Dental Implant Placement
Annapolis, MD
If you are thinking about getting dental implants, you might be curious as to how the process works. Our experts in dental implants are happy to review all steps of treatment with you beforehand, so you can be confident that you are making the right choice for you.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants were created to replicate the look of natural teeth and preserve jawbone. When dental implants are present in the jaw, the bone thinks there is a natural tooth there. Therefore, it allows blood to flow to the areas and keeps the bone healthy and alive. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire set of teeth.
How Does the Dental Implant Procedure Work?
First, we will preform a comprehensive exam during your complimentary consultation to ensure that dental implants are the right treatment for you. Once it is determined that you are a candidate for dental implants, we can schedule the surgical phase.
Process for a Single Missing Tooth
For a single missing tooth, a dental implant is placed in the site where the root tip used to be. Sometimes bone grafting will be done prior to implant placement, or at the same time as implant placement to ensure a solid foundation for implant integration to occur. It is extremely important that the implants integrate via a process called osseointegration (os-e-o-in-tuh-GRAY-shun), otherwise the structure will not be stable. Sometimes temporary restorations are placed if the missing tooth is visible. Examples of these include removable flippers or partial dentures. Once the implants have healed completely, we will begin fabricating your new tooth!
Process for Missing Teeth
For several teeth that are missing together, the process is a little different. In this case, two or more dental implants will be placed strategically across the span of the missing teeth. Once the implants have healed, we will then fabricate a multi-unit bridge to replace all missing teeth in that section.
If an entire upper or lower arch of teeth is missing or needs to be replaced, we will use a method called All-On-4® or "Teeth In A Day". In this instance, all remaining teeth are removed, and four dental implants are placed in specific positions to support a full screw-retained bridge. You will leave the same day with a new set of temporary teeth. Once the dental implants have healed, we will begin the restorative phase and the fabrication of your new permanent teeth!
Do you have questions about dental implant placement? If you are concerned about dental implants, or you want more information, give Djawdan Center for Implant and Restorative Dentistry a call at (443) 569-8764. We love to help patients explore all treatment options for restoring a happy, healthy smile! |
