What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small, titanium post that resembles a screw. It is surgically placed into your jaw bone and will fuse with the surrounding bone. This will be used to support a dental restoration. Depending on the number and location of your missing teeth, the implant(s) will support a dental crown, a dental bridge or even a denture.
Dr. Ed Lazer, Dr. Doroshenko, and our team of experts at Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry in Baltimore offer complete services for dental implants.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants can be placed in most adults. If you are healthy enough to undergo a tooth extraction or oral surgery, then you will be considered for dental implants. You must also have enough bone structure to support and hold the implant. Any oral health issues must be treated before implantation. Having healthy gums is very important to the success of your implant.
Is my age a factor?
No, as long as you have a fully developed jaw, which happens roughly around the age of 17 but this will differ from patient to patient. But no one is too old for dental implants! As long have you are healthy overall and have good bone structure, you will be considered for implants.
What is the implant procedure like?
On the day of your surgery, we will use sedatives and anesthesia to make you comfortable during the dental implant procedure. While the implanting procedure is not pain-free, most people express that the pain of the procedure is no more than that of getting a tooth pulled.
The length of time needed for surgery will depend on many factors including: whether or not any teeth are being pulled first, how many implants are being placed, and the location of the implants. In general, a single dental implant can be placed in about thirty to sixty minutes. A more complex case can take up to three to four hours.
How long does it take to get a dental implant?
Each dental implant patient will have a different experience. In general, it will take about six to eight months to complete the procedure. It could be less if the patient is only receiving one implant and it could take longer for more complex cases. For most people, after the surgical implantation, you will need about three to six months to heal and for the implant to integrate with the surrounding bone.
Next, you will return to our Baltimore dentist office to have your abutment placed and impressions are taken. Your restoration will be made and it about two to three weeks, you will return for the final placement.
How long will my implant last?
In order for your dental implants to last as long as possible, they must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your regular teeth. You must be committed to your oral hygiene routine and make regular visits to our Baltimore dentist office.
Brush and floss daily and visit your dentist every six months or more if that is advised. If you are committed to caring for them, implants can last a lifetime.
Why are dental implants better than other restoration options?
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that replaces the tooth root which will help avoid bone loss in your jaw. Not many people realize that the most common cause of bone loss is tooth loss. A tooth and its root stimulate the bone surrounding it.
Once they are gone, the bone will immediately begin to deteriorate. If left untreated, jaw bone loss can lead to the appearance of facial collapse. An implant will avoid bone loss allowing patients to keep a natural face shape.
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