Dental implants, or prosthetic teeth, operate by substituting both the root and the crown of a tooth after it has been removed from the mouth. Comprised of two primary components, these implants are made up of the implant post and the implant restoration. The implant post serves as a replacement for the tooth root, securely attaching the tooth to the jawbone and providing a stable foundation by promoting the health of the surrounding bone tissue. The implant restoration replaces the crown of the tooth or teeth and can consist of a single crown, a dental bridge or a denture.
Process
Implant dentistry Laurel MD begins with an implant placement surgery, which involves inserting a surgically implanted post into your jawbone during the procedure. This procedure will require a healing period to allow the post to integrate with your jawbone. Following the recovery period, our dentists will work with you to design and put into practice a restoration tailored to your individual needs. This restoration will be completed once your implant post has been capped, thereby finalizing your treatment.
Dental Implant Options
Individual Tooth Dental Implants
In many cases, a single tooth usually needs to be replaced. If this applies to you, our dentists may recommend a single-tooth dental implant to restore your smile. Single-tooth implant dentistry Laurel MD offers a durable and very stable replacement for a missing tooth, consisting of an implant post and an implant crown.
The post is positioned in the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth to act as a substitute for the tooth’s root. After your implant placement recovery, our dentists will create and attach your crown on top of the post to finish your smile restoration and complete your treatment.
Implants also integrate with your jawbone, which helps to preserve the health and integrity of the supporting bone, thereby ensuring that your teeth and implant remain stable and secure in your mouth. Generally, implants are more aesthetic and need less upkeep if they are cleaned regularly using brushing and flossing.
Full-Arch Dental Implants
Full-arch dental implants use four to six implant posts, which are the parts of the dental implant resembling the tooth root, to hold a permanent or removable denture in place. In contrast to conventional dentures, which can become dislodged and move around in the mouth, full-arch dental implants stay firmly in place, allowing you to smile, eat, and speak with confidence.
The Procedure
The implant dentistry Laurel MD is a complex multi-stage operation that involves replacing missing tooth roots with metal posts that are screw-like, which then support artificial crowns that closely mimic the appearance and functionality of natural teeth.
The procedure involves a several-month process of surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, enabling the bone to integrate with the implant via osseointegration, followed by attachment of a connector, and concluding with the placement of a custom-made crown.
The Stages of the Dental Implant Treatment Procedure
At the outset of treatment, a dentist evaluates oral health, takes X-rays, and develops a treatment plan that could necessitate extracting a damaged tooth.
A dentist performs a surgical procedure under local anesthesia, which involves making an incision in the gum and drilling into the jawbone to implant a titanium post.
The jawbone integrates with and becomes permanently attached to the implant surface, a crucial process that usually takes several months to form a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.
Following the completion of the healing process, a second procedure involves attaching an abutment to the implant, which acts as the connector for the final crown.
The last step involves attaching a custom-made artificial tooth, known as a crown, to the abutment, thus restoring both its functionality and a natural aesthetic.
Classification of Surgical Procedures
The two-stage procedure entails the implant being inserted, followed by the gums being sutured over it, which subsequently requires a further operation to expose it.
In a one-stage implant dentistry procedure, the implant is placed with a healing cap already exposed through the gum tissue.
