutes. Not only does it interrupt the patient’s sleep, but it can be dangerous when the patient does not breathe multiple times as night. Dr. Alan Dilsaver offers a variety of sleep apnea corrections through surgery.

Lehigh Valley Smiles offers procedures to help with sleep apnea, because of the dangerous side effects it can cause. When sleep apnea is left untreated, it can lead to an increased risk of heart failure, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, heart attack and stroke, in addition to possible arrhythmias. It can also lead to an increase in the risk of work-related accidents and car accidents because of the poor sleep. That's why it is important to get treatment if you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

There are three procedures offered in our Lehigh Valley Smiles office: uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), maxillomandibular advancement, and tracheostomy.

The UPPP procedure removes excess tissue from the throat and mouth, and is performed in a local hospital. The maxillomandibular advancement also helps with sleep apnea by moving the jaw forward from the facial bones, helping to create an open airway. Lastly, there is the tracheostomy, which puts a tube in the patient’s throat to be covered during the day and open while sleeping.

Visit us in Easton, PA to get more information about these sleep apnea procedures.

Night Guards

Teeth grinding is an unfortunate habit that many of our patients do without even realizing it. Unfortunately, they are damaging their teeth in the process. While it happens more frequently at night, some of our patients admit they find themselves clenching or grinding their teeth during the day.

Fortunately, we provide custom night guards here at Lehigh Valley Smiles to help patients protect the damage to their teeth and reduce jaw pain that is a common result of teeth grinding.

The night guards made by Dr. Alan Dilsaver are custom to the patient’s teeth and very durable, lasting about 10 years. Because they are made from impressions of the patient’s teeth, they are also very comfortable to wear. There are several benefits to getting night guards, including the following:

• ·         Protected teeth


• ·         Reducing jaw pain


• ·         Reduced snoring


• ·         More comfort while sleeping


• ·         Reduced headaches and neck pain


• ·         Improved breathing

In our dental office, we believe night guards are very important for patients who are grinding their teeth. By doing this continuously every night, the patient wears down their teeth, which can later result in extreme jaw pain and stress, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, and even the loosening of their teeth. For more information about the benefits and procedure of night guards, contact our office at (610) 252-7414.

Bridges

Bridges

We offer a number of solutions to the problem of missing or extracted teeth.  Dental implants and mini implants are among the most popular options but they’re not for everyone.  Bridges are a tried and true solution that’s affordable, reliable and provides aesthetically pleasing results for many of our clients.  If you’re wondering if bridges are right for you, we can help you decide.  Just a few advantages you’ll gain from bridges as a prosthetic choice:

• Bridges are discreet and indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth. They can be used in highly visible portions of the mouth, including the front teeth.


• They are fixed and require no exterior framework or adhesive like partial dentures.  


• Bridges allowing you to enjoy a varied and healthy diet.


• With proper care, you can expect your bridge to last up to fifteen years.


• Bridges preventing many problems associated with tooth loss, including jaw deterioration and misalignment and damage to surrounding teeth.


• Bridges are affordable and are more likely to be covered by insurance than dental implants.