Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a stable, long-term solution for replacing missing teeth by creating a strong foundation for a crown, bridge, or other restoration. Unlike removable options, implants are placed in the jawbone and designed to function much like natural tooth roots.
At Center for Oral Surgery, Dr. Christopher Duplaga plans dental implant treatment around each patient’s oral health, bone structure, restorative needs, and long-term goals. Whether you are replacing one tooth or several missing teeth, careful evaluation helps determine the approach best suited to your situation.
Implant treatment typically involves both a surgical and restorative phase. Dr. Duplaga places the implant, while your restorative dentist completes the final tooth or restoration after appropriate healing.
Who May Benefit
Dental implants may be an option for many patients who have lost teeth because of decay, injury, infection, periodontal disease, or other conditions.
Factors considered during your evaluation may include:
- Overall oral and medical health
- Healthy gum tissue
- Available jawbone
- Location of the missing tooth
- Condition of neighboring teeth
- Number of teeth being replaced
- Long-term restorative goals
Patients who have experienced bone loss may still have implant options. Bone grafting or other advanced techniques may be recommended when additional support is needed.
How Placement Works
Treatment begins with an examination and appropriate imaging to evaluate the implant site, available bone, surrounding teeth, nerves, sinuses, and other nearby structures.
During implant placement, Dr. Duplaga positions the dental implant within the jawbone to create a foundation for the future restoration. The number and location of implants depend on the teeth being replaced and the overall treatment plan.
Comfort options, including IV sedation when appropriate, can also be discussed before surgery.
From Placement to Restoration
After placement, the implant requires time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. This process helps create the stability needed to support the final restoration.
Healing time varies depending on the treatment area, bone quality, whether grafting was performed, and other individual factors. Dr. Duplaga will monitor your progress and determine when the implant is ready for the next stage.
Once appropriate healing has occurred, your restorative dentist can complete the crown, bridge, or other restoration supported by the implant. When needed, our office coordinates with your dental provider to help keep each stage of treatment connected.
Dental Implant Care Close to Home
Center for Oral Surgery provides dental implant treatment from our Wheeling office for patients throughout the Ohio Valley.
We welcome patients from:
- Moundsville, WV
- New Martinsville, WV
- Weirton, WV
- St. Clairsville, OH
- Steubenville, OH
- Washington, PA
Whether you are replacing a recently lost tooth or have been missing teeth for some time, Dr. Duplaga can evaluate your needs and discuss the implant options that may be appropriate for you.
Explore Dental Implant Treatment
If you are missing one or more teeth and want to learn whether dental implants may be right for you, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Christopher Duplaga at Center for Oral Surgery.
Our team can help you understand your options and determine the next step toward replacing your missing teeth.