If you are missing permanent teeth or suffer from loose, unstable dentures, you need an implant restoration. Our office offers multiple dental restoration options for patients based on their needs and circumstances. Dental implants are the best option for people missing one or more teeth because they offer optimal functionality. Implants can replace single missing teeth or secure full tooth arches. Below, we will review the types of dental implants Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry has available to patients in Owings Mills and Baltimore, MD.
Types of Dental Implants in Owings Mills, MD
Whether you have one missing tooth or all of your permanent teeth missing, we can provide implant treatment to meet your needs. We can form a custom treatment plan based on your goals, number of missing teeth, and budget. Receiving dental implants with one of these can help you restore the full function and health of your smile:
Single Teeth Replacement
Using a dental bridge to replace a single missing tooth involves preparing the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth gap. During treatment, a dentist prepares these teeth for the placement of a dental crown. A dental bridge is a set of three teeth fused together. The two ends are dental crowns with the pontic in the middle. With this method, you are grinding down perfectly healthy teeth to accommodate the crowns on the bridge.
Single Dental Implant Procedure
With a single dental implant, you are only replacing that one tooth that is missing. During this treatment, we surgically place a metal post into the jaw bone. The post heals for three to six months, integrating with the jaw bone. Then, we attach a small abutment piece to connect the implant and the restoration.
Lastly, we place a custom-made dental crown. The dental crown will blend in naturally with the rest of your smile. No one will even know it is a fake tooth. We may use an implant-supported dental crown to replace missing teeth in your mouth.
Multiple Missing Teeth Solutions
The traditional methods of replacing multiple missing teeth include a partial denture or a dental bridge. As stated above, the bridge method would require degrading healthy teeth to accommodate it.
Partial dentures can fill in the blank spaces in your smile. Removable dentures require extra care and may slip around in your mouth. Both of these options do not replace the tooth root like a dental implant does. An implant surgically placed in the jaw will help stimulate the natural bone to keep it from deteriorating.
Multiple Implant Procedure
You do not need to replace every missing tooth with a dental implant. It would not be cost-effective to do so and would take a long time. Instead, we can replace rows and arches of lost teeth with several strategically placed dental implants.
If you have several missing teeth in a row, we will recommend an implant-supported dental bridge. This will only replace the missing teeth and does not require the use of healthy adjacent teeth. We will place at least two implants in your jaw to support it.
If you have many missing teeth in different locations in your mouth, your dentist will create a custom solution. They may suggest using a combination of implant-supported bridges or crowns. For example, if you have single missing teeth in different areas of your smile, we recommend implant crowns. Implant-secured bridges are best for a row of missing teeth. These restorations will give you back a set of fully functioning teeth.
Full Arch Replacement with Two Or More Implants
For patients who are missing an entire arch of teeth, the traditional method of replacing them is with dentures. Dentures are bulky and take a while to get used to.
If you cannot eat certain foods, you must care for them daily. Dentures will also require daily maintenance and must eventually be replaced. We recommend an implant-supported denture over traditional removable dentures. Implant dentures are a better option because they are more durable and stable.
Full Arch Dental Implant Procedure
There are a few types and methods to retain a denture using implants. We will discuss the treatment method you will require at your consultation. You may need as little as two and up to eight dental implants placed in the jaw bone to hold the denture.
As we place the implants, we can maximize the jaw bone based on the angle and the amount of bone tissue you have. We may also recommend bone grafting treatments before placing implants. Grafting adds more healthy bone tissue where needed, so you can receive implants even if you have bone loss.
What Type of Dental Implant Will I Need?
This is best discussed during a consultation with Dr. Ed Lazer at his Owings Mills, MD, dental office. There are many types of dental implants, and the type you will need depends on many factors. These factors can include:
- Number of missing teeth
- Location of the missing teeth
- Where missing teeth are in relation to other missing teeth
- The health of your gums and jawbone
No two patients are the same. The dental implant process must involve an in-depth consultation and a meticulous treatment plan. This will allow your dentists to figure out the type of dental implant restoration you will need to deliver the best results.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
No matter your implant type, your dental implant anchors or posts will stay permanently in your mouth. You may need to replace a dental crown, bridge, or denture over time. However, your implants should last if you properly clean your restoration, refrain from using tobacco products, and visit us regularly.
See which type of dental implant restoration is right for you. Call Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry at (410) 697-6290 for dental implant treatment today. You can also schedule a dental implant consultation online.
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