Dental Implants for Smile Renovation
Losing your teeth can have devastating effects on your social and professional life. Many people suffer tooth loss from tooth decay, failed root canals, trauma, or gum disease. If missing teeth have destroyed your self-confidence, restoration with affordable dental implants may be the answer. Implants, or artificial tooth roots, serve as anchors for prosthetic crowns that look and function just like natural teeth. Besides restoring your smile, dental implants can allow you to enjoy your favorite foods again. They can even help maintain your facial structure by preventing bone loss as you age.
Consulting with a Dental Implant Dentist
Implantation can be performed after adolescence or when growth is complete. For the best dental implants, start by finding a qualified dental implant dentist with experience. Dentists who specialize in implants include oral surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists. At your initial appointment, your dentist will take x-rays and other tests to determine if you have enough healthy bone and gum tissue for the implant procedure. If you don’t, you may need bone or tissue grafts before you can have implant surgery. Once a treatment plan is in place, you can discuss details of the procedure such as your anesthesia options and the number of appointments required.
Placing Your Implant Dentures
The first step is making a small pilot hole in your jaw at the site of the missing tooth and placing a titanium screw. Your dentist may use CT scan images as references to avoid damaging nerves during the process. After the screw is in place, the living bone must adhere to the implant. It may take up to six months for this process to occur. Next, an abutment is placed onto the screw to hold the crown. A temporary crown covers the site and allows gum tissue to heal around it in a natural shape. After this phase is complete, your dentist will place the permanent crown.
After the Surgery: Care and Recovery
Proper fusing of the implant and bone is aided by paying close attention to oral hygiene and following all postoperative instructions carefully. Some minor bleeding, swelling, bruising, and discomfort is normal, and medications will help ease symptoms. If you keep your follow-up appointments and make good oral hygiene a habit, your implants can last for up to 40 years.
To learn about our family dentistry practice in Maryland, call Dental One Associates of Maryland today at or make an appointment.
Dental One Associates offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Maryland. With 12 affiliated practices throughout Maryland, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Dental One Associates of Maryland, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Dental One Associates of Maryland.
