Dental implants are used to restore missing teeth. If you have lost a tooth due to injury or infection, you might consider an implant to restore functionality and eliminate any potential anxiety you may have when smiling. Implants are placed in the jawbone and eventually fuse with the bone. These permanent replacements are strong and durable and are an effective alternative to a bridge or dentures.
If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, you’ll want to find an implant dentist you can trust. These specialists are trained in prosthodontics and will aid you throughout the dental implant process.
Contact Columbia Smiles for more information on dental implants and for oral surgeons near you.
Five Things to Consider In An Implant Specialist
What should you consider when choosing an oral surgeon? While oral surgery is common, you still want to ensure that you’re in the right hands. Consider the following when making your decision:
- Experience – Does this dentist specialize in dental implants?
- Services they provide – Can they perform the procedure you need?
- Reviews – Have other patients had positive experiences with this oral surgeon?
- Insurance – Does the office accept your insurance?
- Convenience – Oral surgery often requires that someone drives you home, therefore proximity to your home is important.
- Environment – Do you feel comfortable in their office? Is their staff welcoming?
To choose an implant surgeon, first, consider the dentist you visit for your general dentistry needs. Do they offer dental implant services? If they do not, they might be able to refer you to a dentist that does. Otherwise, consult your friends and family. If any of them have gone through this procedure, they might recommend their oral surgeon to you. Review sites can also be a good place to go to look for a competent implant dentist.
Finally, as you reach out to a dental implant surgeon, feel free to ask them about the procedure and what you can expect. You should feel comfortable discussing your concerns with your surgeon.
The Dental Implant Process
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for implants. Before contacting an implant dentist, consider the following:
- Are you missing one or more teeth?
- Is your jawbone healthy?
- Do you practice good oral hygiene?
- Are you free of gum disease?
- Are you a nonsmoker?
- Have you tried dentures and found them uncomfortable or inconvenient?
- Have dentures or missing teeth interfered with speaking or eating?
If you can answer “yes” to the above questions, you’re likely to benefit from dental implants.
The process of placing implants begins by removing the damaged or infected tooth. Your dentist will use either local or general anesthesia to make the procedure painless. They will then place the implant in your jaw. Over time, the implant will bond with the jawbone. Eventually, a crown will be attached to the implant, providing you a permanent tooth replacement.
Dental implants are realistic-looking and can restore your smile to full functionality. Caring for them is as simple as practicing good oral hygiene habits and regularly visiting your dentist.
Contact Columbia Smiles for Dental Implants
Columbia Smiles has provided high-quality dental care to Howard County residents for over 35 years. At our comfortable practice, you’ll find experienced dentists, compassionate hygienists, and a welcoming atmosphere. Our team is committed to providing a peaceful environment for all of our patients.
In addition to dental implants, we provide a number of general dentistry services. If you require a teeth cleaning or a dental exam, make an appointment today. Contact Columbia Smiles at 410.690.4855 to learn more about dental implants and oral surgery today.
