Treating missing teeth with dental implants is the most sophisticated solution available. This advanced teeth replacement treatment is popular because of how natural they look, and they are better for your oral health.
Dr. Umo is a dentist in Fallston but welcomes patients from Forest Hill, Maryland, who have an interest in dental implants.
What is a Dental Implant?
An implant is a surgical tool that looks like a screw. An oral surgeon places it in the jaw bone during a surgical procedure. It is actually just one part of the whole tooth replacement solution.
Most of them contain titanium, a metal used a lot in the human body for various reasons, such as limb replacement. They are available in various diameters and lengths to accommodate where the oral surgeon places them along the jaw.
Dental Implants: The #1 Solution for Missing Teeth
No matter how many teeth you are missing, Dr. Umo can create a treatment plan using implants to replace them. If you are missing a single tooth, an oral surgeon will place one tooth implant in the jaw and attach a dental crown to it.
For multiple missing teeth, your dentist will customize and develop a treatment plan and develop it using two or more tooth implants. The dentist will then restore it with a denture or dental bridge. Dental implants and a dental restoration offer the most natural solution for lost or damaged teeth.
Dental implants will replace the tooth roots and help prevent bone loss in the jaw. They are the only solution that can do this. Preserving the jaw bone will help hold the natural shape of your face. Traditional dentures and bridges do not prevent bone loss and the bone will slowly begin to deteriorate over the years.
Implants will hold the dental restoration securely in place better than any other option. This will make your new teeth more durable. You will not need to worry about your new teeth shifting around in your mouth or eating restrictions.
You do not need healthy, remaining teeth to have damage in any way to receive dental implants. To place a bridge, a dentist must grind down two adjacent teeth to make room for it. An implant restoration will only replace the teeth that missing.
What to Expect
The dental implant process involves several steps, many dental appointments, healing time, and at least one surgery. Dr. Umo will first do a thorough examination to see if you qualify for an implant-secured restoration. You must have enough bone density to support them. If you do not, we will recommend a bone graft.
You must also be in good health and a non-smoker. If you suffer from any dental issues, such as gum disease, you will need to address them before the surgical implantation.
A highly skilled local oral surgeon or periodontist will perform the surgical placement of your tooth implants. After the surgery, it will take the implants awhile to fully fuse with the bone.
This time frame will differ from patient to patient but can take up to six months. At your last appointment at our Forest Hill area dentist office, Dr. Umo will attach your custom-made dental restoration.
Schedule a dental implant consultation today by calling 410-994-2627 for an appointment or more information or request an appointment online.