Family Dental Wellness Center
Cosmetic & Family Dentist located in Elkridge, MD
Missing teeth not only affect the appearance of your smile, but they can also affect your oral health as well. At Family Dental Wellness Center in Elkridge, Maryland, Samia Azhar, DDS, helps men and women restore their smiles with long-lasting dental implants. If you’re looking for an effective and reliable solution to replacing your missing teeth, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Dental Implants Q&A
What are dental implants?
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, few options provide the strength and long-lasting results of dental implants. A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of your missing tooth. Once placed, the implant is topped with a custom-made crown that matches the color, size, and alignment of your existing teeth. Dental implants are a highly effective method of tooth restoration with a success rate of over 95%. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire top or bottom row of teeth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that they not only look like your natural teeth, but they function like your natural teeth, too. Dental implants allow you to speak, bite, and chew with confidence.
Dental implants also prevent bone loss. Over time, missing teeth cause a number of changes to your teeth and jaw structure. By replacing the missing tooth root, dental implants prevent jaw shrinkage and keep your existing teeth from shifting and becoming misaligned.
How are dental implants placed?
Dental implants are placed during a minor surgical procedure where the implant is installed directly into the jawbone. Your jaw must heal for a few months before your permanent crown can be placed. During this time, the jawbone fuses with the implant, allowing for a sturdy, reliable restoration. After the healing period, Dr. Azhar sends impressions of your teeth off to a lab for the construction of your custom crown.
Some people lack adequate jawbone space to support the implant. In this case, applying a bone graft during or before the implant procedure helps rebuild your jawbone and create enough space for the implant.
How do I care for dental implants? Few dental implants fail once they’ve successfully fused with your jawbone. It's important to practice good oral hygiene and avoid excessive biting force to ensure the longevity of your implant. Poor oral hygiene can lead to issues with bacteria and infection that can damage your implant.
Peri-implantitis is an infection that causes inflammation to the gum and bone structure that surrounds your implant. Flossing, brushing, and regular professional cleanings can lower your risk of infection and are essential to the health of your dental implant and overall smile.
To find out if dental implants are the right solution for you, call the office or book an appointment online today!