Dental implants are a remarkable tooth replacement solution. They are strong, natural-looking, and long-lasting. They’re also easy to take care of and offer a number of oral health benefits. But what exactly is involved in the treatment process for dental implants in Towson? Here is a brief and generalized look at the smile restoration journey from the initial consultation to the moment you receive your brand-new smile. You have a lot to look forward to!
During your initial consultation, our team will carry out a detailed examination of your mouth and talk to you about your goals, habits, and overall health. We’ll also answer any questions you may have about implants. Then, we’ll let you know if we believe implants are a suitable treatment for you. If they are, we’ll educate you about the specific steps you’ll need to take on your route to a renewed smile. Some patients require preliminary work, such as bone grafts or gum disease treatment, before they can receive implants. Others can proceed straight to the placement surgery.
Our in-house periodontist, Dr. Melody Ward, will perform your dental implant placement surgery right in our office. In a minimally invasive procedure, she creates an incision in the gums and gently inserts the implants at strategic locations throughout the jawbone. Thanks to sedation and local anesthetic, you should be completely comfortable throughout the procedure. Once Dr. Ward closes the incisions, your body will begin the process of osseointegration.
Osseointegration is a remarkable process wherein your body fuses to the dental implants over a period of a few months. It is this strong bond that will enable your new smile to be sturdy and stand the test of time. After your implants and your bone have fused together, our team will place abutments on top of the implants. Abutments are small pieces that connect the implants to your implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture.
The final step of the implant process is the most exciting — it’s when you get your new teeth! Your dentist in Towson will design a custom-made prosthesis that will attach to your implants. Once your restoration arrives in our office from the dental lab, we’ll check to make sure that it will provide you with a comfortable, well-aligned bite. Then, you can go on our way and begin to enjoy all of the benefits of an implant-restored smile.