The circumstances surrounding tooth loss vary from person to person, and so do tooth replacement needs. Here at White Flint Dental Associates in Rockville, MD, Dr. Ghassan Jacklis and Dr. H. David Allick offer dental implant solutions as unique as your oral health requirements. Read on to learn here how these inventive prosthetics help people regain their smiles after tooth loss.
A smile is worth saving
When teeth are lost through periodontal disease, decay, or trauma, the mouth and face change in significant ways, including:
- Bone and gums recession—up to 25 percent in the first year post-extraction, says Dear Doctor.
- A development of premature facial wrinkles.
- Speech changes
- Dramatic diminishment in biting and chewing ability—even with the loss of a single tooth
As such, when extraction or other forms of tooth loss are unavoidable, the professional team here at our Rockville office often recommend dental implants as the premier tooth loss solution.
How dental implants work
Constructed from biocompatible titanium, dental implants are placed into the jaw bone at the site of the lost tooth, thereby replacing the structure from root to crown. That's right—implants give you a totally new, functional, and attractive tooth! Additionally, patients report that dental implants are practically indistinguishable from their healthy natural teeth.
To begin your dental implant journey, you will visit your Rockville dentist for a consultation. There, he will evaluate your remaining teeth, gums, and overall health, as well as take an X-ray screening to determine the condition of your jaw bone (adequate bone density is essential to implant success). If you lack enough bone, the doctor may advise bone augmentation procedures before starting implant placement.
Once cleared, the implant surgery takes about an hour to complete. During the procedure, the dentist inserts the device into the jaw, and something called osseointegration begins. Over time, the bone cells fully meld with the titanium screw, forming a sturdy bond well able to withstand the substantial pressures of chewing and biting. Then, you can receive the metal alloy post and porcelain crown which complete your customized dental implant.
How dental implants last
Most implant procedures succeed—to 98 percent of them, studies show. However, longevity depends on good oral hygiene habits, a tobacco-free lifestyle, and gentle treatment (no teeth clenching or grinding). Additionally, you should get your usual semi-annual exams and professional cleanings at our Rockville office.
Remember—being proactive about your oral health keeps all your teeth (implants or not) strong, bright and healthy!
For more information...
Please contact White Flint Dental Associates for a one-on-one implant consultation. Bring all your questions, and Dr. Allick or Dr. Jacklis will answer them completely. Phone us today at (301) 881-6666.