Dental implants have an over 95% success rate. They offer the most natural-looking and functioning tooth replacement option for patients who have lost one or more teeth. Dr. Ray Becker provides dental implants in Columbia, MD, for patients with missing teeth. Implants can also replace dentures and bridges.
Our Columbia dental office provides full implant services, whether you have a single lost tooth or all your teeth are missing. Visit Howard County Smiles for all your restorative dentistry needs.
What is a dental implant, and how does it work?
A dental implant is a biocompatible titanium post we surgically implant into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. This titanium post will act as the tooth root to provide a strong foundation for the replacement tooth. Then, Dr. Becker will use that to attach a replacement tooth.
A dental implant can support a dental crown for a single missing tooth or a denture to replace all your missing teeth. Implants don’t come loose like dentures and can last a lifetime if cared for properly.
Dental implants can offer patients a stable and healthy oral foundation for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. A permanent and durable treatment option for missing teeth, implants support bone regeneration, healthy gums, and overall oral health.
Supporting healthy bone growth in the jaw will maintain your natural appearance and profile. They’re indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Investing in tooth implants is investing in your quality of life and long-term oral health.
The Benefits of Dental Implants in Columbia, MD
Dental implants offer these benefits over removable traditional restorations:
- High Success Rate: Dental implants have a success rate of 95% or higher. They’re reliable and effective for most patients. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime. Implants are a worthwhile investment in your dental health.
- Better Bone and Gum Health: They fuse directly with the jawbone, helping to maintain the natural structure of your bone and gums. This prevents bone loss, which often happens after losing a tooth. No tooth-replacement option that will give you a longer-lasting result. Implants also help preserve tooth-supporting bone that naturally deteriorates when a tooth is lost. Bone absorption is one of the major hidden consequences of losing teeth.
- Protects Healthy Teeth: They don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support. In contrast, traditional bridges need to be anchored to surrounding teeth, which can weaken them over time. Implants leave healthy teeth untouched, preserving your natural smile.
- Enhanced Smile and Facial Appearance: Implants don’t just fill the gap left by a missing tooth; they also support the shape of your face. When teeth are missing, the jawbone can shrink and contribute to facial sagging. Dental implants provide structure, helping maintain a youthful appearance.
- Enjoy a Full Diet: You can eat all the foods you love without worry. Since they’re rooted firmly in the jaw, the posts function like natural teeth. You can bite and chew normally, even with hard and crunchy foods.
- No Slipping or Movement: Dental implants are stable and secure. They won’t slip out of place. You won’t need to worry about them shifting while you eat or talk. Implants add to your confidence and comfort when you’re around others.
About the Dental Implant Procedure
Dr. Becker will create a personalized treatment plan to provide you with the best dental implants Columbia, MD, offers. He’ll perform the tooth implant surgery and complete the restoration in our Howard County dental office.
The dental implant placement is a simple procedure performed in the dentist’s office under local anesthesia. The implant typically takes three to six months to heal and fully integrate with the jawbone. In some cases, Dr. Becker will place the permanent dental crown during this visit. Other times, a temporary crown will be placed while the implant heals.
Dr. Becker will uncover the implant and attach the dental crown, dental bridge, or denture after you heal. Your restoration will look and function the same as your natural teeth. You can brush and floss normally. Routine dental visits will ensure the dental implant’s long-term health and function.
Dental Implant vs. Dental Bridges vs. Dentures
All three of these restorations replace missing teeth. However, a dental implant is the only one that replaces the actual root structure of a tooth. This means that the prosthetic tooth (or teeth) is permanently fixed in the mouth and doesn’t need any support from neighboring teeth or the use of adhesives.
For denture patients, dental implants can minimize speech impediments. They’ll also allow you to eat a healthy and varied diet and chew much more efficiently. You can live without concern over what foods you can and cannot eat.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome you to read answers to common questions our patients have about implant treatment. Our office also welcomes your questions, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants is determined by the number and location of implants and your overall dental health. Dr. Becker will review all your options and the cost of procedures before treatment.
Most dental implant procedures aren’t covered by insurance. However, we’ll submit the necessary billing and documentation to your insurance company on your behalf to maximize reimbursement. Dr. Becker also offers third-party financing through CareCredit to help make dental implants more affordable for everyone.
Are dental implants right for you?
Good candidates for implants are those who:
- Are healthy enough for surgery
- Have healthy gums
- Have adequate jawbone structure to support the implant
Dr. Becker will perform a comprehensive evaluation and then recommend the various treatment options available to you.
What is the best choice for missing teeth?
You have many replacement options to choose from if you have one or more missing teeth. Dr. Becker will evaluate your oral health and find the best option for you. A dental implant is often the best choice for someone who wants a long-lasting and worry-free solution.
Dental implants have the highest success rate and patient satisfaction compared with any other type of dental treatment. They give patients the most lifelike replacement for missing teeth. Implant restorations can also help you eat, drink, and speak without restrictions.
Are you a good candidate for dental implants?
Dr. Becker will assess your teeth, gums, and jaw before treatment to see if you’re an ideal candidate. You must have enough bone in your jaw to support the implant, and the best candidates also have healthy gum tissue.
We offer periodontal therapy and bone grafting if you have concerns about your oral health. These treatments improve gum and bone structure to accommodate implants and ensure a stable result.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Just like natural teeth, implants need at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Continue to brush and floss to keep your new teeth clean. We may also recommend a water flosser to get hard-to-reach areas.
What should I eat after I get my dental implants?
After your dental treatment, temporarily avoid chewy, sticky, or hard foods. These include popcorn, chips, nuts, crackers, and candy. Some foods can get stuck in the incision site and cause micro-abrasions.
Once the soft tissues in your mouth have healed, you can resume your regular diet. Tooth implants are a convenient restoration because they improve the bite’s function so you can enjoy your favorite foods again.
How long does a dental implant last?
With proper care and maintenance, your dental implant can last a lifetime. The post is permanent. You may need to replace your crown, bridge, or denture over time. However, the restoration will last longer than if it didn’t have support from implant posts.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes, dental implants are safe. They’re a common and reliable treatment for replacing missing teeth. The process involves placing a small titanium post into your jawbone, which then heals and fuses with the bone to support a new tooth.
While risks like infection or complications with healing are possible, they’re rare. With proper care and regular checkups, dental implants can be a safe and long-lasting solution.
Replace Your Missing Teeth Today
Schedule an appointment online with Dr. Becker to get dental implants in Columbia, MD. Let us know your issues and we will put a plan in place to restore your lost teeth. We’ll meet your goals and health needs with patient-centered dentistry.
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