Dental implants are a modern solution for missing teeth. They can offer patients important benefits for long-term oral health and lifestyle. Dr. Justin Maxwell offers comprehensive dental implant services in Ellicott City and works with patients to replace one or missing teeth using digital technology and the latest techniques. These restorative dental treatments can significantly enhance both your smile and oral health.
Restoring your smile with implant dentistry can give you back the ability to enjoy life to the fullest. Our ability to offer complete services for implant dentistry under one roof can make your path to a new smile more convenient and ensure consistency of care throughout the journey.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post that serves as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. It is surgically placed into the jawbone and allowed to integrate with the bone. This provides a strong and stable foundation for a prosthetic tooth. Dental implants offer several important benefits when compared to traditional tooth replacement options. These benefits often outweigh the cost and treatment time associated with using implants to replace a missing tooth or support a denture.
- Improved Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They fuse with the bone, becoming a permanent part of your mouth. This provides a natural look that enhances your smile.
- Better Speech: Missing teeth and ill-fitting dentures can cause speech problems. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry of teeth slipping. This leads to clearer and more confident communication.
- Enhanced Comfort: Because dental implants become an integrated part of your bite, they eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures. They provide a secure fit, which means no more slipping or clicking noises.
- Increased Durability: Dental implants are very durable. With proper care, they can last many years. Often, they last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run.
- Natural Chewing Function: Dental implants restore the ability to bite and chew normally, allowing patients to enjoy a varied, healthy diet.
About The Dental Implant Procedure: the benefits of digital technology.
The dental implant process begins with a consultation with Dr. Justin Maxwell. During this visit, he will examine your mouth and take X-rays. We have an in-office CBCT scanner for taking 3-D images of your oral structures. Thes images can be used for your personal treatment plan and as part of the placement process. Diagnostics is an important element of thorough treatment planning and can be used to determine the need for additional treatments to prepare for implants and what type of dental implants are best for your needs. If underlying problems such as bone or tissue loss are identified, Dr. Maxwell may recommend bone or tissue grafting to support the implants and a successful result.
The next step is to surgically insert the titanium post into your jawbone. Dr. Maxwell uses advanced digital technology to place your implants and ensure success. Digital surgical guides enable him to provide a more accurate placement into stable, healthy tissue for a predictable outcome.
Depending on the type of implants being placed, there will be a healing period between this step and the placement of the final restoration. This allows the implant to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Most patients will receive a temporary crown, bridge, or denture to restore function at this time.
Once the implant has integrated with the bone, Dr. Maxwell will attach the restoration. In the case of a single-tooth implant, a custom-made dental crown is then placed on top. This crown matches the color and shape of your natural teeth. If a denture is being secured to several implants, new dental impressions may be taken so the final denture is fitted to your gums properly.
Maintaining Dental Implants
For the most part, dental implants and implant-supported bridges and dentures can be maintained like natural teeth. This includes daily brushing and flossing to remove food and bacteria. Other factors to consider after receiving dental implants include:
- Proper Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for the success of your dental implants. Brush and floss regularly to keep your gums healthy. This prevents infection and ensures the longevity of your implants.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular visits to Dr. Maxwell are important. He will check the condition of your implants and overall oral health. Early detection of potential issues can prevent serious problems later.
- Avoiding Harmful Habits: Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candy. This can damage your implants and natural teeth. Also, avoid smoking, as it can affect the healing process and overall implant success.