At our dental practice, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of patients who choose and cherish 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. It will take several months for this titanium post to fuse with the surrounding bone. Then, it will be capable of supporting a dental prosthesis and providing stimulation for the bone to regenerate. You will 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 are looking for a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for missing teeth should consider the many benefits they provide.
- A dental implant-supported restoration will provide an improved appearance. Prosthodontists and dentists design them to look and feel like natural teeth, which will improve your smile and overall appearance.
- 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.
- An implant-supported restoration is custom-made to fit perfectly in your mouth. Additionally, it will never shift around, making them more comfortable and easy to wear.
- Since dental implants allow your false teeth to function like natural teeth, you can eat all of your favorite foods without worrying about discomfort.
- 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.
- Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that will preserve the jawbone. They act as missing teeth roots and stimulate the jawbone to prevent bone atrophy. This will also help maintain the natural shape of your face.
- This tooth replacement solution can boost your confidence and self-esteem because it allows you to eat normally, and it improve your overall appearance. They will also help hold the shape for your face, preventing premature aging.
Dental Implants FAQs
We are happy to answer any questions you might have regarding tooth replacement at your upcoming appointment. Here are some answers to frequently asked dental implant questions:
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. Your dentist will do an exam, take X-rays, and do other diagnostics to determine if you need a bone graft before you can receive dental implants.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The dental implant process can take several months due to the healing time required. 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. It may take several months to complete the final restoration.
However, we often must insert a temporary prosthesis during the interim. Following the healing period, they will need to add an abutment to the post. This is a minor procedure but will come with an additional healing time. After a few more weeks, your oral surgeon will apply a dental crown to the abutment. As a result, you will 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 will likely experience discomfort and soreness after the tooth implant procedure. However, you can manage this with over-the-counter pain medication. You should follow your dentist’s instructions after the tooth implant procedure. This will ensure 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?
Do not touch or brush the gums around the tooth implant area for at least a week. Additionally, you should avoid eating hard or chewy foods during this time, as they can irritate you. You should also limit sugary food and drinks; they can lead to bacterial growth and infection. Finally, do not smoke for at least two weeks, as it can delay healing and lead to potential complications.
Will they sedate me for a dental implant procedure?
Placing dental implants is a surgical procedure. As a result, your dentist will recommend some form of sedation. 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 for maintaining 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.