Dental Implants FAQs
Tooth removal or loss is an unfortunate ordeal that can leave you with unsightly gaps. Although having missing teeth may seem like a cosmetic problem, it is more than that. Having missing teeth for a prolonged period will damage the supporting bone.
Furthermore, it causes the surrounding teeth to shift to the available spaces, which further weakens the teeth. It is crucial to find a dental solution that can help replace your teeth. Fortunately, we offer dental implants in Ellicott City that can help restore your dental health.
What are Dental Implants?
Teeth implants are metal posts, mostly made of titanium, that is fixed on the jawbone. These screws act as roots for your artificial teeth, and that’s why they resemble your natural teeth.
Several types of implants are available:
- Endosteal implants. These are the traditional implants and the most common type. They are fixed in the bone, and therefore require sufficient bone support for them to be anchored properly.
- Subperiosteal implants. They are similar to the endosteal ones, only that they are fixed on the bone, underneath the gums. A metal framework is used to support the implants. The bone grows around the framework to offer better support. Because of the design, these implants are ideal for people who don’t have the required bone density.
- All-on-4 implants. These implants are used on people who have multiple missing teeth. The dentist will fix two posts on the upper and lower jaw to anchor the dentures.
Why Choose Implants Over Other Dental Treatments?
You can choose dentures or dental bridges. However, these restoratives treatments do not stop bone deterioration. They may slow the process, but do not stop it. Dental implants near you, once fixed, fuse with the bone. This not only offers better support but will also stimulate new bone growth. Plus, they stop the reabsorption process of the alveolar bone.
How Long is the Dental Implant Procedure?
Dental implants procedure need several sessions that are spread over a few months. The surgery is done in phases:
1. Preparation and planning
Before the surgery is done, a comprehensive dental assessment is carried out to determine your eligibility for the implants. The dentist will also assess your bone density. If you have insufficient bone support, three options are available:
- Get a bone graft. This is a surgical procedure done to stimulate new bone growth. The dentist will take bone granules and place them on the affected site. It can take up to 12 months for the new bone to generate and be ready for an implant.
- Choose the subperiosteal implants
- Opt for other restorative treatments such as bridges.
If you choose the bone graft option, the procedure will be done on your first dental visit.
2. Fixing the implant
This procedure is done under local anesthesia. At times though, dental sedation may be used for patients with dental phobia. Our dentist in Ellicott City will then open the gums to access the bone. He will drill the bone and fix the screws. The area may be covered using a temporary denture.
3. Osseointegration
The bone must grow and fuse to the implant for better support. If the osseointegration process is unsuccessful, the body may end up rejecting the implant. It can take about three to six months for the bone and implant to fuse.
4. Fixing the abutment
An abutment connects the implant and artificial teeth. The dentist will open the gums again to fix the connector. After the gums heal, your dental impression is taken to the lab to create the dental crowns.
5. Fixing the crowns
The dental crowns come in two options; removable or fixed. If you have multiple teeth missing, the removable crowns or dentures are ideal.
The fixed dental crowns can either be screwed or cemented.
What to Expect After the Procedure?
As the anesthesia begins to wear out, you’ll experience discomfort, swelling, bruising, and bleeding. The dentist will prescribe medication to ease the pain and prevent infection.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Julian Center for Comprehensive Dentistry for more information on affordable implants and the implant surgery procedure.