8894 Stanford Blvd Suite 200 Columbia, MD 21045-5162

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New Patients (410) 415-9013

All About Dental Implants

All about dental implantsAre you tired of suffering in silence and shame because you’re missing teeth? A dental implant may be your best option to restore your smile and smile confidently again. Learn why patients and dentists prefer this tooth replacement option over others available.

What’s So Good About Dental Implants?

According to dentists, a dental implant offers patients with missing teeth a permanent solution to the gaps in their smile. A dental implant is simply a tiny post embedded in the jaw onto which attaches a dental crown that replaces the missing tooth. The crown restores the appearance, health, and full use of your teeth. Dental implants are frequently recommended by both patients and dentists because they look, feel, and function like your natural teeth would. Although the cost of dental implants may be higher than other options, their myriad of benefits make them well worth the extra cost.

A Convenient and Comfortable Procedure

Living with missing teeth can be embarrassing and difficult, dental implant surgery is a relatively comfortable and convenient procedure that can help you regain your natural smile and confidence. The surgery is minimally invasive and leaves the patient with little to no post-procedure discomfort. For most people, the placement process is very simple but in more complex cases that require bone grafts to support the implants, the procedure can take over several months to be completed. But people with basic lost teeth can actually get same day dental implants. Thanks to advances in dentistry, same day dental implants are becoming more common for most patients.

To find out if a dental implant is right for you, you’ll need an evaluation by your dentist. If you have a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone, you can have the procedure completed at any time. If not, you will need to strengthen the bone with bone grafts, which will increase the cost of dental implants. Although dental implants may cost slightly more than other options, they don’t require the regular replacements or lead to the later dental health problems that those other options do. Once the dental implant is embedded into the jawbone, it will gradually fuse to the bone over the next few months, ensuring that the implant is stable and secure. Once the implant is fully healed, you will again have a complete smile that looks, acts, and feels just like your natural teeth.

Caring For and Cleaning Dental Implants

Dental implants are surprisingly simple to care for being that their maintenance is the same as taking care of your natural teeth. Simply follow these basic oral health guidelines:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily
  • Floss daily
  • Seek treatment for any tooth grinding or clenching problem you may have
  • Schedule regular professional check-ups and cleanings

Dental Implants in Columbia, MD

If you are in the Columbia MD area and are considering dental implants, contact Dr. Ray Becker and his helpful staff at Howard County Smiles at 410.415.9013 or schedule an appointment online today!