Dr. Nathan Dancykier offers dental implants in Towson, MD, to help patients with damaged or missing teeth. Dental implants are a restorative treatment that replaces one or more missing teeth. They secure dental restorations like dentures and bridges, making them work just like natural teeth. Made from strong materials, dental implants can handle the forces of chewing and biting, while also giving you a smile that looks natural.
Why is it Important to Replace Missing Teeth?
Replacing missing teeth is crucial for your oral health and how well your bite functions. While you might think you can manage with a gap in your smile, it’s important to get treatment if you lose a tooth or teeth. Here’s why:
- Restores Function: Missing teeth make it hard to bite and chew food properly, which can lead to digestion problems. Also, having all your teeth helps you speak clearly.
- Prevents Teeth from Shifting: Gaps in your smile cause nearby teeth to shift into the open space. This can lead to alignment issues and bite problems, which can cause pain and other dental issues.
- Preserves Jawbone Health: When you lose teeth, the jawbone slowly starts to deteriorate because it’s not getting the stimulation it needs. Dental implants can replace the missing tooth root and help preserve the jawbone.
- Completes Your Smile: Gaps in your smile can be embarrassing and affect your confidence. Replacing missing teeth helps complete your smile and boosts your self-esteem.
- Supports Facial Structure: A full set of teeth supports the shape of your face. When you have multiple missing teeth, your facial muscles can sag, making you look older. Bone loss from tooth loss also causes a sunken look, aging your appearance. Replacing missing teeth helps maintain the natural shape and structure of your face.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small, biocompatible piece that acts as a replacement for a tooth root. Shaped like a screw, it is surgically placed into the jawbone by a trained dental professional. Over time, the surrounding bone grows around the implant, securing it in place. This provides a strong foundation for replacement teeth, whether you need a single crown, a bridge, or dentures.
Dental implants are popular because they function and look like natural teeth, offering a long-lasting solution for tooth loss. However, before getting implants, each patient needs an evaluation to explore all available treatment options.
Dental Implant Treatment
Before your dental implant treatment, one of our dentists will check the health of your teeth and gums. They will also talk with you about your goals and budget to see if dental implants are the right choice for you.
If you need treatments like gum therapy, a tooth pulled, or bone grafting, your dentist will handle those first. This is to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough to support the implants and help them heal properly.
The first step is to surgically place the titanium implants into your jawbone. These implants need about three to six months to fully heal and bond with the bone. This healing time is crucial to ensure a strong foundation for your new teeth.
After the implants have healed, the next step is to attach a connector piece called an abutment to each implant. The abutment connects the implant to your new tooth or teeth. Your dentist will then take measurements and create custom-made teeth that fit perfectly in your mouth. Depending on how many teeth you need to replace, you might get a dental crown, bridge, or denture.
All-On-4 Implants
With All-On-4 dental implants, we can replace a full set of missing teeth in just one day. This method uses four to six long implants that go deep into the bone under your gums to hold a denture in place. Unlike removable dentures, All-On-4 implants offer a more comfortable and stable solution.
Dental Implant Q&A
Here are some common questions that patients have about implants and dental implant treatment. If you’re ready to explore dental implants, schedule a consultation with us. Whether you’re in Towson, MD, or the surrounding areas, we’re here to help you restore your smile and confidence.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
To get dental implants, you need enough bone to support them. If you have lost a lot of bone, we offer bone grafting to help create enough support. This step is important to make sure the implants don’t fail.
How soon can I replace my missing tooth?
After the implants are placed, they need three to six months to heal. The entire process can take four to nine months. If you need extra treatments like bone grafting, gum therapy, or tooth extraction, it may take longer to replace your missing teeth.
Do dental implants need special care?
No, you can care for your implants just like natural teeth by brushing and flossing. However, keeping your gums and teeth healthy is important for the success of your implants. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings will help make sure your implants last for many years.
How painful is getting a dental implant?
Getting a dental implant is usually not painful. During the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will numb the area with local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. You might feel some pressure or a bit of pulling as they work, but it’s generally manageable.
After the surgery, you might experience some mild discomfort or swelling. You can easily manage this with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Most people can get back to their normal activities the next day.
It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions for taking care of the implant site after surgery. This will help reduce any discomfort and prevent complications. If you do feel severe pain or notice anything unusual, contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away.
Can a dentist place tooth implants in one day?
Yes, your dentist or oral surgeon can complete a dental implant in one day through a procedure called “teeth-in-a-day” or “All-On-4.” In this process, the dentist inserts four dental implants into your jawbone and attaches a bridge or dentures to them right away. This method skips the need for bone grafting or long waiting periods that come with traditional implants.
However, this treatment isn’t suitable for everyone. Some cases require a more traditional approach, which takes several weeks to complete. Talk with your dentist to see if this fast-track option is right for you.
Will my tooth implants look natural?
Yes, your dentist or oral surgeon will design your dental implants to look just like natural teeth. With the right care, they can last a lifetime. The final look of your implants will depend on several things, like the type of implant used, the condition of your mouth and gums, and the skill of your dentist.
It’s important to discuss your expectations with your dentist. They can help you decide if dental implants are the best option for you based on your specific needs and goals.
Restore your Smile with Dental Implants in Towson, MD!
If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants can help you regain your smile. In Towson, MD, our team is ready to restore the health and function of your smile with the best solution for replacing teeth. Call us at 410-324-2294 or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you smile confidently again!
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