At our dental practice, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of patients who choose excellence. Our office proudly offers patients the premier option for tooth replacement: dental implants. Implant dentistry is one of our specialties. Dental implants in Towson, MD, restore the look, feel, and functionality of your missing tooth.
As highly trained and experienced prosthodontists, Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson can provide comprehensive restorative dental care for patients with missing teeth and related dental problems.
About Dental Implants in Towson, MD
Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson are your local restorative and prosthetic dentists in Towson, MD. They provide high-quality dental restorations for patients facing tooth loss, including dental implants. Patients love dental implants due to the extensive list of long-term benefits that they come with, which you won’t find elsewhere in another type of dental restoration.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant restoration is made up of several parts that will work together to replace missing teeth. During a surgical procedure, your oral surgeon surgically places implant posts into the jaw bone. The post acts as an artificial substitute for the tooth root.
This titanium post will take several months to fuse with the surrounding bone. Once it heals, it can support a dental prosthesis and provide stimulation for the bone to regenerate. You’ll get many more benefits with this solution that you simply won’t find in other dental restoration options.
Your oral surgeon will surgically place a titanium post into your jawbone. It acts as an artificial substitute for the tooth roots, providing a strong foundation for the replacement teeth.
Consider the Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great option for replacing teeth. They offer many benefits for patients, especially when compared to other teeth replacement solutions. People who want a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for missing teeth should consider the many benefits they provide.
Looks Natural
A dental implant-supported restoration will improve appearance. Prosthodontists and dentists design them to look and feel like natural teeth, which will improve your smile and overall appearance.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that will preserve the jawbone. They act as missing tooth roots and stimulate the jawbone to prevent bone atrophy. This will also help maintain the natural shape of your face.
Helps You Speak and Eat
Missing teeth and other tooth replacement options, like dentures, can alter your speech. Since dental implants mimic natural teeth, they allow patients to speak properly. Since dental implants allow your false teeth to function like natural teeth, you can eat all of your favorite foods without worrying about discomfort.
Custom Fit
An implant-supported restoration is custom-made to fit perfectly in your mouth. It’ll never shift around and feel comfortable and easy to wear. We take precise measurements of your mouth so your new teeth fit perfectly.
Lasts Years
With the proper care and the right maintenance routine, dental implants can last forever. This will make them more cost-effective in the long run for tooth replacement. You need to replace or rebase removable dentures or traditional bridges over time. Implants secure your new teeth and the implant posts themselves are permanent.
This tooth replacement solution can boost your confidence and self-esteem because it allows you to eat normally, and it improves your overall appearance. They will also help hold the shape for your face to prevent premature aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about tooth replacement at your upcoming appointment. Here are some answers to common questions about dental implant treatment in Towson.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
We recommend implants if you:
- Have missing teeth
- Are in good oral health
- Have enough jawbone
If you have problems like gum disease or cavities, we can provide tooth extractions, root canal treatment, and periodontal treatment. Our office may also recommend bone grafting if you don’t have enough bone to support implants. You need sufficient jaw bone so the implant post can heal properly.
How do I clean my dental implants?
Caring for your dental implants is simple and very similar to caring for your natural teeth. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles. We recommend that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You can also use a water flosser or threaded floss to clean around your restoration.
We also recommend regular visits with Dr. Ousbourne and Esterson. Keeping your mouth clean and healthy will help your implants last longer.
Will I need a bone graft before getting dental implants?
If you do not have enough quality bone tissue, especially at the site where your oral surgeon will place the implant, then you may need a bone graft. People who have worn dentures for many years or who are in poor oral health may have some bone loss.
Adding some bone tissue will help build back up the jaw bone to create a more solid foundation to support the implants. Our dentist will do an exam, take X-rays, and other diagnostics. We’ll determine if you need a bone graft before you get dental implants.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The dental implant process can take several months. Because the oral surgeon must surgically implant your titanium post, the implant site must fully heal to allow the post to fuse with your jawbone.
But we often must insert a temporary prosthesis while you wait. After you heal, we need to add an abutment to the post. This is a minor procedure, but it will require additional healing time. After a few more weeks, your oral surgeon will apply a dental crown to the abutment. Then you’ll have a fully restored tooth with tooth-root functionality.
How painful is getting a tooth implant?
It can vary from patient to patient, but typically, the process is not very painful. You may feel discomfort and soreness after the tooth implant procedure. However, you can manage this with over-the-counter pain medication. You should follow our dentist’s instructions after the tooth implant procedure for a successful recovery.
How many appointments for a dental implant?
A dental implant procedure will require multiple appointments. Since every case is different, it is hard to say how many appointments a particular dental implant procedure will take for you. Most appointments take several months. Overall, most people will need at least two appointments for dental implants.
What should you not do after dental implants?
Don’t touch or brush the gums around the tooth implant area for at least a week. Also, don’t eat hard or chewy foods during this time, as they can irritate you. You should also limit sugary foods and drinks because they can lead to bacterial growth and infection. Also don’t smoke for at least two weeks. Nicotine can restrict the blood vessels and delay the healing process, which can lead to complications.
Will they sedate me for a dental implant procedure?
Placing dental implants is a surgical procedure. As a result, your dentist will incorporate sedation dentistry into your procedure. The type of anesthesia your dentist will use will depend on the number of implants you will get. Most dentists will give patients the option of either IV sedation or nitrous oxide sedation. When you use these two options together with local anesthesia, they can help put patients at ease.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Towson, MD
We are your dentists in Towson, helping you maintain a healthy, stable smile. We recommend visiting our office for a consultation if you’re interested in learning more about dental implants and how they can restore your smile. We will also develop a treatment plan for you.
Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson maintain our practice mission of excellence in all things dentistry for the benefit of our patients and their long-term dental health and wellness. If you are looking to learn more about your tooth replacement options, please schedule an appointment with our dental professionals online. We look forward to seeing you soon.