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. We service the whole surrounding Greenspring area for dental implant needs.
The Makeup of Dental Implants
Dental implants consist of three separate parts that come together to form your new tooth replacement. The three components include:
- The implant fixture or post, which consists of titanium with a biologically compatible coating.
- The abutment, which is a piece that attaches the artificial tooth to the implant.
- The crown or final restoration, which is the artificial tooth fitting.
- They may also have a plastic collar or retainer, which fits around the abutment and helps keep the crown in place.
The procedure can be lengthy, spanning a couple of months, but the results are worth the effort! First, a surgeon places a titanium implant post or fixture into the jawbone. Next he attaches a piece, we call an abutment, to the fixture to connect it to the final restoration. The final restoration is usually a dental crown, but dental implants can also support a fixed bridge or permanent denture.
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 oral surgeons highly regard dental implants and recommend them as the best tooth replacement option. Since they replace the tooth root, they prevent further jawbone degradation and actually help spur growth. The jawbone continues to degrade with other methods. Patients often need to replace or reline traditional bridges and dentures because their fit changes as the jawbone changes. However, dental implants are a lifetime restoration.
Dental implants also offer the best stability. You get back 100% of your bite function using dental implants. You don’t need to eliminate any foods from your diet because your new dental implant restoration can handle them. Your restoration will not slip or fall out when you do things like speak or eat, so you’re able to live confidently with dental implants.
There’s also the benefit of little to no maintenance costs! Because dental implants are permanent and don’t need adhesive, they will not need extra maintenance. You simply have to brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly.
Finally, they look and feel incredibly natural. There is no real learning curve and you won’t need to adjust to using them. In time, you will forget that you have a dental implant. So consider getting a dental implant in Greenspring from our trusted dentist and dental care team.
Types of Dental Implant Restorations
There are a few different types of dental implant restorations. First, there’s the implant-supported crown. A single missing tooth requires a single dental implant. The dentist tops a single dental implant with a custom dental crown that will seamlessly blend in with your smile. A dental crown is the most natural cap for a dental implant.
If you’re missing multiple teeth, you have many options. You can get a single implant for every tooth that you’re missing, but this can be costly. However, you are better off getting an implant-supported bridge. Essentially, two dental implant fixtures support a dental bridge on either side to anchor it in place. The false teeth in between are also blend in naturally with your smile.
A third type of dental implant restoration is an implant-supported denture. This restoration can replace a full arch of missing teeth. An implant-supported 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! Your dentist will use around 4-6 dental implants to secure this denture in place in your mouth.
Do you think you can benefit from one of these dental implant restorations? It’s important to us to make sure you’re getting the absolute best restoration for your needs. To learn more about the types of dental implants we provide to our patients, see Types of dental implants.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation Today
If you have lost a tooth and are looking for a permanent solution, a dental implant could be right for you. We will conduct a restorative consultation and do a full evaluation of your mouth beforehand to make sure dental implants are the right choice for you. We will talk to you about your medical history, budget, and dental goals.
Our experienced Greenspring dentists are here to help you understand the dental implant process and answer any questions that you may have. If you think getting dental implants in Greenspring, MD is the solution to your missing teeth, call us or request an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!