People who are missing teeth due to trauma, disease, or poor oral hygiene have a few options to replace those missing teeth. Depending on the location and number of missing teeth, your options include a dental bridge, dentures, or dental implants. The traditional treatment is a dental bridge for a single missing tooth or several consecutive missing teeth.
The treatment is typically dentures for patients missing all or most of an entire arch of teeth. However, implants provide the longest-lasting result; there are many benefits of dental implants in our Owings Mills, MD office.
Dental implants are now the best and most natural solution to replacing one or even all of your missing teeth. Dr. Andrey Doroshenko is a highly-trained Prosthodontist with advanced training in implant dentistry. He works with patients individually to address tooth loss needs with exceptional outcomes.
The Benefits of Dental Implants in Owings Mills, MD
Dental implants are an amazing solution that can improve comfort and confidence. By replacing missing teeth, dental implants can restore normal eating and speaking abilities and help preserve facial structures.
Additionally, they can provide a secure and durable option and offer a beautiful, natural look to improve self-esteem. In short, dental implants can significantly improve the quality of your life.
Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of dental implants in our Owings Mills, MD dental office:
Life-long solution
Dental implants can last for life. The actual lifespan of implants depends completely on the patient and their lifestyle and oral hygiene habits.
Since our prosthodontist surgically installs the implant fixture in your jaw bone, it will fuse with the surrounding bone and will remain there forever. That is unless you have preexisting medical conditions or implant misuse.
Despite implants costing more than other options, in the end, you may end up spending more on dentures and bridges because you will eventually need to replace them.
They also require a lot of care and maintenance. It is essential to look at the broad picture when making your choice. Dental implants are the only option that will last a lifetime.
Better for your oral health
There are a few reasons teeth implants are better for your oral health when compared to other restorations. The first and best reason is the prevention of bone loss. Implants will replace the tooth root, and this is what prevents the jaw bone from deteriorating.
Conversely, dentures and bridge wearers often experience bone loss after years of wear. People who choose a dental bridge must sacrifice healthy teeth to accommodate it.
To receive a bridge, a dentist must reduce healthy teeth on either side of the bridge. This damages your healthy teeth. However, dental implants will only replace missing teeth and leave your healthy teeth intact.
No more embarrassing moments
Removable dental restorations tend to slip around in your mouth. They can come loose at the most inopportune times. If you are speaking, they may cause your speech to slur or maybe even fall out.
They can even come loose or fall out while coughing, sneezing, or chewing food. Moments like this make patients self-conscious and scared to be out in public.
Dental implants attach permanently to your mouth. You don’t need to worry about them slipping around or falling out. Implants help you bite, chew, and talk without embarrassment.
No more food restrictions
Removable restorations, especially dentures, will have food restrictions since they are not as stable or durable. It is especially hard for people who want to eat a healthy diet.
Dental implants will not wiggle or move to allow you to eat whatever you want. However, you should always follow your dentist’s instructions when eating with a dental implant.
Generally, you should not do anything you wouldn’t do with your real teeth. Do not use your implant to bite off or tear into packages or hard plastic.
Doing so could damage the implant and your teeth. Additionally, do not use your implant restorations to chew on ice. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing at least twice daily, ensures the dental implant stays healthy.
Better quality of life
Dental implants can be life-changing for many people. They offer much more than just a beautiful smile. Implants provide an overall boost to self-confidence and a greater quality of life.
With dental implants, our patients can enjoy life’s simple pleasures, such as laughing, eating, and smiling, without embarrassment or discomfort.
You can live happily when you are proud of your smile. Feeling worried about your fake teeth falling out or keeping you from eating the foods you love is a hassle.
Bad oral health is no longer an obstacle with implants. Improvements with dental implants can provide a lifeline to living a truly happy and fulfilled life.
Are Dental Implants Right For Me?
Dental implants are a great restorative option for patients missing one or more permanent teeth. Generally, implant candidates must have healthy teeth and gums. However, we will provide gum disease or cavity treatment before implant treatment.
We will also recommend bone grafting as needed. Patients who receive implants must have enough healthy jaw bone to support the implant post. We will examine your smile to see if you require pre-treatment to receive your new restoration.
It may take more time to prepare for implants. However, the results are worth it. After you receive implants, you will have a fuller, more functional smile. You will not need constant relining or rebasing for your restoration. Your new, stable restoration will last for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?
You can, but you must treat your active gum disease first. The bacteria causing gum disease can attack implants even more aggressively than natural teeth. This process is called peri-implantitis. We first eliminate infection and inflammation through deep cleaning, medication, and improved home care techniques. Many former gum disease patients successfully receive implants after demonstrating several months of stable gum health.
Will dental implants affect my ability to floss or brush normally?
No, implants should be cared for just like natural teeth. You’ll brush and floss around the implant daily to remove plaque and keep the gums healthy. Special floss or interdental brushes may be recommended for cleaning around implant-supported bridges. Keeping the area clean is key to long-term success.
How many missing teeth can dental implants replace at once?
Dental implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch. A single implant holds one crown, while two or more implants can support bridges or dentures. The number needed depends on how many teeth are missing and the condition of your jawbone. Dr. Doroshenko will create a plan based on your specific case.
Can I sleep with implant-supported dentures in place?
Yes, most implant-supported dentures are fixed and stay in place 24/7. If yours is removable, your dentist may advise whether to keep it overnight or remove it for cleaning. Many patients enjoy the comfort and stability of fixed implant dentures, even while sleeping. Be sure to follow your dentist’s cleaning and care instructions.
What makes dental implants more comfortable than dentures or bridges?
We anchor implants directly into the jawbone, so they don’t shift, rub, or press on the gums like dentures. They feel and function like real teeth, offering stability when you chew or speak. Unlike bridges, implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support, reducing pressure and wear on surrounding teeth. This comfort and security improve everyday function and confidence.
How do implants help prevent jawbone loss after tooth loss?
Implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural tooth roots do. When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area begins to shrink due to a lack of pressure and use. Implants restore that stimulation, helping maintain bone density and facial structure. This also supports neighboring teeth and helps preserve long-term oral health.
To learn more about our dental implant services, see:
- Dental Implants
- Answering Dental Implant FAQs
- Dental Implants versus Dentures
- Cost of Dental Implants
- Single Tooth Dental Implant
- Multiple Teeth Dental Implants
Receive Implant Treatment Today
Get the full benefits of dental implants in the Owings Mills and Baltimore, MD area. Call Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry for treatment today at (410) 697-6290.
You can also schedule a dental appointment online. Please let us know if you have any questions about dental implants and how they can benefit you.