If you have removable dentures or traditional bridges but are unsatisfied with the comfort and function of your restoration, we may recommend dental implants. A single dental implant includes a titanium metal anchor, abutment, and a dental restoration.
Dr. Diacoloukas can place one or more implants in the jaw bone to restore the function and comfort of the smile. Treatment with dental implants in our Towson, MD, dental office creates more functional, lasting crowns, bridges, and dentures. Our office also provides additional restorative dentistry treatments to new and existing patients in Towson, Maryland.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are durable and effective treatments for patients with lost permanent teeth. Compared to removable restorations, dental implant-secured restorations offer these benefits:
- Improved Aesthetics: As with other restorations, implant-secured restorations are made of high-quality porcelain and metal.
- Restored Chewing Function: Missing teeth create unbalanced bites, making biting and chewing uncomfortable and often painful. Removable restorations may also not fully support the bite. Because dental implants support the tooth roots, patients can eat naturally without pain.
- Improved Speech: Patients with missing teeth may struggle to make “th” sounds. With their added support to the jaw, implant-supported restorations help patients speak more clearly.
- Bone Support: Implants support healthy bone and prevent further bone loss by fusing with healthy jaw bone. Bone loss can also affect the facial structure. Patients who lose permanent teeth in their lower jaw can experience facial sagging.
Treatment with Dental Implants in Towson, MD
Dr. Diacoloukas ensures that patients have enough bone tissue before implant treatment. He may recommend bone grafting or sinus lifts if patients need more bone tissue to support their implants. During grafting, bone is typically taken from the back of the jaw bone behind the molars. Grafting is done when there is significant bone loss in the front of the jaw.
Dr. Diacoloukas will take digital dental X-rays to plan exactly where dental implants are placed to maximize the natural bone. He will place implants in the jaw bone and cover them with healing caps during implant surgery. If patients have complex cases, Dr. Diacoloukas will work with a local oral surgeon to place the implants. Over a healing period of three to six months, the implants integrate with the jaw bone. Once the dental implants are fully healed, we place the permanent restoration, whether patients need a single crown, dental bridge, or complete dentures.
Questions About Dental Implants
Many patients have questions about dental implant treatment:
Are dental implants right for me?
We will recommend dental implants for patients once we ensure they are healthy. Some patients require more preparation for implant treatment if they have outstanding problems like gum disease or tooth decay. We will also recommend bone grafting treatment if patients do not have enough bone to support their implants.
Do implants improve nutrition?
Patients can eat the foods they enjoy without discomfort because it is much simpler to bite and chew with dental implants. If patients solely eat a soft diet due to missing teeth or insufficient restorations, they can lose nutrients provided by a variety of foods.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are permanent. Once the implant anchors fully heal, they should stay in the mouth permanently, acting as replacement tooth roots and supporting dental restorations.
Ask Us About Dental Implants
Are you missing permanent teeth? Do you want a lasting dental restoration? Contact Dr. Diacoloukas for an implant consultation today or call 443-282-3641.