Dental implants, with an over 95% success rate among patients, provide the most natural-looking and functioning tooth replacement option for patients who have lost one or more of their teeth. No tooth-replacement option that will give you a longer-lasting result. Dental 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. Dr. Ray Becker provides dental implants in Columbia, MD for patients missing teeth, to replace dentures, and more.
Our dentist office provides full implant services, no matter if you have a single lost tooth or all your teeth missing. Visit Howard County Smiles for all of your restorative dentistry needs.
What is a dental implant, and how does it work?
A dental implant is a bio-compatible titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jaw bone, replacing the root of a missing tooth. This titanium post will act as the tooth root, providing 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. Dental implants do not come loose like dentures and can last a lifetime if cared for properly, along with regular dental visits.
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, dental 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 are indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Investing in tooth implants is investing in your quality of life and long-term oral health.
Benefits of Dental Implants in Columbia, MD
Implants offer many benefits over removable tooth restorations:
- 95% or higher success rate
- Improved bone and gum health (compared to alternative restorations)
- Avoids degradation of healthy teeth (as in conventional bridgework)
- Improves the appearance of the smile and lower face
- Patients can enjoy a healthy diet without restrictions
- No worry of slippage or dentures “falling out”
Because dental implants act as new tooth root, they offer many advantages over removable restorations. After you lose a permanent tooth, you also begin to lose your natural jaw bone. Without the support of the tooth root, you can experience facial sagging.
Missing teeth also make it hard to bite and chew hard and crunchy foods. Implants help support good bite function so you can eat the foods you love.
About the Dental Implant Procedure
Dr. Becker, a Columbia dentist near you, will create a personalized treatment plan to provide you with the best dental implants Columbia, MD, has to offer. He will perform the tooth implant surgery and complete the restoration in our Howard County dental office.
Implantation: The placement of the dental implant is a simple, procedure performed in the dentist office under local anesthesia. It typically takes three to six months for the implant 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.
Implant Restoration: After the healing process, Dr. Becker will uncover the implant and attach the dental crown, dental bridge, or denture. Your restoration will look and function the same as your natural teeth. You can brush and floss normally. Routine visits to the dentist will ensure the long-term health and function of the dental implant.
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 does not require any support from neighboring teeth or the use of adhesives.
For denture patients, dental implants can minimize speech impediments often associated with loose or ill-fitting dentures. The dental implants will also allow you to eat a healthy, varied diet and chew much more efficiently so you can live your life without concern over what foods you can and cannot eat.
Columbia, MD Implant Dentistry FAQs
We welcome you to read answers to common questions our patients have about implant treatment:
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants is determined by the number and location of implants, as well as your overall dental health. Dr. Becker will review all of your options as well as the cost of procedures before treatment.
Most dental implant procedures are not covered by insurance. However, we will submit the necessary billing and documentation to your insurance company on your behalf to allow for maximum reimbursement. Dr. Becker also offers third-party financing through CareCredit to help make dental implants in Columbia, MD, more affordable for everyone.
Are dental implants right for me?
In order to be a candidate for dental implants, patients should be healthy enough for surgery, have healthy gums and adequate bone structure to support the implant. Dr. Becker will perform a comprehensive evaluation and recommend the various treatment options available to you.
What is the best choice for missing teeth?
Whether you have one or several missing teeth, there are many options for replacement. Dr. Becker will evaluate your condition and help you choose which replacement option is best for you. In many cases, a dental implant is the best choice for someone who wants a long-lasting, worry-free solution.
Dental implants have the highest success rate and patient satisfaction compared with any other type of dental treatment. Implants give patients the most lifelike replacement for missing teeth with the ability to eat, drink, speak and smile confidently and without any restrictions.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Dr. Becker will assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw before treatment to determine if you are an ideal candidate. You will need to have an adequate amount of bone in your jaw to support the implant. The best candidates have healthy gum tissue as well.
However, if there are concerns about the condition of your oral health, we offer periodontal therapy and bone grafting to 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 require at-home oral care and regular dental visits. To keep your dental implants clean and free of infection, continue brushing and flossing them.
What should I eat after I receive my dental implants?
After your dental implant treatment, you may need to avoid eating chewy, sticky, or hard foods temporarily. Avoid foods like popcorn, chips, nuts, crackers, and candy. These types of foods can get stuck in the incision site and also cause micro-abrasions.
Once the soft tissues in your mouth have healed, you can resume your normal diet. Tooth implants are a convenient restoration because they improve the bite’s function, allowing patients to enjoy their favorite foods again.
How long does a dental implant last?
With proper care and maintenance, you can expect your dental implant to last a lifetime. The implant post is permanent. You may need to replace your crown, bridge, or denture over time. However, the implant restoration will last longer than if it did not have support from implant posts.
How can I learn more about dental implants?
To learn more about teeth implants, visit our other implant pages:
- More Dental Implants FAQs
- The Benefits of Dental Implants
- What are Dental Implants?
- The Cost of Dental Implants
- Implant-Supported Crown
- Full Mouth Dental Implants
Schedule a Consultation
If you have a missing tooth or several missing teeth, we provide implants for Columbia smiles of all types. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Becker to learn more about the benefits of dental implants in Columbia, Maryland.
Let us know if you are interested in restoring one or more lost teeth. We will help create a custom treatment plan to meet your goals, budget, and health needs.