DENTAL IMPLANTS IN BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD
The first dental implant was placed in 1965, and technology has made the process more successful and simpler than ever. Dental implants provide the most stable tooth replacement option because they effectively replace the lost tooth root, making implants the most beneficial treatment option for the majority of conditions. The dental implant process is unique for each dental situation. What is common among all dental implant placements is that some healing time is required to ensure full bone integration is achieved. During healing, we have many options for short-term, aesthetic replacements so that you never feel self-conscious. This tooth replacement option has high patient satisfaction due to dental implants’ long-term benefits.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REPLACING MISSING TEETH
Missing and extensively broken teeth do not only cause self-consciousness, but also put adjacent teeth, gums, and the temporomandibular joints at risk. The added strain on your surrounding dental structures may lead to tooth shifting, dental decay, periodontal disease, and additional tooth damage. For this reason, we recommend replacing your tooth or teeth as soon as possible.
WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?
A dental implant is a medical device that helps replace a missing tooth or missing teeth. It is a small titanium post that is placed beneath the gum that will integrate with the bone tissue. The dental implant will act as an artificial tooth root and provide a stable foundation. After complete bone integration is achieved, a dental crown is fabricated to fit on top of the implant. Once inserted, the implant and crown will restore functionality and allow you to fully smile again.
A dental implant is a titanium post that acts as a root for the replacement tooth. Once the implant integrates with the bone, a custom-made prosthetic is attached, providing a natural-looking and functional tooth replacement. Dental implants are known for their durability and ability to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth.
THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPLACE A NATURAL TOOTH
When replacing a natural tooth, an implant with a prosthetic restoration is the ultimate solution. A dental implant is a threaded, titanium post completely enclosed in the jawbone. The use of titanium is advantageous as it is strong, lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and compatible with the human body. After the implant is healed, an abutment is attached to the internal threading of the implant. This abutment rises above the gums to act as a connector piece between the implant and the restoration. The restoration is the visible piece resembling the natural teeth. It may be one single tooth, a few teeth, or an entire arch of teeth.
Prosthetic Restoration Options:
The prosthetic restoration looks and functions similar to real teeth. Patients can expect their new restoration to allow them to speak, smile, and eat food as naturally as possible. The type of restoration you need will depend on how many teeth you are missing and where they are located. If a tooth is missing or needs removal, a single implant is placed, and a screw-retained dental crown is created. Multiple consecutive teeth can be restored with an implant-retained dental bridge. Several teeth that are not consecutive may require individual implant crown restorations. An implant-retained denture can restore an entire row of missing teeth. No matter what type of restoration you need, it will be custom-made to perfectly fit you, ensuring your comfort and a natural appearance.
THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS IN BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD
Implants proficiently replace a single tooth without effecting surrounding teeth like traditional dental bridges, as well as replace multiple missing teeth more sustainably than traditional dentures. Because dental implants give you tooth-root functionality, you do not have to worry about any dietary restrictions. Once implant treatment is complete, you can enjoy your favorite crunchy or chewy foods without worrying about damaging their restoration. Caring for your dental implant is the same as natural teeth – no extra steps to your oral hygiene routine!
Preventing Bone Loss:
A natural tooth has a root that is embedded in the jawbone. When you chew, it stimulates the jawbone, regenerating cells to remain strong and healthy. If a tooth is missing, there is no bone stimulation to instruct your body to maintain the bone level at this site. Over time, the jawbone will slowly begin to break down. A dental implant is the only tooth replacement treatment that replaces teeth at the root. The implant will act as a root and provide the bone with proper stimulation to regenerate.
Improved Speech:
Missing teeth make it difficult to speak naturally. Also, some teeth replacement solutions, such as dentures, are known to slip around in the mouth causing slurred speech. A dental restoration that is secured to dental implants is very stable. It will fill in the gaps in your smile and never shift inside your mouth. You will be able to speak normally and clearly without slurring.
No Food Restrictions:
Most teeth replacement options, or the lack of replacement, make it difficult to bite and chew. You will be forced to avoid many healthy foods because they are too chewy or crunchy to consume with conventional tooth replacement options, like dentures. Dental implants will firmly secure your new prosthetic restoration allowing for a greater chewing and evenly distributed bite force. This means that once your implants are fully restored, you can enjoy a greater variety of foods, supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Improved Confidence:
Decayed or missing teeth may make you feel self-conscious. Replacing your teeth with a custom restoration will improve the aesthetics of your smile. Dental implant solutions deliver a long-term resolution that will resemble natural teeth. This solution is the most realistic option and will improve your overall confidence.
No Damage Or Stress On Surrounding Teeth:
When a tooth is not replaced after removal, the remaining teeth must absorb more bite force than before removal. Additionally, adjacent teeth will begin to shift into the missing space. This can cause a traumatic occlusion, resulting in further damage and potential tooth loss. Conventional teeth replacement solutions often rely on surrounding teeth. A dental bridge depends on the two teeth adjacent to the gap for support. The dentist will remove solid structures from these teeth to accommodate the bridge. If one of the supporting teeth becomes decayed or is lost, a dental bridge may no longer be a treatment option. In some cases, too much bone loss has occurred, and implant placement alternatives may be limited. Occasionally, the only alternate treatment option for these situations is a partial denture. A partial denture relies on several remaining teeth to keep it secure. This places extra weight and chewing force on those teeth making them more likely to become damaged. A partial denture does not provide stimulation to the jawbone, resulting in continual bone loss. As bone level depletes, the partial denture may loosen around the gum tissue and begin to move around when chewing or speaking. An implant supported restoration does not rely on your remaining teeth. It simply replaces your missing teeth and stimulates the jawbone to maintain your oral health. Implants provide the most straightforward solution for complex scenarios.
More Comfortable:
You will find that a dental implant-supported restoration is very comfortable as it feels very similar to your natural teeth. Because the implant fixtures are firmly secured in the jawbone, the dental restoration will be more stable. Dental implants maintain the bone level and will allow your restoration to always fit properly, never slipping, rubbing, or causing embarrassment due to accidentally falling out. The fit of your denture or bridge will change over time due to bone deterioration as these restorative options do not have the capability of instructing your body to replenish the jawbone. As the bone shrinks, it will become loose, feel uncomfortable, and eventually need to be replaced.
SINGLE DENTAL IMPLANTS
A single dental implant will completely replace your tooth from the root up. This provides you with the ultimate solution as it offers you full function, beautiful aesthetics, and maintains bone levels. As every case is unique, the process will differ for each person and each tooth. The first step in any implant placement is a thorough examination with our team. Once a treatment plan is established, we will capture your dental records and schedule you for either tooth extraction with grafting, implant placement with grafting, or a combination of the two. After ensuring the implant is fully integrated with a new 3D digital radiograph, we will fabricate a screw-retained, porcelain prosthetic crown.
BENEFITS OF MULTIPLE DENTAL IMPLANTS
Partial dentures and tooth supported dental bridges are the conventional ways dentists replace several missing teeth. Neither will prevent bone loss, replace the teeth roots, or preserve your remaining natural teeth. Relying on the support of adjacent teeth, these conventional options create extra stress on those teeth, making them more susceptible to decay and damage. Implant supported bridges and dentures are the only teeth replacement solutions that will prevent these issues. Other benefits include:
- Permanent solution
- Allows for greater biting and chewing force
- Preserves the facial structure and appearance
- Closest thing to natural teeth
- Does not harm adjacent teeth
Are you wondering if dental implants are right for you? If you are over the age of 18, the good news is that almost everyone with missing or failing teeth can qualify. At Baltimore Dental Co., we understand that optimal oral and overall health are crucial for successful healing, and we'll ensure you're well-prepared for the procedure. During your examination, we will meticulously review your medical history, including current and past medications, to identify any potential interference with healing. One of our experienced dentists will assess your bone level to confirm your jaw's ability to support the implant, examine surrounding dental and facial structures to ensure adequate space for the restoration and address any active dental decay or infection. We'll also discuss your dental history and identify any other factors that might affect your health during the implant placement process. Thanks to advancements in technology, dental implants are now an ideal option for more individuals than ever before, offering unmatched aesthetics, ease of care, and bone stabilization. Whether you reside in Baltimore County or a surrounding area, we're here to guide you in choosing the best tooth replacement option for your needs, ensuring a high success rate for implant retention.
DENTAL IMPLANT FAQS
Will My Age Be A Factor?
If you are under 18 years of age, Dr. Romay or Dr. Cross may choose to wait to place the implant. This is because your jawbone may still be growing. In some situations, generally related to where in the mouth the implant will be placed, it could be possible to place the implant before you turn 18. If this is not an option, we will fabricate a temporary appliance until your jawbone is ready to receive the dental implant. So long as the bone is adequate, implants are a great option for patients in their later years. As finger dexterity and range of motion decrease, oral care can become more difficult to maintain. Dental bridges are especially challenging to sustain as floss must be threaded underneath the false tooth to properly clean the supporting teeth. Traditional dentures will become loose as the jawbone recedes, causing difficulties chewing and often resulting in unhealthy weight loss. The bottom line is you are never too old to receive a dental implant!
Will My Medications Affect A Dental Implant?
We must review your medications and general medical health to determine the possibility of dental implant placement. In general, we can work around most medications. The Baltimore Dental Co. team is willing to communicate with your other healthcare professionals to ensure that your overall health is fully considered and that all providers are aware of your treatment needs.
How Are Implants Affected When A Tooth Has Been Missing For An Extended Period?
It is ideal to have a long-term plan when a tooth is removed. We understand that due to many factors, this is not the situation for everyone. If your tooth was removed without grafting being placed, or you were born without the tooth, this does not necessarily prevent you from receiving a dental implant. We will capture a 3D dental CBCT image to determine your options. The technology allows our dentists to measure the amount of adequate bone to support the implant and determine what amount of bone graft might be needed to restore your smile.
LONG-TERM LACK OF DENTAL CARE:
Are you concerned that, because you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you may not have as many options for tooth replacement? We are happy to complete a new-patient intake appointment (this is on the general dentistry page) to provide you with a comprehensive plan to restore your mouth functionally and aesthetically. At this appointment, use CBCT imaging to determine your bone levels and implant treatment needs. We will then provide you with the information you need to make the best decision about your dental health and treatment. It is important to note that this is a judgement-free practice. Many factors are involved in why you may be experiencing poor dental health, including fear. Regardless of why your dental health is failing, we realize that you are making the first step to address your needs. We are dedicated to supporting your journey to better health.
Can I Afford Dental Implants?
The better question is, can your overall health afford not to utilize dental implants? Dental implants are not completed only for cosmetic reasons – they support your overall health in many ways! The cost of damage to other dental structures from not replacing a tooth is difficult to determine. In our experience, the investment made in dental implants is always less than the cost of not seeking treatment. As treatment for dental implants is staggered to allow time for healing, most patients are comfortable paying for each portion of treatment at the time of service. If this is not an option for you, the Baltimore Dental Co. team can provide the different third-party financing options we offer and even a few ideas outside of what we provide. Your overall health is too important to jeopardize because you are worried it is not within your budget to receive the care you deserve.
Choosing how to replace your teeth doesn’t need to be complicated. Baltimore Dental Co. will determine your treatment options, allowing you to weigh all considerations and make a well-educated decision. No matter which option you choose, replacing lost or damaged teeth as soon as possible is the best for your health. Traditional dentures are custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth; however, without jawbone stimulation, the ridge used to hold the traditional dentures in place will diminish. This bone loss that occurs over time will result in an ill-fitting denture.
How Long Does The Dental Implant Process Take?
Every patient will have a unique dental implant experience. The dental implant process includes taking records, removing the tooth, preparing the site, placing the implant, fabricating the crown, and inserting the crown. Simple cases can take as little as 5 months, while more complex cases may take up to 12 months. On average, the implant process lasts around 8 months.
How Do I Care For My Implant-Supported Crown?
A dental crown secured with an implant is very easy to take care of. Simply brush twice a day and floss daily as you normally do with natural teeth.
What Can I Do About The Missing Space During Implant Healing?
When missing a visible tooth, it can be difficult to feel confident when you smile. If desired, we offer different cosmetic appliances that may be worn temporarily while waiting for the site to heal. The most commonly utilized option is called an essix. This is a plastic tray, like an Invisalign tray, that has tooth-colored paint in place of the missing tooth.
Dentures are a reliable solution for missing teeth. They have become more natural-looking in appearance and comfortable. While removable dentures might be a suitable option, more and more patients are choosing to have them secured with dental implants. If you need to replace a whole row of teeth, Baltimore Dental Co. in Glyndon, MD provides several solutions.
SHOULD I CHOOSE DENTAL IMPLANTS OR DENTURES?
You may be intimidated by the cost of dental implants and believe that traditional dentures are the better financial option. While dentures are initially cheaper, maintaining them over the years may exceed the cost of denture implants. In addition, you can expect a lower overall quality of life. Since traditional dentures do not replace teeth at the root, bone loss is inevitable.
Traditional dentures rely on suction, and eventually adhesive, to remain in place. They have to be removed nightly for proper cleaning. Bone loss will impact the way dentures fit, requiring relining and replacement. Bone loss in the jaw will also change the appearance of your face. Your mouth will begin to sink in, your chin will stick out further, and deep wrinkles will form over time. This will result in you looking much older than you really are.
Utilizing dental implants to secure a denture is the most advanced solution for tooth loss available. Dental implants are anchored in the jawbone creating an incredibly strong base to secure the false teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures will not shift or fall out of your mouth. This lack of movement will prevent slurred speech and allow you to consume a normal diet without restrictions. The greatest advantage implants have over traditional dentures is they prevent bone loss. The shape and appearance of your face will not be affected.
Hybrid dentures are highly regarded for their security and durability, offering the closest resemblance to natural teeth in terms of function, feel, and appearance among denture options. They boast the highest patient satisfaction rates due to their stable fit and reliable performance.
