Implant-Supported Dentures in Owings Mills, MD

Implant-supported dentures hold several advantages over their traditional counterparts:

• They remain in place because they are anchored into your jawbone with multiple surgically-implanted devices such as titanium screws. Once these dentures are attached to the implants, they stay in. Users do not have to contend with the slipping and sliding frequently experienced by users of traditional ones.
• Implant-supported dentures are like your natural teeth. Some are attached and cannot be removed while others snap on. With the snap-ons, simply clean them as you would traditional dentures. To clean those that are fixed in place, just brush and floss them twice daily as you would do with your natural teeth.
• Better oral health is achieved since they prevent jawbone loss. And the implants stimulate the gums and bones they are anchored into.
  

First Steps Once You Decide to Go with Dental Implants

Once you and your dentist decide you are a candidate for implant-supported dentures, your dentist will take several steps:

1. Before the surgery, impressions will be made of your mouth.
2. X-rays will be taken and possibly, a CT scan made. 
3. You may also receive temporary dentures.

Your Dental-Implant Surgery

The process of getting implant-supported dentures normally proceeds with two surgeries. During your first surgery, Dr. Silverman will take several steps:

1. He will apply an anesthetic to the spots where the implants will be placed. 
2. He will make an incision in the gums.
3. Small holes for the implants will be drilled into the jawbone.
4. The implants will be inserted. 
5. Then he will close the incision. 

Now comes the waiting period. Your mouth needs time to heal, which normally takes three to six months. But don’t worry, you will have a set of temporary dentures to use. 

Once your gums heal, you are ready for the next steps. This is what will happen:



1. You will be given an anesthetic in the areas around the implants. 
2. Dr. Silverman will then make a small incision to expose the implanted screw heads.
3. Collars will be placed over the implants for proper healing. 
4. There will be a waiting period of a week or two once the collars are in place.
5. Next, the collars will be replaced with dental abutments to connect the implant to the artificial teeth. 
6. Impressions will be made so the dentures will fit.
7. At the final stage, a metal bar is attached over the abutments and then the new dentures are placed on top.

Care for your new dentures as you would your natural teeth, brushing and flossing twice a day. You should continue to see your dentist regularly to check the fit and condition of the new dentures and the health of your natural gums. 

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. With so many benefits that implant-supported dentures hold over their traditional counterparts, it may be time for you to consider this modern alternative. If you want to learn more, contact Dr. Jonathan Silverman at The Maryland Center for Complete Dentistry in Owings Mills, MD 21117. With over 35 years of dental experience, he is well-qualified and ready to help you with all your dental needs. Give him a call at (410) 356-8400.