Dental Implants: The Preferred Method of Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental implants have changed the way dental professionals handle tooth loss. They are now the preferred restorative dentistry method of replacing missing teeth due to the benefits they offer patients over traditional options. An implant supported restoration will restore your oral health and function and are the next best thing to your natural teeth. Dr. Walter Mazzella places and restores dental implants in Ellicott City, MD.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made out of titanium. This type of metal is biocompatible meaning it can be used inside the body without harming human tissue. Your dentist will insert this dental prosthesis into the jawbone where it will fuse to the surrounding bone. This creates a stable foundation to support a dental restoration such as a dental crown. Multiple dental implants can support a dental bridge or denture.
Why Are Dental Implants So Important After Tooth Loss?
If you have missing teeth or teeth that are severely damaged and your dentist will need to extract them, it is important to have a plan to replace them. Addressing tooth loss promptly will prevent further problems.
Dental implants are the only solution that offers a long-term solution and numerous benefits. Not only will they support the false teeth, but they also act as teeth roots. This provides stimulation for the jawbone so it will not deteriorate which is a common side effect of tooth loss. Teeth implants are the only solution to prevent bone loss. Dental implants after tooth loss offer many advantages including:
- Prevents shifting of remaining teeth
- Maintains jawbone health
- Restores full functionality
- Boosting Confidence and Self-esteem
- Preventing Speech Impairments
Placing and Restoring Dental Implants in Ellicott City, MD
Dr. Walter Mazzella offers complete dental implant services to patients from Ellicott City, MD. Replacing your teeth with implants is a multi-step process that takes place in several phases. He can complete all the phases including the placement and restoration phases.
Placing Dental Implants
Placing dental implants in the jawbone will require a surgical procedure. To prepare for this, Dr. Mazzella will need to thoroughly prepare for the surgery. This may involve CT scans and X-rays to assess your jawbone density and oral health. If you qualify for dental implants, your dentist will move forward with your surgical procedure.
Dr. Mazzella will open up your gums at each location you need an implant. Then he will place a dental implant into the jawbone at each location. It will take about 3 -6 months for them to completely fuse to the bone. This will create a stable and durable foundation for the dental restoration.
Restoring Dental Implants
After several months, we will need to attach an abutment to the teeth implants. These are connector pieces that will protrude from the gum line and link the implants to the dental restoration. This procedure will require another several weeks of healing time.
The final step is to place the dental restoration on the dental implants. This will be a dental crown for one missing tooth or a dental bridge or denture for multiple missing teeth. The restoration is custom-made to match the patient’s natural teeth in size, shape, and color, ensuring a seamless and natural appearance.
Who Is A Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
In order to qualify for dental implants, patients must meet certain criteria. Dentists have to evaluate each individual case to see if implants are the right tooth replacement option. A good dental implant candidate will:
- Have sufficient Jawbone Density
- Be in good oral health
- Be in good overall health
- Not smoke
- Willing to commit to a lifetime of good oral hygiene
- Be able to afford the procedure
- Older than 18
Qualifying for dental implants may seem easy, but it may take some work. Patients who lack proper bone density or suffer from gum disease may require dental treatment before they can move forward with surgical implantation. Smoking is not only bad for your health, but it can affect the outcome of your implant surgery and many dentists will refuse smokers.
Once you get dental implants, they require a lifetime of proper dental care. This means never skipping dental appointments and practicing good dental hygiene every day is a must. Patients under the age of 18 are typically not done growing and therefore will not qualify for them.
Book a Consultation for Dental Implants in Ellicott City, MD
Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Mazzella to see if you qualify for dental implants in Ellicott City, MD. This sophisticated missing tooth solution offers many benefits to patients with missing or damaged teeth. You can reach us at (410) 559-9951 or you can request an appointment online by filling out the form.