Prompt and effective tooth replacement is important not only for your dental health but also for a good overall quality of life. There are many options today for replacing one or more lost teeth. The dental implant procedure in Cockeysville, MD, provides the most natural-looking and functioning results, with the highest rate of overall patient satisfaction.
Other restorations may require costly touch-ups and replacements over the years. With proper dental care and good oral hygiene, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Periodontist in Hunt Valley MD, Dr. Roham Rafat, can restore your teeth to a functional, stable, and lasting smile with dental implants. He is one of the most highly trained periodontists in the Hunt Valley area that offers complete implant dentistry services.
While many dentists only restore dental implants, Dr. Rafat offers complete treatment. From the surgical placement of the implant through to the cosmetic restoration process, he can do it all. Join us as we welcome new patients from Hunt Valley, Lutherville, Cockeysville, Timonium, Sparks, Phoenix and nearby areas.
Dental Implant Procedure In Cockeysville, MD
Dr. Rafat will first perform a comprehensive evaluation. This is the best opportunity for you to talk about your dental concerns directly with Dr. Rafat. After you have been cleared for the procedure, he will then create a personalized dental implant treatment plan.
The entire implant process usually takes six to eight months, and most patients don’t experience a disruption in their daily lives. For most patients, the dental implant procedure involves two parts:
Placement of the implant
The first step is the surgical placement of the dental implant. Dr. Rafat will surgically place the tooth implant post into your jawbone. It looks like a tiny titanium screw or post. A dental implant actually replaces the root of the missing tooth.
Through the process of osseointegration, the dental implant fuses to the bone to form a stable bond. The healing process can take several months. Depending on your case and the position of the missing tooth or teeth, a temporary dental crown may be placed on the post while the dental implant heals.
Dental Implant Restoration
The second part of the dental implant procedure involves the implant restoration. Once the dental implant has healed and integrated with the surrounding bone, Dr. Rafat will uncover the dental implant and attach an abutment. The replacement tooth or teeth will be attached to the abutment to restore beauty and function.
For a single missing tooth, Dr. Rafat will use a dental crown to cap the implant. For multiple missing teeth, he may recommend a dental bridge or implant-supported denture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Read answers to common questions about the dental implant process in Hunt Valley, MD.
How long does it take to get an implant restoration?
Getting a dental implant restoration usually takes a few months. The exact time depends on your mouth and your treatment plan.
First, the implant is placed in the jawbone. The bone then needs time to heal and attach to the implant, which usually takes 3 to 6 months. This helps make the implant strong and stable. Then we place the final crown, bridge, or denture. This usually takes a few more visits.
Some patients may need extra treatments, like bone grafting, which can add more time. You may need more weeks or months if you need to prepare for treatment. We’ll explain your timeline so you know what to expect.
How do I care for my temporary restoration?
We’ll give you a temporary crown, bridge, or denture while a local lab creates your final restoration. You want to be gentle when you eat. Stick to soft foods and avoid anything hard, sticky, or chewy. Also, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the temporary restoration if possible.
Brush your teeth gently, including the temporary restoration, and floss carefully around it. Don’t pull up on the temporary crown or bridge when you floss. Instead, slide the floss out to avoid dislodging it. If your temporary restoration becomes loose, breaks, or causes pain, call our dentist right away.
What can I eat after I get implants?
After getting dental implants, you want to be gentle with your mouth while it heals. Right after the procedure, your gums and jaw may feel sore, so soft foods are the safest choice. Think foods like:
- Mashed potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Yogurt, pudding, or applesauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft-cooked pasta
- Smooth soups or broths
- Soft fruits like bananas or avocado
Try to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for a few weeks, like nuts, chips, or chewy candy. Also, avoid chewing directly on the implant site until we say it’s okay. You’ll get used to biting and chewing weeks after your treatment.
Why should I avoid alcohol or tobacco as my implants heal?
You should avoid alcohol and tobacco while your implants heal because both can slow down the healing process. They can also increase the risk of problems. We want you to heal on time and avoid problems during treatment.
Smoking or vaping reduces blood flow to your gums and jawbone. Less blood flow means fewer nutrients and oxygen reach the implant site. Tobacco products can make it harder for your bones and gums to heal. They can even increase the chance that the implant won’t fully attach to your jaw.
Drinking alcohol can irritate your gums and make it harder for your body to fight infection. It can also interfere with the medicines we may prescribe, like pain relievers or antibiotics.
Schedule an Implant Consultation
We’re proud to offer dental implant treatment in Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, and Timonium. Call Valley Dental Health today at 443-733-6613. You can also request an appointment with us online. Let us know if you have more questions about your treatment, and we’ll be glad to help.
To learn more about our dental implant services, see: