Dental Implants — Millersville, MD

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

When a patient comes to see us wanting to replace their missing teeth, the first thing we’ll do is give them an exam. If their mouth and jawbone are relatively healthy, we may suggest they get dental implants. It may be necessary, however, for the patient to undergo preliminary treatments to ensure a successful future with dental implants. Whether it is bone grafting, periodontal therapy, or tooth extraction, our team will make sure their procedure leads to a healthier and more structurally sound environment for permanent implant posts and a customized restoration.

Dental Implant Surgery

Once the patient’s treatment plan is agreed upon, the new titanium roots will be positioned within the jawbone. Our implant dentist in Millersville, MD, will administer local anesthesia to ensure the patient is fully numb and feels no pain. Making one or more small openings in the gums, the implants will be carefully placed and positioned into the jawbone for maximum support. After closing the gum tissue, a protective healing cap is placed over the area before the patient is sent home for an easy recovery.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

As a patient heals over the ensuing weeks, the implants will actually bond with the surrounding bone. This process is called osseointegration, and it’s the key to implants’ unmatched stability. After 4-6 months, the implants are ready to support a permanent restoration.  An abutment, an internal connector to the implant will support either a crown, bridgework, or precision attachment to a denture.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

Depending on the condition of a patient’s oral health and how many implants they need, on average, the entire process can take anywhere from four to six months to complete. An implant crown, implant bridge, or implant denture can be created using the highest quality materials, giving patients the ability to enjoy a beautifully blended smile that is fully functional and can last 30 years or longer with regular care and maintenance.

Day-to-Day Benefits

• Closest to nature: Your dental implants will look, feel, and function just like the lost tooth or teeth, leaving you with the confidence to speak clearly, smile brightly, and eat all of your favorite foods. You’ll never need to worry about your dental implants slipping or falling out when surrounded by others.
• Stable foundation and strong biting force: Because of their unique placement, dental implants are more stable than traditional prosthetics like dentures and bridges, enabling patients to eat a healthy, nutrient-rich diet that encourages better oral and overall health.
• Beautifully natural-looking: Dental implants look extremely natural because they are topped with porcelain restorations, which are well-known for how much they look like natural teeth. This helps bring back a patient’s appearance as well as their oral health.
• Easy day-to-day maintenance: With just regular oral hygiene and dental checkups, dental implants are extremely durable and are often able to last for decades on end. You can easily brush and floss your new teeth without worrying about soaking them at night.
• Better quality of life: Unlike denture-wearers who often admit they are self-conscious and too embarrassed to attend social gatherings because of their prosthetics, wearing dental implants in Millersville, MD, will give you the confidence to enjoy smiling around others because of the increased functionality you’ll receive. In return, you’ll have the ability to embrace a better quality of life.

Health Benefits

• Minimized risk of systemic issues: Diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis are just a few of the many systemic issues that can develop as a result of tooth loss. Individuals over the age of 65 with 5 or more missing teeth are at a higher risk of developing these problems. By choosing to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, you can work to increase your lifespan while also keeping more money in your pocket because you won’t be paying to treat these common diseases.
• Jawbone support and preservation: Dental implants provide internal support for the jawbone, which can stop bone loss and give the face a more youthful appearance.
• Natural teeth stay in place: Tooth loss can cause your natural teeth to shift out of alignment; however, dental implants keep them firmly in place, helping you to avoid the potential for orthodontic treatment later on.

Long-Term Benefits

• High success rate: When seeing an implant dentist in Millersville, MD for your dental implant placement, you can expect a 95% success rate. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect this number to remain between 90-95% after 10 years!
• Cost savings for the future: Wearing dental implants will save you money in the long run because you won’t need to buy denture adhesives or special cleaning supplies. You also won’t need to see your dentist every 5-10 years to adjust or replace your denture or dental bridge.
• Lasting results: Other tooth replacement options like dentures and dental bridges may need to be replaced every 5-10 years. On the other hand, dental implants have a 90% or greater success rate after 20 years, and many people are able to keep them for a lifetime.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

You will first need to schedule a consultation with a member of our dental team. This will allow us to evaluate your smile and determine the volume and quality of your jawbone. It will also give us a clearer view of your oral and overall health.

We must evaluate your smile to determine:

• Your oral health – If you do not show signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or cavities, it is unlikely you will need periodontal therapy or another form of dental preliminary treatment.
• Your overall health – If you are healthy enough to undergo minor oral surgery, which is part of the dental implant process, you will likely be cleared for treatment.
• Your jawbone – If you have a dense jawbone that will adequately support your dental implants, you will not need a bone graft or sinus lift beforehand.

Missing One Tooth

With millions of Americans missing just one tooth, it can pose a serious problem when eating or speaking. However, with the help of dental implants in Millersville, we can use a single implant that mimics the tooth root and place it in the jaw. We’ll then top it with an all-porcelain crown. This can be less invasive compared to a traditional bridge in which the surrounding teeth normally have to be reduced down to make room for the prosthetic.

Missing Multiple Teeth

For two or more consecutive missing teeth, an implant bridge may be the ideal option. Like a traditional bridge, the replacement teeth are anchored at both ends to fill a gap in the smile. Rather than attaching to healthy teeth, the implant posts are placed at either end of the row of replacement teeth to anchor the bridge in place, recreating a natural, healthy smile.

For patients who are missing several teeth in different areas of the mouth, an implant partial denture could be the perfect solution. This restoration is shaped and fitted just like a traditional partial denture, but rather than attaching to surrounding teeth for support, they are anchored in place with dental implants. Depending on the number and location of missing teeth, a partial denture can usually be supported by between two and four strategically placed implants.

Missing All Teeth

Instead of relying on a traditional denture, an implant denture can be secured using just four to six implants placed along the jawbone. They offer a more stable and reliable solution compared to regular dentures, and they are also able to slow bone loss. Plus, implant dentures have been shown to restore much more of a patient’s bite strength, helping them chew a wider variety of foods with ease.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

Your initial consultation with a member of our team will include a thorough examination to determine if you need preliminary treatments (i.e., bone grafting, periodontal therapy, tooth extraction). These are often required if signs of gum disease or severe tooth decay are present. A bone graft or sinus lift might also be recommended if you lack adequate jawbone density. Should you be required to undergo any of these procedures, the cost will be discussed before treatment. Fortunately, because the team at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice places and restores dental implants in-house, you won’t need to worry about paying an outside specialist. This can make the payment process much easier and more convenient.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

You may not realize it, but your dental implant and its many parts are factored into the total cost of your treatment:

• How many implants you will need – Do you need one or eight dental implants in Millersville, MD? If you only have one missing tooth, you’ll only receive a single titanium post. However, if you are missing an entire arch, your implant dentist in Millersville, MD will likely place between four and eight implants.
• The materials used – It is most common for dentists to use titanium or zirconia dental implants, as these tend to fuse with bone the best.
• The type of restoration – Dental implants are highly versatile, making it possible to treat all types of tooth loss. While a dental crown cost much less than a denture to create, you should know that implant dentures are more cost-effective in the long run than traditional dentures.
• The brand – McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice determines which brand and manufacturer is used, but you can rest easy knowing that during your initial consultation, we will explain why a particular brand is used. It’s important that you understand why better quality products produce longer lasting results.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

Do you want to avoid buying special cleaners for your prosthetics? Would you rather spend your hard-earned money on things you really need at the grocery store, not denture adhesives? Do you like the idea of having a prosthetic that can last 30 years or longer and doesn’t require regular adjustments? If so, you’ll find that dental implants offer far greater benefits and can save you a lot of money in the long run. Additionally, by choosing dental implants, you can reduce your risk for systemic diseases that are often brought on by tooth loss.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

When reviewing your dental insurance plan, you may find that your policy does not cover some or all of the dental implant placement. This is not uncommon, as many insurance companies continue to view these prosthetics as more of “want” and not a “medical necessity.” While this mindset is changing for some, you might consider looking to see if portions of your plan cover your preliminary treatments and/or customized restoration. Our team can help you navigate this information if you need assistance. We’ll also help you maximize your benefits and file any paperwork and claims on your behalf.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

To help make your dental implants more affordable, you can apply for flexible financing through CareCredit. This is a great option for patients who are uninsured or who do not have enough available coverage. By applying for a low or zero interest payment plan, you can better manage your budget and continue to receive the same great level of care.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant post-operative instructions differ greatly depending on the nature of the implant placement surgery. One type of implant placement surgery requires a surgical incision and bone exposure by reflecting the soft tissue and follow up closure with sutures. Recovery from cone beam guided surgical stent, requires only a minimally invasive tissue punch with no flap or sutures.

If an incision and tissue flap was required , you will have a healing wound that will need attention and care. You should stay away from that area as the incision closure becomes stronger and heals. Your body has a great communication process, it uses pain and discomfort to let you know when it is safe to use that area again. If it is tender or painful, don’t go near it. Keep it clean by gently brushing or using a cotton swab in that area. If there is still residual bleeding, compression with gauze helps to stop the bleeding. Warm saltwater rinses are soothing. High alcohol mouthwashes are burning.

Do not eat on the side of a recent surgery if it is still tender. Softer foods are obviously a great way to ease back in to using that side of your mouth.

If you had a tissue punch with no incision or sutures there should be no bleeding and minimal soreness with minimal restrictions.

Ice is nice
For both surgical types, cold helps reduce swelling and discomfort. Swelling, in and of itself, can cause discomfort. Avoid hot food and beverages and stick with cold immediately after the surgery and even for a few days.

If you are able to get the newer, more advanced guided surgery with minimally invasive tissue punch, your recovery will be faster and easier.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

Once your dental implants in Millersville, MD, are firmly in place and your restoration is attached, you can begin to enjoy your new smile. While there should be no soreness, it is possible to experience some mild sensitivity; however, this should dissipate within a few days.

What Can Cause a Dental Implant to Fail?

The success rate for dental implants is around 95%; however, some cases lead to failure because of peri-implantitis or failed osseointegration. If peri-implantitis is the culprit, your implant will become loose and the tissues surrounding it will become infected (similar to gum disease). If failed osseointegration is the reason, it means your implant did not fuse with the bone successfully. Other causes of implant failure include tobacco use, bruxism (teeth grinding), and certain medications.

Is My Diet Restricted With Dental Implants?

One of the greatest benefits of having dental implants is that you can eat all your favorite foods. When they’re initially placed, it’s important to NOT put pressure on the implant during the healing phase. Each implant situation is unique. Your dentist will let you know when you are free of post implant restrictions.

Do Dental Implants Look Natural?

Yes! The way dental implants are surgically implanted into your jawbone allows them to mimic the natural structure of your tooth. Once your implant dentist in Millersville, MD secures your customized restoration to the top of your implant(s), it will look and act just like your regular teeth. They will blend into your smile, making it virtually impossible for anyone to tell the difference between your real and artificial teeth. Whether you’re eating, speaking, or smiling, you can feel confident in your new smile.

Is It Necessary to Take Off Work for Dental Implant Surgery?

Depending on the type of dental implants that are placed, you may or may not need to take a day off work. Having one or more teeth extracted at the time of implant placement tends to result in a longer recovery time. You will need to make sure you have ample time to heal at home and not worry about rushing back to work. You may find it easier to schedule your surgery later in the week when you have the weekend to fully recover. Most patients describe implant placement alone as easier than extracting a tooth. Expect to be numb from local anesthetic for a few hours. When numbness subsides, an over-the-counter pain medication for a day or two is all that is typically needed.

Making Oral Hygiene a Priority

Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, flossing at least once a day before bed, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash is essential. Not only does it leave you with fresher breath, but it removes harmful bacteria and particles that try to adhere to both real and artificial teeth. While dental implants in Millersville, MD cannot decay as natural teeth can, you can run the risk of developing gum disease. This is why you must maintain a good oral hygiene routine, as periodontal disease can lead to dental implant failure.

Eating a Healthy Diet

Healthy foods like leafy greens, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins are all beneficial to your oral health and overall well-being. Not only do they encourage better gum health, but they also combat tooth decay. Too much sugar and starch will result in serious oral health issues that can negatively impact your smile as a whole. Although you do not have to completely eliminate sweet treats and avoid carb cravings, they should not make up the majority of your daily diet.

Breaking Bad Habits

Your implant dentist in Millersville, MD understands the difficulties of breaking unhealthy habits, but if you want to save your money and avoid having to replace your dental implants, you’ll do what is necessary. Smoking with implants is not a good idea, as it weakens your immune system and makes the healing process longer and harder. It also increases your risk for oral cancer and gum disease. Eating ice, chewing on inanimate objects, and using your teeth as tools will put your implants at risk for serious damage. To curb these habits, find a cessation group or resources to stop smoking, keep sugarless gum on hand should you feel the urge to eat ice or chew on your pencil while working, and take a few extra minutes to find the proper tool to open a package or container.

Protecting Your Dental Implants

If you enjoy playing sports or you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), make sure to ask us about customized mouthguards. Having proper mouth protection will ensure your dental implants avoid serious injury. Whether it is a sudden fall on the track, a hard tackle on the field, or continuous teeth grinding while asleep, these appliances can serve as buffers to absorb unnecessary pressure. They can also reduce the potential for chronic jaw pain.

Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups

One of the most important ways to maintain your dental implants is to keep your regularly scheduled six-month dental checkups and cleanings. These visits to your dentist’s office will allow our team to thoroughly review your smile to make sure there are no chips, cracks, or problems occurring with your dental implants. We’ll also check for signs of decay or cavities in remaining teeth, and gum disease. Tending to your smile twice a year gives you greater peace of mind knowing you made a high-quality investment.

3D Cone Beam Imaging/3D CT Scanning

To make dental implant placement a smoother process, our team at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice is pleased to reveal the Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT). This 3D imaging system is more reliable and produces high-resolution images designed for greater accuracy and precision.

The Vatech Green CT 2 model outweighs the previous 2D imaging model by capturing various anatomical landmarks and producing three-dimensional images of a patient’s teeth, gums, skull, jawbone, nerves, tissues, and other facial structures.

The use of this technology is completely painless and non-invasive. As a result, the patient experiences no discomfort, and our dental team can more readily prepare for the placement of dental implants, root canal therapy, as well as pathology diagnosis.

Safety of CBCT Scanner

There is up to 10 times less radiation exposure than other medical scanning equipment. When compared to other forms of dental radiography, the CBCT Scanner produces high-resolution images without the high levels of radiation, and it can provide our implant dentist in Millersville, MD with clinical radiographs with a low radiographic dosage. Its quickness is also evident in that scans are captured in less than five seconds as opposed to 2D panoramic radiographs that took an estimated seven seconds.

Benefits of the CBCT Scanner

When using this type of advanced dental technology, patients will not only benefit from the ease and non-invasiveness of the device, but our doctors will be able to:

• Identify the appropriate location for dental implants in Millersville, MD while also guaranteeing bone height and width. The scanner will also help to ensure a patient has enough bone density for implant placement.
• Locate the various nerves and sinus areas of a patient’s facial structure to ensure avoidance is possible.
• Better plan for root canal therapy by studying the nerve anatomy of a patient’s teeth and providing successful treatment that helps minimize the potential for tooth extraction.
• Capture clear images of a patient’s facial and oral structure to ensure nothing is missed while also providing third-party pathology reports.

Guided Dental Implant Surgery

At McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice, we are pleased to offer our patients guided dental implant surgery, which is a unique process that uses a 3D printed physical guide that is customized based on our patient’s mouth. The device is then placed over the arch during the surgical procedure, allowing the exact location for each post to be clearly evident and making the placement process easier and more successful.