Dental implants benefit from the best in tooth replacement
D. Bartholomew G. Kreiner D.D.S improves smiles and keeps them looking their healthy, beautiful best. From our office in Bel Air, Dr. Kreiner supports the health, beauty, and well-being of individuals and their families in northern Maryland with state-of-the-art services. These services include dental implants.
Implants
Dental implants are considered the “gold standard” in modern tooth replacement. The implant itself is just one part of the process and replacement tooth. It is a small, cylindrical-shaped “post” designed to replace a natural tooth root. Natural, healthy teeth are “rooted” or stabilized in the jawbone by tooth roots. No other forms of tooth replacement available today are also designed to replace the roots. So, dental implants represent the next closest thing to natural teeth. They provide optimal stability.
The process
Implants are made from biocompatible materials. When introduced to other living tissues in the body, these materials are designed to join or integrate into the surrounding natural bone. Medical-grade titanium is most commonly used for dental implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures. It is a lightweight yet incredibly strong material.
After implants are placed in the jaw, they become integrated in the surrounding bone. The implant provides a stable foundation for the prosthetic tooth. Once the prosthetic crown or bridge is attached, the implant functions like a root to hold the prosthetic tooth in place. Additionally, as few as four implants may be positioned in the jawbone to support or retain an entire upper or lower denture.
The benefits
Many benefits flow from the design of implant-supported teeth, which mimics the structure of a natural healthy tooth. These benefits include:
- Superior fit – no more loose dentures!
- Optimal comfort
- Supports sustained chewing and speech function
- Preserves the health and density of the bone in the jaw for lasting health
- Low maintenance – eliminates the need for continual relining, rebasing, and repairs
- A great value – can last a lifetime with consistent oral care
- Natural feel and appearance
Generally, grafting is needed to build up tissue in the jaw among those patients who have experienced bone loss. Healthy bone is required to support the successful healing and integration of the implant into the rest of the jaw.
We also use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to precisely position each implant. This feature helps to reduce the risk of implant failures.
Dental Implants FAQs
What sets dental implants apart from other tooth replacement options?
Unlike dentures or bridges, which sit on the surface of your gums or rely on adjacent teeth, dental implants are designed to replace the tooth root itself. A small titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone, where it will fuse with the jawbone over time. This creates a strong foundation for a custom crown, resulting in a tooth replacement that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth without compromising the health of neighboring teeth.
Can I get a dental implant immediately after a tooth extraction?
In some cases, yes. This is called an immediate implant placement. However, it depends on the condition of your jawbone and the presence of infection or bone loss. Dr. Kreiner may recommend waiting several weeks or even months to allow healing and bone regeneration, especially if a bone graft is needed. An in-person evaluation is the best way to determine the right timing for your implant placement.
What happens if I delay getting an implant after losing a tooth?
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone underneath can begin to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Over time, this bone loss can affect your facial structure and make implant placement more complex—or even impossible without a bone graft. The sooner you replace a missing tooth with an implant, the better your chances of preserving bone density and maintaining your natural facial appearance.
How do I know if I have enough bone to support a dental implant?
Dr. Kreiner will perform a detailed evaluation, including 3D imaging or X-rays, to measure bone volume and density in your jaw. If there isn’t enough bone to support the implant, a grafting procedure can often restore it. This allows your body time to regenerate new bone tissue, creating a stable foundation for implant placement in the future.
Are dental implants safe for people with medical conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis?
Yes, but with proper management. Patients with controlled diabetes, osteoporosis, or other chronic conditions can often still be good candidates for dental implants. What’s crucial is working closely with Dr. Kreiner and your medical team to ensure optimal healing. Full disclosure of your health history helps us design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and minimize potential risks.
Do dental implants require special care after placement?
Once healed, dental implants require no more maintenance than your natural teeth. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are key. Immediately after surgery, however, you’ll need to follow Dr. Kreiner’s post-op care instructions closely. That may include a soft food diet, avoiding certain habits (like smoking), and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and implant integration.
Will I be without a tooth while waiting for the implant to heal?
Not necessarily. Dr. Kreiner offers temporary tooth options to maintain your appearance and chewing function while the implant site heals. These temporaries can range from simple removable flippers to fixed provisional crowns, depending on the location of the implant and your preferences. We ensure you never have to feel self-conscious during your treatment journey.
Schedule an appointment at our office in Bel Air, MD. Call D. Bartholomew G. Kreiner D.D.S at (410) 983-6775 today!
Dental Implants
