For more information about dental veneers, dental implants, dentures, Invisalign®, or other treatments in Maryland, Washington, DC, or Virginia, contact us today.
Martin G. Abel, D.D.S.
Shannon E. Abel, D.D.S.
and Associates
11404 Old Georgetown Rd.
Rockville, Maryland 20852
Phone: 301.770.1447
One of the reasons natural teeth are so strong is that they are firmly attached to the jaw by their roots. These roots make teeth stable and give them solid foundations for chewing harder foods. One of the problems with traditional dentures and dental bridges is that lack of a root, making them susceptible to tougher foods and other factors.
Dental implants at our Maryland cosmetic dentistry practice allow Drs. Martin G. Abel and Shannon E. Abel to recreate natural tooth roots by placing a titanium screw into the jawbone, giving artificial teeth all the strength and stability of natural teeth. Dental implants can last for decades if cared for correctly, and can help fix a patient’s bite, stop bone loss in the jaw, and improve self-confidence, in addition to allowing patients to eat whatever foods they desire.
If you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, dental implants might be the ideal solution for you. We invite you to contact our cosmetic dentistry practice today for further information or to schedule an appointment. Our responsive staff is waiting to help you restore your teeth and give you back your smile.
A consultation with our dentists helps patients to decide whether dental implants are the right solution to their missing teeth. The condition of the patient’s oral tissues, personal habits such as smoking, and whether the patient has the resolve to maintain the implant are all important factors in the decision process.
Once a treatment plan has been decided upon, the dental implant can be placed. After an anesthetic is given to the patient, a titanium screw is planted into the jaw and covered to protect against infection. The surrounding tissue is then given time to heal, which can take up to six months. During this time, the jawbone begins to grow into the crevices of the titanium implant, anchoring it in place.
Once the implant heals, an abutment is secured to its top. A temporary crown is then attached to the abutment to help the gum heal naturally around the surgery site until a permanent crown can be fitted.
Although rare, the biggest risk associated with dental implants is that the jawbone might not grow securely around the implant. Good personal habits and dedication to daily cleaning can help prevent this and infection from occurring. Implants can sometimes negatively affect other teeth, blood vessels, or the naval cavity, and have a slight chance of hurting nerves found in the jaw.
Between 90 and 95 percent of dental implant recipients, however, are unaffected by these risks and enjoy all the benefits that implant dentistry has to offer.
If you are interested in teeth replacements that can potentially last a lifetime, contact the cosmetic dentistry experts at Smile by Design. Dr. Martin Abel and Dr. Shannon Abel have been providing dental implants and other dental treatments for Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia residents for more than 30 years, and they can help you get your smile back, too.