Do you have gaps in your smile or a row of missing teeth? Tooth loss affects millions of Americans, but just because you lost a tooth or several doesn’t mean it’s game over for your grin. Modern dentistry makes tooth replacements more attractive, lifelike, and comfortable than ever. At Osler Dental Professionals, we provide patients with leading-edge tooth replacement services, including dental implants in Towson, MD.
Dental implants improve bite power, aesthetics, oral health, and jawbone health. Tooth implants may seem intimidating for some, especially if you don’t know much about them. So, we’ve made an ultimate guide to dental implants, so you have a better understanding of this smile-transforming tooth replacement option.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants replace missing tooth roots and completely restore your dental function, appearance, and comfort. A dental implant includes:
- An implant post or screw
- A prosthetic tooth
- An abutment that connects the prosthesis to the post
Your dentist for implants in Towson, MD, surgically places the dental implant post into the jawbone below the gums. Over time, the jawbone integrates with the implant post, creating a secure foundation for your prosthesis. Most dental implants are made from titanium, meaning they’re light in weight, biocompatible, and eventually become a part of your mouth’s anatomy.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Dental implants are painless and safe when placed by a trained and experienced implant dentist like Dr. Chris Constantine. At Osler Dental Professionals in Towson, MD, we use anesthesia to diminish pain and discomfort during dental implants. You will feel relaxed, comfortable, and at ease during your procedure.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Dr. Chris Constantine and our team at Osler Dental Professionals prioritize your safety and comfort. Our goal is to ensure your oral and general health are well cared for, and we will do everything we can to make your experience with us pleasant and positive. Considered the gold standard for tooth replacements, dental implants have a 98 percent success rate. Ideal candidates for dental implants have a healthy jawbone and gum tissue. However, those without healthy oral tissues can receive pre-treatments like gum or bone grafting to prevent implant failure.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Implant posts can last a lifetime with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups. The dental crown or artificial teeth, like a denture, can last for about 10–15 years before needing replacement due to normal wear and tear.
What Does the Dental Implant Process Involve?
1. Initial Consultation
During your initial dental implant appointment, your dentist in Towson will perform a thorough assessment, and you can discuss your candidacy and treatment needs. This assessment may include digital oral scanning, x-rays, visual examination, and more. If you are a good candidate for dental implants, we create a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs, goals, and budget.
2. Preparing the Jawbone
If your jawbone isn’t healthy enough to hold an implant, you might require bone grafting before implant placement. Bone grafting helps create a more stable foundation for the implant and promotes implant success.
3. Placing a Dental Implant
Your dentist surgically places the implant into the bone under the gums during the procedure. While we wait for the bone to grow around the implant, we will set a temporary artificial tooth or teeth that you can remove for cleaning and sleeping.
4. Waiting on Jawbone Growth
When the dentist places the implant post, osseointegration begins. That’s when the jawbone grows and attaches itself to the implant, securing a base for your final artificial tooth or teeth. Osseointegration can take several months, so patience during this phase is key––and you’ll have a healthier, more attractive smile in no time!
5. Placing Abutments
When osseointegration is complete, we place the abutment to the screwlike post so we can attach the artificial tooth to the implant. When placing the abutment, we reopen the gums, expose the implant, attach the abutment, and reseal the gum tissue.
6. Attaching an Artificial Tooth
When the gums heal in a couple of weeks, we will attach the artificial tooth, and you’ll once again be on your way to eating your favorite cuisine and smiling confidently.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Some insurance plans may cover dental implants, while others may not. You will have to speak with your insurance company about this, or our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to assist you. The dental implant process has different phases and requirements based on the patient, so it’s essential to know how much preparation is needed for the dental implant.
Tooth extraction: Most insurance companies cover tooth extractions, at least in part. If you need a tooth extraction due to deep decay, infection, or damage, you might need a dental implant to replace the tooth.
Bone or gum grafting (optional): Implant dentistry requires healthy gums and a solid underlying jawbone to reinforce the implant and keep it stable. Despite this being a crucial step for some patients, dental insurance may not cover it.
Placing the implant: The implant placement surgery is considered a major dental procedure, which primarily reflects the cost of treatment rather than the intensity or complexity of it. Some insurance plans cover up to half of the significant procedures like this.
Placing the artificial tooth: The replacement crown or denture provides a seamless appearance and enhanced function so you can eat and speak effectively. Placing an artificial tooth is also considered a major dental procedure. Some insurance plans might cover some of the cost, but it’s best to check with your insurance company.
Osler Dental Professionals accept various forms of payment, including financing via LendingClub.
Contact Your Implant Dentist in Towson, MD
If you have an incomplete smile and desire permanent tooth replacements, schedule a consultation with our team at Osler Dental Professionals. We would love to help you find the best treatment for your smile!