Dental Implants: An Overview
Looking for dental implants near me? Dental implants are a permanent replacement for missing teeth. Unlike other tooth replacement methods, dental implants do not require support from your remaining teeth like a dental bridge. Instead, dental implants use a titanium post that a dentist will place into the jawbone and then cover with a dental crown. This makes dental implants a durable and permanent option to restore the look, feel, and function of your natural tooth. Additionally, an implant will help maintain the health and position of the surrounding teeth and your overall jaw function. A successful implant restoration will result in a comfortable and natural looking tooth that blends in with your smile. Our Laurel Smiles Dental Care team looks forward to providing you with dental implants in Laurel, MD.
AFFORDABLE DENTAL IMPLANTS IN LAUREL, MD
Dental implants require skilled and highly trained dentists in order for them to be both long lasting and comfortable for the patient. Our dentists have been providing dental implants to patients for several years. Our patients love dental implants because they get a restored tooth that they can rely on for a very long time. However, you will need to care for them just like natural teeth. While the restoration is decay resistant, you can still develop gum disease. Proper oral hygiene is vital so your new implants can last a lifetime.
The stages of dental implants process will take up to a year, sometimes longer. It consists of planning, surgical placement of the implant posts, healing time, abutment placement, and attaching the restoration. While this process may take longer than your other options, you can expect your new teeth to work like natural teeth. This is something other treatments do not offer. During the process, you can expect very little pain. Minor discomfort should be expected however.
SINGLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT
Replacing a missing tooth is vital to restoring your dental health. When you are missing a tooth, you are more at risk for developing tooth decay, gum disease, or jaw pain issues. We suggest seeking out tooth restoration options as soon as you suffer from tooth loss to help avoid the long term risks associated with missing teeth. Dental implants are a good option for patients looking for the best option for a single tooth restoration. With dental implants, your missing tooth will be fully restored with no damage done to your other teeth.
ALL-ON-FOUR IMPLANT CONCEPT
Patients missing a full arch of teeth can also benefit from dental implants in Laurel, MD. The all-on-four concept allows patients to replace a full arch of teeth with as little as four dental implants. The strategically placed implants act as anchors for a denture or a partial denture. This allows the patient to achieve a fully restored smile with just four implants. Replacing every tooth with a dental implant is a very extensive process, which is why we suggest the all-on-four implant concept. Patients enjoy this solution because it helps them avoid the slippage and discomfort that sometimes comes from traditional dentures and partials. This is also a solution for people who suffer from bone loss in the jaw.
Schedule An Appointment
If you are missing one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch of teeth, you should schedule an appointment with Laurel Smiles to see if dental implants are right for you. Our dentists specialize in implant dentistry and look forward to showing you how your smile can benefit from an implant-supported tooth restoration. You can reach us by calling 301-490-7007, or you can book a consultation online by filling out the form. We invite you to learn more about our dental implant services at the following links:
- Benefits of Dental Implants
- Single Dental Implant
- All-On-Four Implant Concept
- Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
- Dental Implant Process
- Dental Implant FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS REMOVABLE?
Yes, some dental implants are removable. There are fixed and removable implants. Implant-supported dentures are permanently attached to your dental implants. They function like real teeth. Moreover, patients can not take them off each day.
On the other hand, there are removable implant-supported dentures that patients can take off and put back on. They are more like traditional dentures, but dental implants hold them in place instead of adhesives.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET DENTAL IMPLANTS?
The process of getting dental implants takes from 3 to 6 months. For some patients, the process can take up to one year if you need a tooth extraction or bone grafting procedure. First, an oral surgeon will perform surgery to anchor a titanium post implant into your bone.
Next, youll need a healing period of about 3 to 6 months. During this time, the implant fuses with the bone. After that, the oral surgeon will add abutment. Finally, the surgeon will place the tooth (or crown) on top. We will spread the entire process to ensure your mouth heals properly and the implant is secure.
HOW MANY DENTAL IMPLANTS CAN YOU HAVE AT ONCE?
How many implants a patient can have at once will largely depend on their oral health, bone volume, and specific dental needs. A dentist can install an implant for every tooth at once, up to 32 implants. This approach, however, is often not necessary.
An oral surgeon replacing multiple missing teeth may use fewer implants to anchor the teeth. Furthermore, depending on the implants placement and the volume of bone density in the jaw, a surgeon will only need to use as few as two implants to support a four-tooth bridge.
CAN YOU TURN DENTURES INTO IMPLANTS?
No. Its not possible to directly convert existing dentures into dental implants. However, if you already have dentures, you can transition to an implant-supported denture system. This involves placing dental implants in the jawbone. They will then serve as anchors for a denture. Additionally, its important to know that switching from dentures to dental implants may require a bone graft first.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Your dentist or oral surgeon will check for healthy gums and sufficient bone density to assess if youre a good candidate for dental implants. You must have adequate bone density and volume in the jaw to securely anchor the implants. Having sufficient space between teeth for proper implant positioning is also important.
Furthermore, ideal candidates should be in good general and oral health. Chronic illnesses could affect your eligibility. Overall, a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon will help determine whether dental implants are good for you.
DOES INSURANCE COVER A DENTAL IMPLANT PROCEDURE?
Dental implant coverage varies with insurance plans. Traditionally, many dental insurance policies have not covered implants. They often considered them a cosmetic procedure. However, this is changing. Some plans offer partial or full coverage.
Many dental insurance policies cover implants required after an accident. But they will not cover them if you want them for cosmetic purposes. We recommend you review your insurance policy and consult your insurance company. They will inform you of the specifics of your plan.