Dental implants are small titanium screws that a dentist or dental surgeon places in your jawbone to act as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement. They’re the only replacement option that replaces the tooth root as well as the crown. Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry provides full-service dental implants in Greenspring, MD, and the surrounding communities. Located in Owings Mills, we service the whole surrounding area for dental implant needs.
The Makeup of Dental Implants
Implants consist of three separate parts that come together to form your complete restoration: the implant post, abutment, and dental prosthetic. The implant post consists of titanium; the metal of choice for dental implants. It is a strong and biocompatible material that your body will accept without issue. The abutment also consists of a titanium alloy and is strong enough to withstand your bite force. The dental prosthetic can consist of many materials because there are different types of prosthetics we can use to complete the implant. For example, dental crowns, cosmetic dentures, and dental bridges are all viable prosthetics that dental implants can support.
The Basic Process of Getting a Dental Implant
The first step in the dental implant process is to have a consultation with our dentist to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure. If you are, the next step is to have a scan of your jawbone to determine the best placement for the implants. We will also put a treatment plan together to help you visualize the final product. If you are missing one single tooth, the planning will go quickly. If we need to replace a full arch of teeth, the planning will be more thorough.
After you approve the treatment plan, we will begin the next phase of treatment. This process involves dental surgery, so we will require you to visit our surgeon for this step. Our dental surgeon will surgically place titanium implant posts into the predetermined locations of your jawbone. The surgery is not long, but the healing process is. Before we move on to the next step, you will have to wait for about 3 months to let your mouth heal.
After you recover, we will call you back into the office for the final few steps! Our dentist will attach an abutment to connect the dental prosthetic to the post. Then, he will place the prosthetic and check the look and fit. The final prosthetic is usually a dental crown, but implants can also support a fixed bridge or modern denture. We will make sure you leave our office with a dental restoration that feels comfortable and looks beautiful.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
There are many reasons why dentists and patients love dental implants. Since they replace the tooth root, they prevent further jawbone degradation and actually help spur growth. They’re a lifetime restoration! The jawbone continues to degrade with other methods. For example, patients often need to reline or replace traditional bridges and dentures because their fit changes as the jawbone changes.
Implants also offer the best stability. You get back 100% of your bite function with implants. You don’t need to eliminate any foods from your diet because your restoration can handle them. Your restoration doesn’t slip or fall out when you do things like speak or eat. You’re able to live confidently with dental implants.
Furthermore, there is no extra maintenance because dental implants are permanent and don’t need adhesive. You simply have to brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly like you would with natural teeth. They both look and feel incredibly natural, so you also don’t have a learning curve where you need to adjust to using them.
Dental Implant Options
There are a few different types of implants. A single missing tooth requires a single implant. A custom dental crown caps a single dental implant so it blends seamlessly with your smile. A crown is the most natural final restoration for a dental implant.
If you’re missing many teeth, you have many options. You can get a single implant for every tooth that you’re missing, but this can be costly. Two implants support a fixed dental bridge on either side to anchor it. The false teeth in between also blend in naturally with your smile.
An implant-supported denture can replace a full arch of missing teeth. A fixed denture combines the benefits of dental implants with the convenience of a denture. Unlike removable dentures, you don’t need to take this one out to clean it or use adhesive to keep it in. We can use around 4-6 dental implants to secure this denture in place in your mouth.
We have a restorative consultation with each patient beforehand to make sure dental implants are the right choice for you. Dr. Lazer will talk to you about your medical history, budget, dental goals, and do a full evaluation of your mouth. It’s important to us to make sure you’re getting the absolute best restoration for your needs.
If you think dental implants in Greenspring, MD are the solution to your missing teeth, call us or schedule an appointment online anytime!