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. 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 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, 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.
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! 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 procedure’s pain is no more than 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
- 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. In general, 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 Baltimore dentist 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?
For your dental implants to last as long as possible, they must be cared for and checked regularly. Implant restorations need care just like your regular teeth. You must be committed to your oral hygiene routine and regularly visit our Baltimore dentist office.
Brush and floss daily and visit your dentist every six months or more if 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 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.
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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