Dental Implants: What to Expect During the Procedure

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots, providing a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth. The implants fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration, creating a stable anchor for dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. By mimicking the structure and function of natural teeth, dental implants help preserve bone health, prevent shifting of adjacent teeth, and maintain proper dental alignment. Their stability, durability, and natural look and feel enhance oral function, aesthetics, and overall quality of life. Additionally, dental implants offer long-term reliability and contribute to improved oral health by minimizing the risk of damage to neighboring teeth and gum tissue. At Allure Dental, dental implants play a crucial role in restoring oral function, aesthetics, and confidence, making them an indispensable option for tooth replacement.

Types of Dental Implants

Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implants in Fulton, MD, and are typically used for patients with sufficient bone volume in the jaw. These implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots. Endosteal implants come in various shapes and sizes, including screw-shaped, cylindrical, and blade implants, allowing for versatile applications to accommodate different anatomical considerations.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are an alternative to endosteal implants for patients with insufficient bone density or height in the jawbone. Instead of being placed within the bone, subperiosteal implants are positioned on top of the jawbone beneath the gum tissue. These implants have a metal framework that rests on the jawbone and protrudes through the gum to support dental prosthetics. Subperiosteal implants are suitable for patients who may not be candidates for traditional implant placement due to bone resorption or anatomical limitations. Contact us today!

All-on-4® Dental Implants

All-on-4® dental implants are a specialized type of implant-supported denture designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth with just four strategically placed implants. This innovative technique maximizes available bone volume and minimizes the need for bone grafting procedures. By angling the implants for optimal support and stability, All-on-4® implants offer a reliable and efficient solution for full-arch restoration, enabling patients to regain the function and aesthetics of a complete smile in a single treatment session.

Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are smaller in diameter than traditional implants and are often used when space is limited or bone volume is insufficient. MDIs can be placed with less invasive techniques and may not require as much healing time as standard implants. Despite their smaller size, mini dental implants offer excellent stability and can support a variety of dental restorations, including crowns, bridges, and dentures.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Initial Consultation and Treatment Planning

The dental implant journey begins with an initial consultation with our dentist in Fulton, MD. During this visit, your oral health will be assessed, including thoroughly examining your teeth, gums, and jawbone structure. X-rays or CT scans may be taken to evaluate bone density and determine the suitability for implant placement. Based on this assessment, a personalized treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals.

Surgical Placement of Implants

Once the treatment plan is finalized, the surgical phase of the dental implant procedure begins. This typically involves two main steps: implant placement and osseointegration. The dentist will numb the treatment area with local anesthesia during the implant placement to ensure comfort. A small incision is made in the gum tissue, and a specialized drill is used to create a precise hole in the jawbone for implant placement. The dental implant, typically made of biocompatible titanium, is carefully inserted into the prepared site. In some cases, temporary abutments may be attached to the implants to facilitate healing and support temporary restorations.

Osseointegration and Healing

Following implant placement, a critical phase known as osseointegration occurs. This process involves the fusion of the dental implant with the surrounding jawbone, providing a strong and stable foundation for dental restoration. Osseointegration typically takes several months to complete when the implant fully integrates with the bone. While waiting for osseointegration, temporary restorations may be worn to maintain aesthetics and function.

Abutment Placement and Impression Taking

Once osseointegration is achieved, the next step is to place abutments onto the implants. Abutments are small connector pieces that attach to the implants and support the final dental restoration. After the abutments are placed, teeth impressions are taken to fabricate the custom dental crown, bridge, or denture attached to the implants. These impressions ensure that the final restoration fits precisely and matches your natural teeth' color, shape, and size.

Delivery of Final Restoration

The final step of the dental implant procedure involves the delivery and placement of the permanent dental restoration. Whether it's a crown, bridge, or denture, the restoration is securely attached to the abutments, completing the implant-supported restoration. Our dentist will ensure the restoration fits comfortably and correctly, making any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal aesthetics and bite alignment.

Dental implants have transformed countless smiles and improved patients ' lives, from restoring oral function and preserving bone health to enhancing aesthetics and boosting confidence. If you're considering tooth replacement options, visit Allure Dental at 8170 Maple Lawn Blvd Suite 150, Fulton, MD 20759, or call (240)4560717 to learn more about how dental implants can transform your smile and restore your confidence for years to come.