Are you missing one or more teeth? At Lighthouse Family Dentistry in Annapolis, MD, we offer dental implants to replace missing teeth at their socket. A dentist or oral surgeon places them where your natural teeth used to be, creating a secure, long-lasting solution.
Our dentist, Dr. E. Taylor Meiser, and his team work to provide a comfortable and pain-free dental implant experience. Each implant will look and feel like a natural tooth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. We collaborate with patients to understand their health history and current oral health needs. Then, we can create a custom treatment plan catering to your needs.
The Dental Implant Process in Annapolis, MD
The first step is a check-up with Dr. Meiser to see if dental implants are the right choice for you. He will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw to ensure everything is healthy and ready for implants. Sometimes, you might need additional steps before getting implants, like removing a damaged tooth or treating gum problems.
If your jawbone needs more strength to hold an implant, Dr. Meiser might recommend a bone graft, which helps support the implant. Once everything is ready, he will take digital impressions of your teeth and gums to plan the implant’s exact placement.
The dental implant procedure involves placing a titanium post in the jawbone. This post serves as the root for the replacement tooth, giving it a solid foundation. During dental implant surgery, the post goes directly into the jaw, where it will bond naturally with the bone. This bonding process, called osseointegration, usually takes about 3 to 6 months and is key to making sure the implant stays stable.
While the post is bonding with the bone, Dr. Meiser sends your digital impressions to a dental lab where they craft your custom replacement tooth. This replacement could be a crown, a bridge, or even dentures, depending on how many teeth you need to replace. Once the post has fully fused with your jaw, Dr. Meiser places the new tooth on the implant, creating a strong, natural-looking result.
After the dentist secures the restoration, patients can leave with a complete smile that feels and looks great. Many people find their confidence boosted after getting implants, as they can smile, speak, and eat normally again.
Are Dental Implants For You?
Dental implants not only look natural but also let you keep up your usual routine. You don’t have to stick to special diets or extra cleaning steps; just regular brushing and flossing. Implants are designed to be as low-maintenance as natural teeth.
You may be a good fit for dental implants if you have:
- Missing Teeth: Whether you’re missing one or many teeth, implants can support crowns, bridges, or dentures. If you need a single tooth replaced, a crown on an implant may be best. For several missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge works well. If you’re missing all your teeth, full dentures supported by implants can provide a stable solution.
- Healthy Teeth and Gums: Good gum health and strong teeth are essential for implant stability. Gum issues or decay can impact the success of implants, so you should address these issues first.
- Enough Bone in the Jaw: Implants need enough jawbone to stay secure. If you don’t have enough bone, Dr. Meiser may recommend a bone graft or other procedures to build up the bone before placing the implants.
If you’re missing teeth and want to restore your smile, dental implants could be the perfect solution. Reach out to our Annapolis office to learn more and start your journey toward a confident smile.
Dental Implant FAQs
Are you curious about dental implants? Here are answers to some common questions that can help you decide if implants are right for you.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer many benefits. Here’s how they might help you:
- Look Natural: The dentist caps the implant with a crown that matches the color of your other teeth. It will blend in and look as natural as the rest of your teeth.
- Eat What You Want: Implants let you enjoy your favorite foods without worry. You have no food restrictions like you might have with other dental options.
- Support Your Bite: Implants fill in gaps and keep your bite even, which keeps pressure balanced when you chew.
- Feel Like Natural Teeth: Implants work just like your natural teeth, so there’s no need to learn new habits.
- Improve Speech: Missing teeth can make speech challenging. Implants restore clear speech so you can talk without worry.
- Offer a Lasting Solution: Once placed, implants stay in place for many years, giving you a lasting solution to tooth loss.
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, implants can make a big difference. Let our team know if you’re interested, and we’ll help you find the right option.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are a long-lasting restoration. Once the implant post bonds with your jawbone, it becomes a solid, stable base for your crown or bridge. With good care, implants can last a lifetime.
For the best results, be sure to brush and floss every day, and come in for regular checkups. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy protects your implant and reduces the chance of infection.
Can Dental Implants Fail?
Although implants are highly successful, they can fail if not properly cared for. Smoking and using tobacco during treatment can lead to implant failure, as nicotine can slow healing. If you smoke, talk to us about quitting during the implant process.
Even if you already have implants, it’s still important to avoid habits that might harm them. Tooth decay and gum disease can weaken the support around your implant, which could lead to problems over time.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Good candidates for implants are generally in good health and have healthy gums and enough jawbone to hold the implant in place. People who smoke heavily or have certain health conditions, like diabetes, might need a closer evaluation to ensure a successful outcome.
If you’re missing teeth and want a lasting way to fill those gaps, implants could be a great choice.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
If you’re ready to restore your smile with dental implants, call Lighthouse Family Dentistry at 410-324-7287. You can also request a consultation with Dr. Meiser on our website. Our team is here to make the process easy and comfortable. Let us help you get your smile back with a solution that looks and feels like your natural teeth!
To learn more about our implant dentistry, see: