Dr. Nathan Dancykier offers dental implants in Towson, MD for patients with damaged or missing teeth. This restorative dentistry treatment is used to replace one or more missing teeth. They will secure dental restorations like dentures and dental bridges. Teeth implants function and look just like natural teeth and are crafted from durable materials. They are able to withstand chewing and biting forces while restoring the aesthetics of a natural smile.
Why is it Important to Replace Missing Teeth?
Replacing missing teeth is important for your oral health and the function of your bite. While it may seem like you can get through life with a few gaps in your smile, it is always best to seek treatment when you lose a tooth or teeth. There are many reasons including:
- Restores Function: Missing teeth make it difficult to bite and chew your food properly. Then this can also lead to digestion issues. Furthermore, a full set of teeth allow you to speak clearly.
- Prevents Teeth Shifting: Gaps in your smile will cause other teeth to shift towards the open space. This will lead to alignment issues and bite problems, both of which can create many painful dental complications.
- Preserves Jawbone Health: Missing teeth will slowly cause bone loss in the jaw due to lack of proper stimulation. A dental implant can help replace that missing tooth root and preserve the jawbone.
- Complete Your Smile: Gaps in your smile can be unattractive. This can lead to embarrassment and create self-esteem issues. Replacing your missing teeth can complete your smile and improve your confidence.
- Support Your Facial Structure: A full set of teeth support your facial structure. Multiple missing teeth lead to sagging facial muscles and an aged appearance. Furthermore, the bone loss that follows tooth loss also creates a sunken-in look that also leads to an aged appearance. Replacing missing teeth is vital to maintaining the natural contours and bone structure of your face.
Dental implants are the most popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. They are designed to function and resemble natural teeth, providing a long-term and durable solution for tooth loss. However, every patient will need to undergo an evaluation to review all their treatment options.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a biocompatible prosthesis that will act as a replacement tooth root. It is small and shaped like a screw with threads. Dental implants must be surgically inserted into the jaw bone by a trained dental professional. Here, the surrounding bone tissue will integrate with the implant fixture. The dental implant will provide a stable foundation for the replacement teeth or tooth. Your dentist will use a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture depending on how many teeth you are missing.
What is Dental Implant Treatment Like?
Before your dental implant treatment, one of our dentists will examine the health of your teeth and gums. They will also discuss your goals and budget to determine if dental implants are the right treatment option for you.
If you require periodontal therapy, a tooth extraction, or bone grafting, your dentist will address that first. This is to ensure that the teeth and gums are as healthy as possible so that the implants have a stable foundation to heal and thrive.
The first step in your treatment is to surgically insert the titanium implant fixtures into the jaw bone. These dental implants will require about three to six months to fully integrate with the bone and heal for the most stable result.
The next step is to secure a connector piece called an abutment to each implant fixture. This piece connects the implants to the dental restoration. Then your dentist will take the steps necessary to create your new teeth. Your dental restoration is custom made to precisely fit in your mouth. Depending on how many teeth you are missing, you may get a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture.
All-On-4 Implants
With All-On-4 dental implants, we can restore an entire arch of missing teeth in just one day. All-On-Four utilizes long implants that reach bone underneath the gums. Our dentists can surgically secure a denture with four to six dental implants. This implant treatment option is preferable to removable dentures because they provide more comfortable and stable treatment.
Dental Implant Q&A
There are some common questions that many patients may have about implants and dental implant treatment:
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
To qualify for dental implants, you should have sufficient bone structure to support the implant. We offer bone grafting treatment if you have suffered significant bone loss and do not have enough tissue. This procedure ensures that the implant does not fail.
How quickly can I replace my missing tooth?
Dental implants require a healing period of 3 to 6 months after their initial implantation. Normally, the dental implant process can take from four to nine months. However, the process will take longer if you require bone grafting, gum disease treatment, or tooth extraction, it will take longer to replace your missing teeth.
Do dental implants need special care?
No, you can brush and floss your tooth implants like normal teeth. However, implants depend on the surrounding dental structure in order to be successful. Maintaining your oral health and regularly visiting our office for exams and cleanings help ensure that your implants last for many years to come.
How painful is getting a dental implant?
Getting a dental implant is generally not painful. During the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will use local anesthesia to numb the area where they will place the implant. As a result, you should not feel any pain during the surgery. You may feel pressure during the surgery and slight tugging sensations as your dentist works, but it should be tolerable.
After the procedure, however, you may experience some mild discomfort or swelling, which you can manage with over-the-counter pain medication. Most people can return to their normal activities the next day.
You should follow your dentist’s instructions for caring for the implant site after the surgery, as this can help to minimize any discomfort or complications you may experience. If you experience any severe pain or other unusual symptoms after the procedure, you should contact your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible.
Can your dentist complete your tooth implants in one day?
Your dentist or oral surgeon can complete a dental implant in one day. Dental professionals refer to the process as “teeth-in-a-day” or “all-on-4” treatment. It involves inserting four dental implants into the jawbone, and your dentist will attach a bridge or dentures directly to them.
This procedure eliminates the need for bone grafting or waiting periods associated with traditional implant treatments. However, this treatment is not for everyone. Receiving a dental implant involves several stages and can take several weeks to complete. You should consult your dentist to determine the best treatment plan for your circumstances.
Will my tooth implants look natural?
The dentist or oral surgeon will design your tooth implants to look like natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care. The final appearance of your tooth implants may depend on several factors, such as the type of implant your dentist or oral surgeon uses, the condition of your mouth and gums, and the skill of your dentist. It is best to discuss your concerns and expectations with your dentist to determine if dental implants are a good option for you.
Restore your Smile with Dental Implants in Towson, MD!
Restore one or more missing or lost teeth with dental implants in Towson, MD. Call us at 410.324.2294 or request an appointment with one of our dentists online. We look forward to restoring the health and function of your smile with the number one solution for replacing teeth.