Whether missing one or several teeth, dental implants can restore beauty, health, and function to the natural smile. A dental implant replicates the natural tooth root while providing added stability used to support a dental crown, denture, or dental bridge.
Advanced Dental Health is a full-service dental facility proudly serving patients in Baltimore County and surrounding areas. Dr. Ashley Izadi and Dr. Roham Rafat offer a full range of dental implant services for patients with missing teeth. Dr. Rafat is one of Baltimore, MD’s leading restorative dentists and periodontists. He performs all phases of the implant procedure in the comfort of our dental office.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed in the jaw bone. Widely known as one of the most successful tooth replacement options, dental implants support a dental crown, denture, or bridge. Many patients opt for dental implants because they provide a natural-looking, long-lasting solution for their missing teeth.
- The Post: The dentist surgically places the post in your jawbone, just below the gum line. This biocompatible titanium screw fuses into the jaw bone in a process called osseointegration. Implants usually need 3-6 months to fuse fully.
- The Abutment: An abutment, known as the connector between the post and final restoration, is attached after the implants integrate into the bone.
- The Restoration: The final restoration is dependent on the number of missing teeth and their location. Once the abutment is put into place, a dental crown, denture, or dental bridge is placed.
Baltimore restorative dentist Dr. Rafat will oversee all aspects of your dental implant care to ensure optimal, high-quality results. Under the care of a trained implant dentist, you can expect precise treatment planning, proper placement, and expertly crafted restorations to restore beauty and function to your smile. We use state-of-the-art digital dental technology to plan and place all implant procedures to produce predictable, accurate results.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. They provide a permanent solution that looks and feels like natural teeth. Here are some of the key benefits of dental implants:
Improved Appearance
One of the main benefits of dental implants is that they look very natural. The implant is topped with a crown that matches the color and shape of your other teeth. This gives you a complete smile that looks like your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, which sometimes shift or look artificial, implants stay firmly in place.
Better Comfort
Dental implants are designed to become a part of your mouth. Once the implant fuses with your jawbone, it acts like a natural tooth root. This means there is no discomfort like you may experience with removable dentures. You won’t have to worry about implants slipping or causing soreness, making it easier to speak and eat.
Durability and Strength
Implants are made from strong materials like titanium, which makes them very durable. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. This makes them a long-term investment in your oral health. Since anchored in the jawbone, they also help maintain bone structure, preventing bone loss that can happen when teeth are missing.
Easy Maintenance
Caring for dental implants is easy. You can brush and floss them just like your natural teeth. There is no need for special cleaning solutions or soaking, like with dentures. However, it is important to keep up with regular dental check-ups to ensure the implant remains in good condition.
Better Functionality
Dental implants are as strong as natural teeth, which means you can eat all your favorite foods without worry. You won’t have to avoid hard or sticky foods. You can chew, bite, and speak normally with implants, just like natural teeth.
Boost in Confidence
Having a full smile can greatly improve your self-esteem. Dental implants can help you feel more confident in social situations. You won’t have to worry about gaps in your smile or dentures falling out.
Am I A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?
You will need to undergo a full evaluation to determine if you are an ideal candidate. Dr. Rafat will assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw and recommend the most appropriate solution for your dental health.
If you meet these conditions, you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants:
- Patients should have an adequate amount of healthy bone structure to support a dental implant
- Be in good overall health
- Have healthy gum tissue
Due to advancements in dentistry, patients who were not considered ideal candidates for dental implants can now receive the procedure. Patients may be able to undergo bone grafting or sinus grafting procedures to receive implants. This happens on a case-by-case basis so our team can work with you to recommend the right action for your smile.
Dental Implant FAQs
What can I eat after dental implants?
In the first 24 hours, stick to solely soft foods. In the coming weeks, we recommend that you avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods as well. Don’t chew on the specific area of the implant. Even soft foods have an impact. It’s crucial that they heal correctly and that the healing process doesn’t cause problems.
Can you tell if someone has dental implants?
Unless someone is very close and looking for it, it’s not likely that anyone will be able to tell that you have dental implants. The actual implant part is under the gums and in the jawbone. The restoration used to finish the implant process looks and functions like a natural tooth or teeth.
What’s the success rate for dental implants?
One reason implants are highly recommended is that they have a high success rate. It’s approximately 95-97%. Dental implants are the best solution for many patients to replace missing teeth.
What Food Should I Eat After I Receive My Dental Implants?
Following the proper diet is one of the keys to recovering from dental implant surgery. We will make dietary recommendations to ensure a healthy recovery.
You may need to temporarily avoid eating chewy or sticky foods. These foods can cause discomfort because they require a lot of chewing. Avoid foods like popcorn, chips, nuts, crackers, and candy. Small pieces of those foods stick in the incision site, which can cause an infection.
Once your soft tissues have healed, you can resume your normal diet. One of the key benefits of dental implants is restoring normal chewing function for the long-term enjoyment of a varied diet and your favorite foods.
Full-Service Dental Implants in Baltimore, MD
If you are searching for implant dentistry in Baltimore County, visit our team at Advanced Dental Health. Dr. Rafat has advanced training in implant dentistry and offers a full range of dental services to address your tooth replacement needs. Schedule a consultation with our team today to learn more about how implants can benefit you. To schedule an appointment, call (410) 656-2278 or request an appointment online.