Dr. Ed Lazer, Dr. Andrey Doroshenko, and our team of experts at Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry in Baltimore offer dental implants. Implants are restorative dental treatments that restore teeth at the root.
Dental implants can secure single dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. Learn more about restorative care with our dental implant FAQ in Baltimore, MD.
Dental Implant FAQs
We welcome you to read answers to questions about implants to learn more about implant treatment in our office:
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small, titanium post that resembles a screw. We surgically place the implant into your jawbone, where it will fuse with the surrounding bone.
The implant posts will support a dental restoration. Depending on the number and location of your missing teeth, the implant(s) will support a crown, a dental bridge, or even a denture.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
We can place dental implants in most adults. You will be considered for dental implants if you are healthy enough to undergo a tooth extraction or oral surgery.
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.
We often recommend gum disease treatment, tooth extractions, or bone grafting before implant treatment. These treatments can help you become a good implant candidate.
Is my age a factor?
No. You are an implant candidate as long as you have a fully developed jaw. Your jaw fully develops roughly around 17, but this will differ from patient to patient. No one is too old for dental implants! You will be considered for implants if you are healthy overall and have good bone structure.
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. The implanting procedure is not pain-free. However, most people express that the procedure’s pain is no more than getting a tooth pulled.
The length of time needed for surgery will depend on many factors, including:
- Tooth extraction before implant treatment
- If you require gum disease or tooth decay treatment
- How many implants are being placed
- The location of the implants
Generally, we can place a single dental implant 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. It will take about six to eight months to complete the procedure. It could be less if the patient only receives 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. During this time, your gums heal, and the dental implants integrate with the surrounding bone.
Next, you will return to our Owings Mills dental office. Here, we will place your abutment and take impressions of your smile. We will make your restoration, and you can return for the final placement after two to three weeks.
How long will my implant last?
You must care for your dental implants to ensure they last as long as possible. Implant restorations need care just like your regular teeth. Committing to your oral hygiene routine and regularly visiting our Owings Mills dental office will ensure your implants last.
If advised, brush and floss daily and visit your dentist every six months or more. 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 to 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.
The bone will immediately begin to deteriorate once you lose a tooth. 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.
How much are dental implants?
The cost of dental implants depends on the implant number and type of implant restoration. Procedures to prepare for implants can add to your overall treatment cost.
Dental insurance can also cover part of the cost of implant treatment. When you visit our office for a consultation, we will examine your smile and provide an estimated treatment cost.
Can I get dental implants if I am missing all of my teeth?
Yes. We often recommend implant-secured dentures for patients missing all of their teeth. Our dentist will ensure you have good oral health and healthy jaw bone tissue to support the implants.
Then, our office can plan treatment to secure a complete denture with multiple dental implants. On average, four to eight implants can replace an entire arch of missing teeth.
Can I eat with dental implants?
Yes. It will take time to get used to your new dental restorations. However, you will eventually be able to eat the foods you love with dental implants. Implant-secured restorations restore your bite function, meaning you can eat hard and crunchy foods.
You regain most of your biting ability once you are accustomed to your implants. Removable dentures and traditional bridges only restore a small part of your bite function. These tooth replacements are not as stable as implant-supported restorations.
To learn more about our dental implants in Owings Mills, see:
- Benefits of Dental Implants
- Dental Implants vs Dentures
- Cost of Dental Implants
- Single Tooth Dental Implant
- Multiple Teeth Dental Implants
Get Dental Implants Today
Do you have more questions for our office about dental implant treatment? Call Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry for a consultation at (410) 697-6290. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Ed Lazer online. Dr. Lazer and Dr. Doroshenko are here to help you maintain the best oral health.