Are you missing one or more permanent teeth? Do you have a denture that is uncomfortable or slipping? It’s time to consider the benefits of dental implants. At Horizon Family Dental Care, we provide dental implants in our La Plata, Clinton, Hanover, and Baltimore, MD, dental offices.
Dental implants are versatile dental restorations that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. They provide stability and strength to the dental structure. Implants can also support dental prosthetics including dental bridges and full or partial dentures.
We help our patients revitalize the appearance, health, and function of their teeth with implant treatment. Our dental care team can offer implant dentistry under one roof with experienced care using the latest technology and treatment options. Replacing one or more teeth has never been easier, and the results are exceptional when compared to traditional methods and removable appliances.
Treatment with Dental Implants
We ensure that the teeth and gums are healthy and infection-free before treatment. Patients in good oral health and with sufficient bone tissue to support dental implants are great implant and implant restoration candidates. Bone grafting is an option that we offer for patients who have areas that require sufficient bone tissue.
We’ll begin treatment by taking dental impressions. These impressions are used to determine where the implants will be located. Then, a local oral surgeon inserts the dental implants into the mouth. The implants heal over a period of 3 to 6 months. During a process called osseointegration, the dental implant fuses with the jawbone.
Single implants are capped off with dental crowns, which are porcelain ceramic tooth caps. Patients receiving implant-supported dental bridges or dentures will receive their restoration after the implants have fully healed.
Why Choose Horizon Family Dental Care for Implants?
From your implant consultation to your final restoration, we’re here to help you at every step of your implant journey. First, we use digital imaging and X-rays to get a clear, detailed picture of your mouth. We check for any bone loss, cavities, or other problems that need treatment before your implant procedure. Our office uses advanced technology to carefully plan your treatment so that everything goes smoothly and safely.
Our office also works closely with trusted local oral surgeons to precisely place your implants. Once the implant is placed, we collaborate with professional dental labs to design and create your custom dental crown, bridge, or denture. We make specifications for the shape, size, and shade of each restoration. Horizon Family Dental Care gives you high-quality dental implants by combining expert care, modern tools, and strong partnerships with specialists.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read answers to common questions about dental implants in Baltimore, MD.
What are the top benefits of dental implants?
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Patients who have lost teeth due to an infection or poor oral hygiene are already prone to further bone loss.
Even if you’ve lost teeth due to an injury, food debris and bacteria can collect in the missing tooth socket. Dental implants also offer a high success rate and look and feel natural. They’re capped off with tooth crowns that blend in with the shape and shade of teeth.
Are dental implants long-lasting?
Dental implants are permanent restorations made of titanium and porcelain ceramic. Titanium is the same medical-grade material used in limb replacement.
Because an oral surgeon places implant posts into the jawbone, they act like new tooth roots. Over time, the implant fuses with the jawbone to create a stable foundation for your replacement teeth. With the right care, the implant posts are permanent and won’t need a replacement. While you may need to replace your crown, bridge, or dentures after many years, your implant posts should stay in place.
Can I get implants if I have gum disease?
If you have gum disease, you can still get dental implants in our Baltimore, MD office, but your gums will need to be healthy first. Gum disease is an infection that can damage the tissue and bone that support your teeth. Since implants need strong gums and bone to stay in place, treating the gum disease is the first step.
Can dental implants fail?
Yes, sometimes dental implants can fail to fuse with the jawbone. This is often due to poor oral hygiene and a gum or tooth infection. Common signs of implant failure include a change in the fit of the implant or restoration, swelling around the implant, and sensitivity at the gum line or around the implant.
Please contact us if you have noticed any change in the fit of your dental implants or implant restoration. We can provide emergency care if you have a damaged implant or restoration.
Can my dental implants get infected?
Dental implants can’t get infected, but the gums and surrounding teeth can. This type of infection is called peri-implantitis. It happens when bacteria build up around the implant, causing the gums to swell, bleed, or even pull away from the implant. Without treatment, the infection can damage the bone that holds the implant in place. Poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, and drinking alcohol as your implants heal can increase the risk of infection.
How long does it take to get dental implants from start to finish?
Getting dental implants is a process that usually takes 3 to 6 months from start to finish. The exact timeline can be different for each person, depending on your oral health and the type of treatment you need.
If you need pretreatments like bone grafting or gum disease treatment, you may need several weeks to heal. You also need time for your implants posts to fuse with the jaw bone. It can take some time to get implants, but the long-lasting results are worth the wait.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you want to restore your missing teeth with dental implants or an implant restoration? Request a dental appointment with us on our website. Let us know if you have more questions about your dental implant treatment. We’ll be happy to answer them for you.