Over 30 years experience in the field of dental implantology.

Dental implants are changing the way people live! They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. A person who has lost their teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything. Their teeth appear natural and their facial contours are preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile once again with confidence. Dr. Famiglio has extensive experience in the field of dental implants having performed tens of thousands of procedures over the last 30 years.

What Are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium or zirconium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium or zirconium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves one procedure, however some patients may require two or more procedures. The number of procedures will be determined at your consultation. Additional implant procedures could include bone grafting, or soft tissue augmentation, this will be determined by examination and possibly additional x-ray studies including the three-dimensional scan available at our office. The 3D scan allows us to peek inside the jaw and evaluate not only the quality of the bone at the quantity in 3 dimensions.

First, implants are placed within your jawbone. This is a gentle procedure contrary to what one would think. Many times local anesthesia is appropriate for the surgery, Dr. Famiglio will advise you on your options and suggest what he believes would be the most comfortable choice for you   For the first three months (titanium), four months (zirconium) following surgery the implants are allowed to “rest” to permit bone growth into the porous surface of the implant, hence a boney fusion occurs to the implant. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this period.

After the implant has fused to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Famiglio will evaluate the implant for stability. The patient will then be referred back to their family Dentist to finish the teeth. Dental implant placement is a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon and a Restorative Dentist.  Dr. Famiglio performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary.  The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process. This is where their expertise falls into place. The restorative dentistry (fabrication of the teeth) is just as important as the surgical part.  Great expertise and effort goes into ensuring proper fit including the bite which is vital.

Surgical Advances

There have been many advances over the past 30 years in the field of dental implants.  Dr. Famiglio has  been on the leading edge having pioneered many techniques used today worldwide. Some of the most exciting advances include:

  1. Immediate Placement of dental implants immediately after teeth are removed and in some cases temporary teeth can be placed on the implant that same day. This is particularly important  where the front teeth are lost as of result of trauma such as an automobile accident or sporting injury. This type of injury can be psychologically devastating,  this allows the patient to return home the day of the accident with teeth in place that are very similar to what was lost.                 

  2. Teeth in a day protocol which is used when the remaining teeth are hopeless. This technique allows us to extract all remaining teeth, placed the implants on the same visit and then have temporary teeth placed within 24 hours patient can function immediately with a soft diet.

  3. The zirconium implant. This is a metal free implant and has distinct advantage is over titanium  in particular  the patient with multiple allergies and metal sensitivities. Also note: this is a white color implant which has its advantages in the aesthetic zone, the front teeth, no metal be seen which sometimes can occur with the traditional titanium implants.

What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon a variety of factors. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball-in-socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

Dr. Famiglio performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite. Inpatient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs, or for those who need extensive bone grafting.

Why Dental Implants?

Dental implants can vastly improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something that you have lived with for years – chances are you’ve never become fully accustomed to missing such a vital part of yourself.

Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?

There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.

Are You A Candidate For Implants?

If you are considering implants your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants there are ways of improving the outcome, such as bone grafting, which may be recommended.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?

The majority of dental implants and bone grafting can be performed in our office under local anesthesia, with or without general anesthesia.

Do Implants Need Special Care?

Once the implants are in place they will serve you well for many years if you take good care of them and keep your mouth healthy. Good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists is key to the long term success of dental implants.

Dr. Peter M. Famiglio & Associates - Brandywine Oral Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 48 Dental Implant reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Procedure was done efficiently and recovery was quick

- Steven

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

They don't make them like this anymore. Caring and compassionate. A real interest in my well being and comfort. I am not afraid at all to walk in the door to this office. More like a. Social visit......:)

- mark p

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

After a bad experience with the rude and unprofessional staff of another oral surgeon in Exton, I came to Dr. Famiglio after an extraction to complete my implant procedure. It was a piece of cake (200% better than the other surgeon). I had minimal pain after the implant was placed and found Dr. Famiglio and his staff very professional, compassionate and caring. He is an excellent oral surgeon and I would highly recommend him to any one.

- Ingrid H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Excellent doctor with a wonderful working relationship with his staff

- Carol C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr Peter Famiglio and his entire staff are the BEST! Dr Famiglio is a pure JOY! I never thought I'd look forward to a dental procedure! Seriously! He makes a dreaded scenario a pleasure. Who knew that was even possible?!

- Jessie C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I wouldn't go anywhere else,

- mark f

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

From the time I made the appointment til my surgery was done,the office far exceeded my expectations.Dr. Famiglio will always come highly recommended by me.

- Gary P

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

This was my first dental implant procedure and I was surprised at how little pain there actually was both during and after surgery. Dr. Famiglio and the Brandywine Oral Surgery team are in a class of their own!

- Che D

5 out of 5 stars on