- What Are Dental Implants?
- What Is the Process for Dental Implants?
- What Should I Expect after Getting Dental Implants?
- What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
- Dental Implants Reviews
- Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
- Dental Implants FAQ
- Lifelike Results for Your Smile
- Get In Touch
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What Are Dental Implants?
Losing a tooth can be a challenging experience, but at UMG Family Dentistry, we are here to help you regain your confidence and restore your smile. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care, and dental implants are one of the most effective solutions we offer for tooth replacement. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth, helping you enjoy a healthier and more complete smile. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made from titanium, designed to support a replacement tooth, bridge, or denture. This innovative solution mimics the structure of a natural tooth with the implant serving as the "root" and a custom dental crown or bridge replacing the visible part of the tooth. Whether you're missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants can provide a long-term solution. Schedule an oral exam at our Columbia, MD practice and inquire about your oral implant options.
What Is the Process for Dental Implants?
With the following dental implant procedure steps, you'll be able to enjoy a fully functional and beautiful smile:
- Consultation and planning: Your journey begins with a thorough consultation, during which we assess your oral health, take x-rays, and discuss your goals. If you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, we'll create a customized treatment plan.
- Implant placement: During the procedure, we will numb the treatment area using local anesthesia. In some cases, we offer sedation options to ensure you remain comfortable. Once numb, the titanium post (implant) is surgically placed into your jawbone.
- Healing and osseointegration: This healing and integration process, called osseointegration, typically takes between 3 – 6 months. During this time, the implant fuses with your bone, becoming a sturdy foundation for your new tooth.
- Abutment placement: Once the implant has healed, an abutment is placed. This is a small connector piece that will hold the custom restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) securely to the implant.
- Final restoration: The final step in the dental implant procedure timeline is attaching the custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to the implant. We will ensure the restoration fits with your bite and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
While the procedure involves some discomfort, local anesthesia ensures you won't feel pain during the surgery. Any post-surgical discomfort is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. The entire dental implant process varies, depending on individual cases. Typically, the full process, from implant placement to the final restoration, can take anywhere from 3 – 9 months. Healing time and whether bone grafting is needed can affect the timeline.
What Should I Expect after Getting Dental Implants?
Patients who undergo this procedure may experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the treated area. These symptoms can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers and cool compresses. Once the titanium implant has fused with the jawbone and the custom restoration is in place, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential. Proper brushing and flossing will help preserve the implant's longevity. During routine visits to UMG Family Dentistry, our team will use specialized dental instruments to clean the implants and monitor the condition of the tooth replacements.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants at UMG Family Dentistry in Columbia, MD offer a variety of benefits that make them a popular choice for tooth replacement. They not only restore your smile but also provide significant health advantages, including:
- Durable and long-lasting restorations: Implants are designed to last for many years, offering a permanent solution to tooth loss when properly cared for.
- Natural look and feel: Implants closely mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, making them nearly indistinguishable from your natural smile.
- Preserve jawbone health: Implants stimulate the jawbone, helping prevent bone loss that typically occurs after tooth loss.
- Improved chewing and speaking: Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants allow you to chew and speak with confidence and ease.
- No impact on nearby teeth: Unlike bridges, which may require adjacent teeth to be filed down for support, implants leave surrounding teeth intact.
- Increased confidence: A full set of teeth can significantly boost your self-esteem, allowing you to smile more freely.
Dental Implants Reviews
Compassionate and Knowledgable! - Dr. Lady Ung is amazing! She’s super friendly, caring, and really knows her stuff. I felt welcomed and comfortable. Dr. Ung takes the time to explain EVERYTHING clearly and makes sure you feel good about your treatment. You can tell she’s very experienced, especially with her extra training in things like implants and holistic care. The whole team is great, and the office is very cozy. If you're looking for a dentist who truly cares, Dr. Ung is the one to see!
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Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Wondering if you're a good candidate for dental implants? Here are eight signs you might need dental implants:
- Missing one or more teeth
- Difficulty chewing food due to gaps
- Unhappy with your dentures
- Receding jawbone
- Loose or ill-fitting dentures
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Shifting or misaligned teeth
- Concern over your facial structure changing due to missing teeth
Dental Implants FAQ
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last for decades. Maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding habits like smoking can enhance the longevity of implants. However, factors such as overall health and implant location can influence their lifespan.
Can dental implants replace multiple missing teeth?
Yes, dental implants can replace multiple missing teeth. They can support individual crowns, bridges, or even a full arch of teeth with implant-supported dentures. Our team at UMG Family Dentistry will assess your situation and recommend the best option for your needs.
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
Failing to replace a missing tooth can lead to bone loss in the jaw, shifting of surrounding teeth, and changes in facial structure over time. Dental implants help preserve bone density and prevent these issues while restoring functionality.
Lifelike Results for Your Smile
At UMG Family Dentistry, we are committed to helping you achieve a healthy and complete smile. Our experienced team provides dental implants in Columbia, MD with a personalized approach to meet your needs. Whether you're dealing with tooth loss or considering your options for tooth replacement, dental implants can be the solution you're looking for. Call or visit our Columbia, MD practice to learn more about how dental implants can improve your quality of life. Our team can guide you through the dental implant process and help you regain your confidence and comfort.
