There are many options for replacing missing teeth. How do you know which one is the right one for you? At Bowersox D.D.S., Dr. Paul Bowersox recommends Westminster, MD dental implants. Dr. Bowersox highlights the benefits of dental implants and why they’re the best choice to replace missing teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are made up of three different parts. First, the titanium posts are what are actually implanted in your jawbone. They’re the base of the implant. An abutment is attached to the post to provide the connecting point between the post and the final restoration. The final restoration is the finishing piece. It’s usually a dental crown. However, it can also be a dental bridge or denture.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
There’s a reason why dental implants are considered the gold standard to replace missing teeth. For starters, they’re the only method that replaces the tooth root. This helps stop the deterioration of the jawbone, and can even reverse it. It stimulates jawbone growth because the implant post has to fuse with the jawbone.
Replacing the tooth root also makes them the most stable tooth replacement option. Unlike traditional dentures that rely on adhesive to stay in the mouth, you never have to worry about implants falling out. You don’t have to change your diet either like you would with other methods. Dental implants are designed so that you get your full bite function back.
Dental implants are the most natural in both feel and look. With dentures and other restorations, there’s a learning curve to know how to use them. They don’t feel like your natural teeth in your mouth. They’re a restoration that’s set for life and intended to last years. With dentures, you still have bone deterioration. This means your dentures will have to be refitted or replaced multiple times throughout the rest of your life.
The Dental Implants Process
One of the few downsides to dental implants is that the process takes a long time and not everyone is eligible for them. To be eligible for dental implants, you have to be free of gum disease and have sufficient bone density to support the implants. You’ll have to be a non-smoker or quit smoking and be dedicated to a regular oral healthcare routine.
Your first appointment with Dr. Bowersox will be a consultation where he can determine if you’re a suitable candidate. If you are, we’ll use dental technology to take a three-dimensional scan of your mouth. With this, we can determine the best placement for the dental implants to ensure that they’re successful and have the amount of bone needed for support.
The titanium posts are then placed in your jawbone. After this is done, they require about 3-6 months to fully heal and fuse with the bone. This process can’t be rushed because this healing time is what gives them the stability you’re looking for.
An abutment will be attached when the healing time is over. A custom restoration will be created for you to finish the process. The size, shape, and shade of the dental restoration will be customized to blend in smoothly with the rest of your smile.
Getting Dental Implants in Westminster, Maryland
Do you think dental implants are the right choice to replace your missing teeth? Call us or schedule an appointment online.