In our mission to help our patients achieve optimal oral health, the practice of Dr. Christian Johnson DMD offers a wide range of dental services to the communities of Waldorf, La Plata, Brandywine, and the surrounding areas. For our patients who are missing teeth, we proudly provide implant dentistry services wherein we can replace missing teeth with dental implants. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about dental implants along with the answers.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant (View Example) is an artificial tooth root replacement that is made of titanium. The implant is placed in the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure Dr. Johnson does here in our Waldorf office. Once the implant has been placed and the healing process is complete, a porcelain tooth top or crown is attached to the implant to finish the procedure. In some cases, the patient must wait several months for the implant to properly fuse with the bone before the crown is placed. In other cases, the patient can have a new, temporary crown placed the same day the implant is placed.
Can I replace more than one tooth with dental implants?
One missing tooth, several teeth, or all the teeth can be replaced with dental implants (View Examples). It is not necessary that one implant is used to replace several missing teeth as it is possible for two implants to support a removable lower denture. Additionally, as few as four dental implants can provide a patient with a full, permanent set of top or bottom teeth.
Is it painful to have a dental implant put in?
The level of pain most patients feel after having a dental implant placed is described as relatively mild. But of course, the level of discomfort can vary from one patient to the next. Any pain or discomfort felt can typically be managed with an over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. It can also be helpful to place an ice pack over the area on the face.
Are dental implants costly?
Dental implants do cost more than other methods used to replace missing teeth, such as dentures or bridgework. However, dental implants are a very cost-effective solution in the long run as they typically never need to be replaced.
Is it difficult to care for dental implants?
No. Dental implants are easy to take care of as you simply brush and floss your teeth as you normally do and visit us, your Waldorf, MD dentist, regularly for routine examinations and professional dental cleanings. While a dental implant cannot decay, the gum tissues around them can become inflamed or infected if good oral hygiene is not maintained. When you take good care of your dental implants, they should last a lifetime.
Is it possible for my body to reject a dental implant?
Because a dental implant does not contain any living cells or genetically-coded material, an implant cannot be rejected by the body. More than 95% of all dental implants are successful. The titanium used to make a dental implant is completely biocompatible and allergic reactions are extremely rare. However, if an infection were to develop due to poor oral hygiene, an implant can fail to fully integrate with the jawbone.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
While most people with missing teeth are good candidates for dental implants, the only way to find out if you’re a good candidate is to undergo a comprehensive oral exam that includes X-rays of your jaws. Dr. Johnson provides cosmetic dentistry services wherein he offers dental implants to eligible patients with missing teeth. Simply schedule a consultation today to find out if you can restore your smile with dental implants.
Contact Your Cosmetic Dentist in Waldorf, MD
If you have any questions not covered here concerning dental implants, please do not hesitate to contact us at our Waldorf, MD office as we’re always happy to speak with you! Dr. Johnson routinely provides dental implants, as part of his cosmetic dentistry specialization, to his patients with missing teeth so they can enjoy all the benefits dental implants provide.