Dental Implants Specialist
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Dr. Jane Brodsky and Associates
Cosmetic & General Dentistry & Invisalign located in North Bethesda, MD
Your permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but accidents and infections happen. If you lose one or multiple teeth, it’s important to take action. Otherwise, your jawbone can recede, increasing your risk of other, more serious health problems. Dr. Jane Brodsky and the team in North Bethesda, Maryland, regularly use dental implants to restore their patients’ smiles. To see if you’re a candidate, call the office or click the online scheduling tool and book your consultation today.
Dental Implants Q & A
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots made of titanium or another durable metal. Unlike dentures, implants are fused to your jawbone, preventing common problems like slipping and irritation.
Each implant has a metal attachment, or abutment, that connects to a prosthetic tooth. Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth, and make chewing and speaking much easier.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
Dental implants provide a number of advantages including:
- Improved appearance
- Improved speech
- Improved comfort
- Easier eating
- Improved self-esteem
- Durability
Dental implants also improve your oral health. Dr. Jane Brodsky doesn’t have to reduce or alter your teeth in any way like they would if you received veneers or a dental bridge.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
If you’re healthy enough to undergo a routine oral surgery or a dental extraction, you’re probably a good candidate for dental implants. You also need to have healthy gums and enough jawbone to support your implants.
If you’re a heavy smoker or you’re living with a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, make sure to share this with the team. These factors won’t necessarily disqualify you from treatment, but they can increase your risk of complications.
What is the process for receiving dental implants?
Getting dental implants takes a period of between 6-12 months and a series of multiple appointments. Though this may seem like an extended period of time, it’s important to remember that with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
At your first appointment, Dr. Jane Brodsky performs an oral exam, reviews your medical history, and discusses your goals for treatment. They’ll also take a series of X-rays to get a closer look at your jawbone. If your jaw is healthy and can support implants, your dentist moves forward with treatment.
First, your dentist administers a local anesthetic, numbing your teeth and gums. After the anesthesia sets in, your dentist places one titanium implant in the bone socket of each missing tooth. Your dentist sends you home and your jawbone begins the healing process, fusing with each implant. Typically, this process takes 6-12 weeks.
After your implants fuse to your jawbone, you return for your second appointment. At this appointment, Dr. Jane Brodsky attaches an abutment, or metal connector, to each implant. Next, your dentist takes impressions of your teeth and creates a model of your bite. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory that manufactures your prosthetic teeth.
You return for your third and final appointment two to three weeks later. At this appointment, your dentist screws your prosthetic teeth to each implant, restoring your smile to its near-original condition.
Book your dental implant consultation at Jane Brodsky, DMD, MS, today, call the office or click the online booking tool.
