Losing a tooth, whether from injury, decay, or age, can leave more than just a gap in your smile. It can take a toll on your confidence, impact your comfort when eating or speaking, and even affect the health of your remaining teeth.
Tooth loss is more common than you might think, and at the Krupp Center, we believe no one should have to settle for discomfort or insecurity when modern solutions are within reach.
Dental implants are one of the most advanced and reliable options for replacing missing teeth, each designed to look, feel, and function just like the real thing. If you have been thinking about dental implants near Towson, MD, but are not sure where to start, you are in the right place.
Our team has put together this guide to walk you through what dental implants are, their benefits, and what to expect when you schedule your treatment, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
What Are Dental Implants?
It can feel like you are all alone after damaging or losing a tooth. You might notice your bite change, which affects how you chew, the way you speak, the appearance of your smile, and even the structure of your face.
Tooth loss is a common oral health issue, affecting nearly 120 million Americans. Though tooth loss is deeply personal, affecting both oral health and overall confidence, it is not a journey you have to be on alone.
You may have heard of dental implants near Towson, MD, but do not know exactly what they are. Modern dental implants are one of the best solutions for long-term tooth replacement. They look, feel, and act like your natural teeth, working to restore the function and appearance of your smile.
Breaking Down the Implant
There are multiple parts of a dental implant:
- Implant (or “fixture”): This is the foundation of a dental implant. It mimics the natural root of a tooth. It is a screw-like post made of surgical titanium that is implanted into the jaw. The implant will integrate with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
- Abutment: The abutment attaches to the top of the implant and acts as a connector between the implant and the crown.
- Crown: This is the visible part of the dental implant and is an artificial tooth crafted to match the appearance and function of the missing tooth.
There are also different dental implant procedures, depending on what teeth are missing and where. The primary implant offerings are the single-tooth dental implant and the All-on-4 dental implants.
A single-tooth dental implant is used to replace one missing or damaged tooth. Unlike your natural teeth, dental implants do not decay and have the highest long-term success rates for restoring function to a single lost tooth.
The All-on-4® dental implant procedure is a full-arch dental implant. This procedure involves replacing your entire upper or lower arch of teeth with specially crafted artificial teeth. You no longer need to struggle with traditional dentures.
There are still implants and abutments required for this procedure, but instead of a single artificial tooth, your oral surgeon will apply a full fixed, non-removable prosthesis that restores your smile, sometimes in a single day.
Who is a good candidate?
Most people will be good candidates for dental implants. If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be the perfect treatment option for you. We will always confirm whether you are a candidate for dental implants during the consultation process at the Krupp Center.
Usually, suitable candidates for implants will have healthy gums and a mature jawbone that has stopped growing. Your jawbone will also need to have enough bone to support and anchor the implants.
During your consultation, your oral surgeon will take X-rays of your mouth and assess whether you have enough bone in your jaw to move on with the implant process. If you do not, there are still options available to you. Surgeons can rebuild the jawbone with grafting procedures before placing implants.
There are a few conditions that may adversely affect the outcome of the dental implant procedure. This includes:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Cancer or recent radiation treatment to the jaw
- Uncontrolled gum disease
These conditions do not disqualify you from being a suitable candidate for dental implants near Towson, MD, but our oral surgeon will need to thoroughly assess your specific situation and work with you to tailor a treatment plan and aftercare that will increase your overall oral health.
Restore, Renew, Replace: The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer significant advantages compared to other tooth replacement solutions. They are extremely durable and are designed to look and feel like a natural tooth. When compared to alternatives, they have some unique benefits.
Durability
Dental implants last longer than their counterparts and have a success rate of over 90-95% over 10 years. In comparison, a study found that dentures only last around 10 years before requiring replacement, and dental bridges need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years.
Prevents Bone Loss
When you lose a tooth, there is less pressure put on that portion of the jawbone. Over time, this can lead to your body breaking down and reabsorbing some of the bone tissue in the jawbone.
This can happen quickly, with significant reabsorption occurring within the first 6 months of losing the tooth. Studies have found that dental implants can actually prevent this reabsorption and even help to reverse lost bone mass in the jaw.
Keeps Other Teeth Stable
After you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth can migrate towards the empty gap. This can cause problems with your bite, affecting your ability to chew and speak. Aesthetically, it can affect the look of your smile, as the teeth gradually spread and separate as they move.
A dental implant fills that gap between your teeth and works to prevent the healthy teeth around it from drifting or shifting.
Natural Look and Feel
From the implant to the crown, dental implants near Towson, MD, mimic your natural teeth seamlessly. They should look and feel just like the other teeth in your mouth, and are often more comfortable than alternative treatments like dentures that can slide and shift.
When the procedure is performed by an experienced oral surgeon at a practice known for its maxillofacial surgery, the dental implant should be visually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Restores the Appearance of the Face
The jawbone loss that can happen after losing a tooth does more than impact your overall oral health. This loss can also cause your face to reshape, leading to sagging skin, collapsed cheeks, bite misalignment, and an overall sunken appearance.
The more teeth you may be missing, the more noticeable this effect can become. Dental implants prevent these changes by keeping your jaw structurally sound and preventing bone loss.
What to Expect During Your Dental Implant Journey
There are a few stages of the dental implant process you will work through, each designed to ensure that your dental implants will last you a lifetime. From consultation to post-care, here is what you can expect when beginning your implant journey.
Initial Consultation
The first step you will take when beginning the dental implant process is a consultation with our team to assess your teeth, oral health, and candidacy for the procedure. We may take X-rays and images of your jaw to ensure that there is enough bone to support the implant.
Based on the examination and any X-rays and imaging we take, we will discuss your goals and outline a treatment plan for installing the implant.
Implant Placement
Once our surgeon has explained your treatment plan to you, which includes outlining the necessary procedures and anesthesia options, you will move forward with the dental implant surgery.
This will be a surgery to install the implants (surgical titanium rod). We will insert the implant post into your jaw with local anesthetic and possibly additional anesthesia such as nitrous oxide, oral, or IV medications. The procedure may take one to a few hours, depending on your treatment plan, and for additional anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
In the days following your surgery, the implant site may be tender and slightly swollen. Over-the-counter pain medicines may ease some discomfort. Take any prescribed medication according to your post-care instructions.
Before moving on to the next step, your jaw will need to recover. This healing period allows for new bone to grow around the implant, making it more stable and permanent.
Placing the Crown
After your jaw has recovered (which usually takes a few months after the surgery), our oral surgeon will secure a permanent crown on the top of your dental implants. Between the implant placement and placing the permanent crown, we may place a temporary tooth over the dental implant to restore your smile and protect the implant while it heals.
Follow-Up Visits
Once your permanent crown is installed, our surgeon will recommend scheduling a follow-up visit to ensure the implant works as intended. This may be a few weeks after the implant procedure is complete.
Depending on this follow-up visit, we may recommend being seen again. Your oral health expert will work with you to determine the best follow-up schedule based on how your implant is healing and settling within the mouth.
Long-Term Care
Following the placement of your dental implants near Towson, MD, you will want to continue a recommended oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily, and potentially integrating an antimicrobial mouthwash into your routine.
Proper care of the teeth surrounding dental implants is part of caring for the implants themselves. Good oral hygiene keeps the implants healthy and preserves their lifetime. Ensure you schedule regular cleanings with your normal dental hygienist, as this maintains the health of your implants and the surrounding tissue.
Take the First Step Toward a Stronger, Healthier Smile
Choosing to restore your smile with dental implants is a big decision, but it is also one that can truly change your life. From improved function and appearance to renewed self-confidence, the benefits go far beyond what you see in the mirror.
At the Krupp Center, we combine advanced technology with compassionate care to create a dental implant experience that is comfortable, personalized, and focused entirely on you and your oral health needs.
If you have been thinking about dental implants near Towson, MD, there is no better time to explore your options. Request an appointment, and let us work together to bring your healthiest, happiest smile to life.
