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. Melissa Elliott is a dentist in Fallston but welcomes patients from Forest Hill, Maryland who are interested in dental implants.
What is a Dental Implant?
An implant is a surgical tool that looks a lot like a screw and is placed in the jaw bone during a surgical procedure. It is actually just one part of the whole tooth replacement solution. Most of them are made of titanium which is a metal that is 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 they are placed along the jaw.
Dental Implants: The #1 Solution for Missing Teeth
No matter how many teeth you are missing, Dr. Elliott can create a treatment plan using implants to replace them. If you are missing a single tooth, just one implant will be placed in the jaw and a dental crown will be attached to it. For multiple missing teeth, a customized treatment plan will be developed using two or implants and then restored with a denture or dental bridge. Dental implants coupled with 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 your new teeth shifting around in your mouth or eating restrictions.
Dental implants do not require healthy, remaining teeth to be damaged in any way. To have a bridge placed, two adjacent teeth will need to be grinded down 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. Elliott 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, they will need to be addressed before the surgical implantation.
The surgical placement of your implants will be performed by a highly skilled local oral surgeon or periodontist. 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 takes up to six months. At your last appointment at our Forest Hill area dentist office, Dr. Elliott 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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.