Dental Implants- Proven Effective Solution for Replacing Single or Multiple Missing Teeth in Potomac.

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Dental Implants

Causes of tooth loss include:

-Injury

-Infection

It is possible for teeth to fall out naturally or they may need to be removed by a dentist. Regardless of the cause, tooth loss is often embarrassing for the patient and creates both cosmetic and functional problems. Missing teeth may cause a gaping smile and the structure of the surrounding tissue may shift causing the face to have a different appearance. Feelings of self-consciousness or changes in self-esteem are not uncommon with tooth loss. Remaining teeth may become misaligned following tooth loss and may require treatment with dental braces to correct. There may also be changes in the bite and jaw positioning which often lead to problems with normal chewing and speech. Dental implants are a restorative treatment option for tooth loss available at our Potomac dental office.

Dental implants typically require at least two visits to our Potomac dental office. During the first visit the teeth are examined and assessed for treatment with dental implants. If dental implants will be used, the dentist will begin by placing small titanium rods in the jaw bone. These rods are extremely strong and withstand a large amount of wear and tear. Sometimes after tooth loss the bone in the jaw may shrink. If shrinkage has occurred, bone grafting may be used to add bone material to the jaw and provide the structure needed to place the implant rod. The titanium rod functions like the root of a natural tooth and holds the implant securely in place. The number of titanium rods required depends on how many teeth are being replaced by dental implants. Mini dental implants are a smaller dental implant that can be used for smaller teeth or when there is limited amount of space available in the mouth.

Treatment with dental implants is possible for most patients that have experienced tooth loss. The only patients for whom dental implants may be inappropriate are pediatric patients. Children’s bones will continue to develop and grow, thus the titanium rods may not retain their position over time. Dental implants are even options when patients have received other types of treatments for missing teeth like dental bridges or dentures. A dental implant can provide strength and structure for a bridge or denture.

Dental implants can be a costly treatment, however they are considered to be one of the best treatments for tooth loss. Dental implants are very secure and provide the necessary support for the teeth that allows the patient to have normal speech and chewing ability.

Similar to natural teeth, oral hygiene of dental implants includes regular brushing and flossing as well as regular appointments at our Potomac dental office for professional exams and teeth cleaning.

Dental Implants placing process

Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone in approximately the same places where the natural teeth once were.

stage 2 drilling hole for dental implant

The dentist placing the implant creates a hole into the jawbone that will accept the implant. The hole approximates the shape of the previous tooth and the new artificial implant to be placed.

stage 3 of placing dental implant- placing titanium base

The implant is then inserted into the hole and the gum tissue is closed over the implant to heal. The implant must heal from three to seven months depending on the situation.

stage 4- healing of gum in process of placing dental implant

The bone and gums mature around the implant, and the implant becomes securely fastened to the bone. This healing process is called osseointegration.

final stage in process of placing dental implant

After the bone has healed, the dentist removes a small portion of the gum tissue covering over the implant and the implant is exposed. The artificial tooth or reconstruction is then attached to the implant.

If you have further questions on dental implants, please contact our dental office for an appointment to discuss if dental implants are right for you.

To learn more about modern dental services and smile makeover performed by our Dentist in Potomac click here.
To learn what other cosmetic dentistry procedures available in Potomac click here.

Your Dentist 7508 Wisconsin ave. Bethesda MD 20814 tel: 301-760-4550