Are you missing one or more teeth? Do you want a stable dental restoration that enhances your smile? Dental implants are a great solution for patients who want to enjoy the benefits of natural-looking teeth and eat their favorite foods without any limits. Dental implants are one of the most handy and effective treatments for patients with missing or lost teeth. They are able to replace single lost teeth or secure prosthetics to restore whole arches of missing teeth.
Dr. Sulekha Agrawal offers dental implant services in Columbia, Maryland. She works one-on-one with her patients to help replace missing teeth at Columbia Family Dental Care.
What Are Dental Implants?
An implant fixture is a small, metal post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. They will fuse with the surrounding bone creating a very sturdy base for the new teeth. The patient may need anywhere from one up to eight of them in each arch, depending on how many teeth they are missing. They will act as anchors for a dental restoration. This will be a dental crown if a single tooth is missing, a dental bridge if several teeth in a row are missing, and a denture if they are missing a whole row of teeth. These implants will also act as teeth roots which will prevent bone loss in the jaw.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants in Columbia, MD?
Dental implants offer many benefits to patients:
- Long-lasting results
- Add jaw strength
- Decrease oral health problems
- The look and feel of natural teeth
- Bone loss prevention
- High success rate
Dental Implant Treatment
The dental implant procedure is quite simple, but it requires a lot of thought from the dentist and the patient. Before treatment, your dentist will assess the health of your teeth. The dentist will decide if they need to remove a tooth or many teeth due to decay or gum disease. You can also discuss your goals, dental history, and budget with your dentist so she can decide if dental implants are the right option for you.
During the first visit, we will put together a dental treatment plan to outline the process for your consent. Once you approve the plan, the dentist will begin by preparing your mouth and jawbone. First, the dentist will place an artificial tooth root, or titanium post, in the jaw bone. This step requires oral surgery. The dental implant will mimic the tooth root and support a dental crown. You will need to wait for about six months for the bone to heal around the titanium post before the dentist can place a crown over it.
Once your mouth heals, Your dentist will call you back to the office and place the dental crown. First, your dentist will screw an abutment to the implant post. Then, she will attach the new crown to the top of the abutment. Finally, your dental implant is complete!
Dental Implants FAQs
Learn more about the answers to questions that many patients may have about dental implants below.
How long is the dental implant process?
After the initial implant surgery, the dental implant requires time to undergo a process called osseointegration. In total, the entire dental implant process can take anywhere from four to nine months. But, if you need a bone graft or gum disease treatment before receiving your implants, the process will be longer.
Do dental implants need special care?
No, you can maintain them just like real teeth. Brush, and floss regularly and visit your local dental office for routine care. Keep your dental implants healthy and free from infection with thorough oral hygiene.
When you take care of your implant or implants, they can last for years to come. If you ever have any problems with your dental implant or implant restoration, please call us for a checkup. We will help get to the bottom of the problem right away and recommend the best method of treatment.
What is the success rate for dental implants?
The success rate for implants is over 95%. However, factors like smoking and using tobacco can increase your chance of implant failure. Patients who choose dental implant treatment must commit to good oral hygiene habits. Dental infections or gum disease cause dental implants to fail.
Implants can also secure restorations for many missing teeth, such as dental bridges and dentures. If you have rows of teeth missing and want to restore your smile, request a visit with Dr. Agrawal. She will help find the best long-term solution for you.