A dental implants near Baltimore Maryland is a surgically inserted fixture in the jawbone that supports a replacement tooth or bridge, functioning similarly to a new tooth root. It offers a reliable and natural-looking answer to missing teeth, enhancing both functionality and appearance.
Generally, implants are produced from titanium, a metal that is known to be compatible with the body’s tissues and capable of bonding with adjacent bone during the healing process. In recent years, zirconia implants have gained popularity due to their white color and bone-bonding properties similar to those of titanium, and have been demonstrated to be as effective as their titanium counterparts.
The Components of an Implant
A dental implants near Baltimore Maryland is essentially a titanium/zirconia screw or cylinder, ranging from 4mm to 16mm in length, which is inserted into a prepared bony socket in the jaw and functions as a replacement root for the missing tooth. A special attachment known as the abutment is attached to the top of the implant, providing an external link to the replacement tooth (crown) or teeth (bridge or denture).
After an implant has been inserted into the jawbone, a healing period is necessary before crowns can be attached. The fusion of the implant’s surface with the surrounding bone, a process called osseointegration, usually occurs within a timeframe of two to six months during the healing process. Once the process is complete, the implant is secure enough to support one or more artificial teeth.
The Phases of Therapy
Examination
Your dentist or periodontist will conduct a comprehensive physical examination of your mouth, and take x-rays and/or a CBCT scan to assess the condition and shape of your bone tissue, as well as the positions of nearby structures like nerves and sinuses, after discussing suitable treatment options with you.
Implant Placement
The procedure of dental implants near Baltimore Maryland surgery is typically performed in either a single stage or a two-stage process, depending on individual factors. The procedure in both instances requires a small incision in the gum to reveal the bone, followed by the use of special drills to prepare the site for the implant.
Teeth Preparation and Impression Taking
After approximately four to six weeks when your gums have completely healed, your dentist will then take a new mold of your mouth. The model of your teeth will be used to construct your crown or bridge by the dental technician, ensuring a natural finish that matches the rest of your teeth.
Fitting of Crowns or Dental Bridges.
After your new crowns and bridges have been customized, your dentist will secure them to the abutments on your dental implants near Baltimore Maryland using cement or screws, inspect to ensure they fit properly and have a good appearance, and verify that your upper and lower teeth function smoothly when you bite. Typically, you will have to come back for multiple check-up appointments to confirm that the implants are secure and working as expected, and that you are completely satisfied with the final outcome.
Bone Grafts
Jawbone widening and heightening at the implant site is achieved through bone graft procedures. There are numerous types of bone grafts.
Autogenous grafts commonly utilize bone from a different part of the body, often the hip, due to its rich supply of marrow containing numerous bone cells.
Grafts known as allografts utilize donated human bone retrieved from a “bone bank” and function similarly to autogenous grafts.
Bone xenografts primarily utilize bone from animal donors, with cattle serving as the primary source, specifically bovine bone. Over time, your own bone tissue replaces the bone in the graft.
Alloplasts comprise synthetic bone grafts that mimic human bone composition. These grafts serve as a framework for the development of new natural bone.
Because there is no risk of rejection, an autogenous graft is typically the preferred option. You will have to wait for a minimum of three months before getting implants, in order for healing to occur. The amount of bone that has been grafted will determine the exact waiting time.
