Roham Rafat, DDS, MS of Valley Dental Health, is one of the most highly trained periodontists in the Baltimore area. Dr. Rafat offers complete implant dentistry services in our office. While many dentists and oral surgeons in Cockeysville, MD, restore dental implants, Dr. Rafat provides complete treatment, from surgical placement through cosmetic restoration.
Dental implants are the best treatment option for oral health and aesthetics. Dr. Rafat also provides general dental services to patients in Cockeysville and Hunt Valley, Maryland.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
When natural teeth are missing or damaged, dental implants are the next best thing. Dental implants offer many benefits, but most importantly, they work and look like real teeth. They are secure, natural-looking, and the only permanent option to replace missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants also help preserve bone mass and health.
Patients with dental implants can enjoy their favorite foods and activities without worrying about slippage or denture loss. Dental implants are a versatile treatment for tooth loss. Dentists use them to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, a whole arch of teeth, or an entire mouth of missing teeth.
The dental restorations your dentist secures to the implant are custom-made to fit your mouth perfectly and blend in naturally. They are also the only option that will support your jawbone health.
The Stages of Dental Implant Treatment
Before you get a dental implant, proper pretreatment is very important. Dr. Rafat will carefully examine your mouth and jaw to ensure you have sufficient healthy bone and strong gums to support the implant. If your jawbone isn’t strong enough, additional treatments like bone grafting may be needed to build up the area. Taking time for proper pretreatment helps keep your restoration stable.
Placement Of The Implant
The first step in dental implant placement is surgically placing the implant post. This crucial, precise procedure lays the foundation for a successful dental implant.
During this step, Dr. Rafat makes a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. Then, he carefully drills a hole into the bone where the implant post will sit. Factors such as the patient’s bone density and the implant type determine the size and depth of this hole.
Once he creates the hole, he inserts the implant post, which consists of biocompatible titanium. He will ensure it is securely positioned within the bone to provide stability for future restoration. Dr. Rafat can perform this oral surgery in our Cockeysville, MD, dental office.
Healing
A dental implant actually replaces the root of the missing tooth. Through the healing process of osseointegration, the jawbone fuses with the implant post, forming a stable bond. It will also provide a strong, stable foundation for the prosthetic tooth or teeth.
Proper placement of the implant post is essential for the long-term success and functionality of dental implants. Dr. Rafat, who specializes in implant dentistry, will ensure accurate and precise placement during this initial step.
Dental Implant Restoration
Once the initial phase of implant placement and osseointegration is complete, the second part of the procedure can begin. The second part of the dental implant procedure involves implant restoration. This part focuses on restoring both the aesthetic appearance and functional capabilities of your teeth.
During this stage, Dr. Rafat will uncover the dental implant by making a small incision in the gum tissue. He will attach an abutment to the implant to connect the dental implant to the replacement tooth or teeth.
The abutment plays a vital role in ensuring stability and support for the replacement tooth or teeth. It acts as an anchor, securely holding them in place while mimicking your natural tooth structure.
Final Restoration
Finally, once the abutment is securely attached to the dental implant, he will attach the custom-made replacement teeth. These replacement teeth will match your neighboring natural teeth and improve your chewing and speaking. For a single missing tooth, he will use a same-day dental crown. Dr. Rafat may use a dental bridge or a denture to replace multiple missing teeth.
Dental implant prosthetics not only restore beauty but also help improve your overall oral health. A stable foundation for prosthetic teeth helps. Patients can regain their confidence with a fully restored smile that looks and functions just like natural teeth.
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How to Maintain Your Dental Implants
Once you’ve replaced your teeth with dental implants, you must maintain them so they last. Taking good care of your oral health and overall health will ensure the long-term success of your new teeth. We compiled a list of basic things you should do so your implants never fail:
- Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene at Home: Your dental implant-secured restoration will require regular care, just like your natural teeth. This includes brushing, flossing, and any additional care your dentist recommends. These daily habits will remove plaque to prevent gum disease. We suggest using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day. Floss around the implant at least once a day to remove food particles and debris.
- Visit Us Twice a Year: Regular dental visits are important for many reasons. With dental implants, your dentist can catch problems early and prevent failure. At each appointment, your dentist will examine your implants, dental restorations, and surrounding tissues to ensure everything is healthy and functioning as it should. At least once a year, we will take dental X-rays to monitor the implants and the bone around them.
- Stop Smoking: Smoking cigarettes or using any other form of tobacco is very bad for your oral health. It will increase your risk of dental diseases and implant failure. The only way to avoid this is to quit smoking and using tobacco products altogether. This will also support your overall health and contribute to the longevity of your implants.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Healthy foods support your overall health and help promote good oral health. This is very important for lowering your risk of implant failure. A diet high in sugar and starches will contribute to decay and disease.
Let us know if you have questions about caring for your implant restoration. Our office will provide tips to help your restoration last for years.
Dental Implant FAQs
As the number one treatment for missing teeth, dental implants are complex and intimidating for some patients. If you have questions, we’re here to help. Read answers to common questions about dental implants in Hunt Valley, MD.
Are dental implants painful?
Dental implants involve several procedures that are surprisingly comfortable. We offer various sedation dentistry options to help you stay relaxed and comfortable during treatment.
We also use anesthetics when necessary for your comfort. Most people report only minor discomfort and swelling, which they can control with over-the-counter medication after their procedures.
I have more than one missing tooth. Can I still use dental implants?
Yes, your dentist can use dental implants to replace one missing tooth or to replace all your missing teeth by supporting a denture or bridge. Dr. Rafat may need to place as few as two dental implants to secure a denture or bridge. After a thorough exam and analysis of your current oral health, he will recommend the best dental implant treatment for you.
Are dental implants permanent?
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for tooth loss. However, their success and longevity depend on how well you care for them. Your oral hygiene routine and overall health habits play a major role in whether or not your implants will fail or remain intact for a lifetime. While your implants will stay in place forever, they may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear.
What is Peri-Implantitis?
This serious infection affects the soft and hard tissues surrounding dental implants. It develops when bacteria accumulate around the implant posts and in the gum tissue. The gums typically recede, exposing the implants and creating pockets where bacteria thrive.
It’s similar to gum disease but affects implants rather than just the gums. Left untreated, it will cause the implants to fail, and our dentist will have to remove them. Lack of proper oral hygiene care and skipping dental appointments are the most likely causes of peri-implantitis.
Can you get dental implants after dentures?
Yes, you can get dental implants after using dentures. Dental implants can provide a more permanent and stable solution for missing teeth. Our dentist will assess your jawbone to ensure it’s strong enough to support implants. Dental implants can improve comfort and function compared to traditional dentures.
How long does the implant process take?
You can get implants in several months, often around six months or more. The exact timeline depends on your oral health, the number of implants you need, and whether you require additional treatments such as bone grafts.
This is because the implant needs time to fully fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. After we place the implant, your jawbone heals over 3 to 6 months. Then you need more time for your gums to heal after we place an abutment. Finally, Dr. Rafat can attach the replacement tooth, bridge, or denture.
Schedule an Appointment
Are you missing teeth and interested in the benefits of dental implants in Hunt Valley, MD? Request a dental implant consultation with Dr. Roham Rafat at our state-of-the-art dental practice. You can also call 443-733-6613.
He’ll discuss your dental health, cosmetic goals, and budget concerns to determine if dental implants are right for you. Valley Dental Health is currently accepting new patients from Cockeysville, Timonium, Sparks, and Jacksonville, MD.
To learn more about the dental implant services at our Hunt Valley dental office, visit: