Missing teeth are an embarrassment, and can lead to further dental health issues. While there are many restorative dentistry treatments to replace teeth, dental implants are the best choice. The team at Horizon Family Dental Care offer many types of implant restorations for patients with missing teeth. We provide dental implants in Baltimore, MD to patients missing one tooth, multiple teeth, or all their teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant will replace a missing tooth root. It is a dental fixture made of titanium which is a high quality metal. The titanium posts are strong, yet lightweight making them a great platform for a dental restoration. An implant fixture is cylinder shaped and resembles a screw.
They come in variety of sizes to accommodate different locations along the upper and lower arches. The three basic sizes of implants are:
- Standard: A standard sized dental implant typically has a diameter of 3.5mm to 4.2mm.
- Wide Platform: A wide platform dental implant has a diameter of about 4.5mm to 6mm.
- Mini: A mini dental implant has a diameter of about 1.8 mm to 3.3 mm.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure is an in-depth process. It requires several steps including a surgery and lengthy healing time. Initially, your dentist will assess your oral health to see if dental implants are a suitable option for you.
The first step is the placement of the implant posts. An oral surgeon or highly trained dentist must surgically place this piece in the jaw bone. Over time, it will fuse to the bone providing a sturdy foundation. The healing phase can last 3-6 months.
After the healing period, your dentist will attach an abutment implant. This part connects the implant to the replacement tooth.
Last, your dentist will attach or secure a dental restoration to your implant. This is the part that will replace the your missing or damaged teeth, fully restoring your smile. Depending on how many teeth you are missing and where, this could be a dental crown, dental bridge, partial denture, or full denture.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
If you have missing teeth, you have many options to replace your teeth. However, dental implants offer the best benefits for your oral health.
Removable options and fixed bridges do not replace the teeth at the root. A dental implant restoration will mimic natural teeth and offer:
- More durability
- Long term solution
- More natural feel and look
- Better preservation of the facial appearance
- Ability to eat and speak comfortably
Dental implants have a high success rate. To keep your implants strong and healthy, you should maintain good oral health, refrain from smoking, and stay in descent overall health. This solution is better for your oral health since it does not involve your healthy, adjacent teeth. You will not have to cut them down to accommodate a bridge or hook them to a partial denture, adding stress to those teeth.
Dental Implants Can Replace Any Number of Missing Teeth
Our dentists will create a treatment plan for you no matter how many teeth you are missing. Dental implants are a versatile solution that your dentist can customize to meet your needs.
If you are missing a single tooth, you will need a single dental implant to secure a dental crown. For multiple missing teeth in a row, we will use at least two dental implants to secure a custom dental bridge. If you are missing an entire row of teeth, we will use between two and eight implants to secure a custom denture.
The Downside to Dental Implants
While the benefits of dental implants are vast, there are a few downsides. The dental implant cost versus the cost of tradition dentures or a dental bridge is a con. Dental implants often have a higher price tag making the alternative solutions more cost effective.
Additionally, the process to get them requires surgery, more materials, longer treatment time, and more dental appointments. Implant fixtures require a healthy amount of jawbone density for support. Patients with bone loss may not quality for teeth implants or may need a bone graft.
Patients who commit to dental implants must commit to a lifetime of oral hygiene. Caring for a denture implant, an implant supported bridge, or an implant supported crown requires daily care to prevent issues.
Dental Implant FAQs
If you are considering dental implants, read through our dental implant frequently asked questions. This section aims to provide clear and informative answers to common questions people have about implants. We hope you gain a deeper understanding of this tooth replacement solution.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
There are certain qualifications you will need to meet to get dental implants. You must be in good overall health and have adequate jawbone density. You should have healthy gums and be free of gum disease. Your dentist will assess your oral health to see if you qualify.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The dental implant process typically takes several months. It involves surgery, healing, and several appointments. Some patients may require pre-treatments such as tooth extractions or bone grafting. The duration will vary from patient to patient based on individual factors. Most people will finish treatment in four to six months. However, it can be longer if they need additional treatment.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
The dental implant procedure involves local anesthesia to minimize your discomfort during surgery. We will minimize your post-operative pain with prescription medications. The use of anesthesia contributes to a tolerable level of pain during and after the dental implant procedure. However, every patient is different and may have a different experience.
Are there any risks or complications with dental implants?
While rare, risks with dental implants include infection, implant failure, or damage to surrounding structures. A thorough assessment by your dentist helps identify individual risks. This will ensure that they take appropriate precautions to minimize potential complications during the dental implant process.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have a high success rate, typically exceeding 95%. Many things can affect the success of your implants. Factors such as your current health, how well you adhere to aftercare instructions and proper implant placement will contribute to it. Most patients experience successful, long-term outcomes with dental implant procedures.
How long is the recovery period after dental implant surgery?
The initial healing period after dental implant surgery takes a few days. You should be able to resume normal activities a day after the procedure. However, it will take three to six months for the dental implant to fuse to the jawbone. This time frame will vary for each patient.
Schedule an Appointment for Dental Implants in Baltimore, MD
To learn more about dental implants, book an appointment with Horizon Family Dental Care. They offer many benefits to patients with tooth loss or damaged teeth. Schedule a consultation today with one of our dentists in Baltimore, MD by requesting an appointment online.