Dental Implants in Clinton, Maryland

What's Meant by a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth that replaces a damaged or missing tooth. It's matched to your natural teeth for shape, color, and size, so no one will know that it's not a natural tooth unless you tell them. It's attached to a titanium screw that's surgically inserted into the jawbone and, through a process known as osseointegration, becomes part of your jawbone.

Two methods are available, depending on the amount of jawbone you have. An endosteal implant is inserted directly into the jawbone. A subperiosteal implant is installed under the gum but above the jawbone and is typically used for those who lack enough jawbone but aren't able to receive a bone graft.

Are Dental Implants Expensive?

Your dental implants cost will be unique to you and will be influenced by several factors, such as:

• The materials used for the post and the crown
• Any additional procedures needed, such as a bone graft
• The number of implants you need
• Whether you need a subperiosteal or an endosteal implant
• Your dental implants insurance coverage

Implants can be an alternative to dentures or bridges, and while they may be somewhat more expensive initially, they may be more cost-effective over time. When considering your dental implants cost, be sure to factor in items such as adhesives, cleaning, and soaking solutions for dentures, replacement costs for lost or broken dentures or bridges, and the time spent on additional care and maintenance.

With implants, the initial cost is what you'll pay for them. They require no special maintenance, only the good oral hygiene used for your natural teeth. Most patients consider their implants to have been well worth the expense, especially considering their long-term benefits.

Will Insurance Pay for Dental Implants?

To determine whether your insurance will pay for your implants, we recommend that you speak to your provider. Many companies offer dental implants insurance as an option on their policy, while some companies don't provide it. Your provider can inform you of the coverages, limitations, and exclusions of your policy, so we recommend you speak to them before coming to our office for your initial appointment. If you have questions, call us, and we'll be happy to help you.

What's the Dental Implant Procedure?

Your dental implants procedure is a multi-step process that will vary slightly depending on the type of placement you need. However, the procedure is generally as follows:

• First, we'll prepare the site to receive the post.
• Second, we'll surgically install the post into your jaw.
• Next, we'll wait until your jawbone heals, which typically takes a few months.
• When the site has healed, we'll attach the abutment, which is the connecting element for the implant.
• The last step is to install your custom-fitted crown with a very strong cement.

Pain is usually mild and is easily managed with the local anesthesia you'll receive during the procedure and an over-the-counter analgesic afterward.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Appearance and convenience are the main benefits of implants, but there are plenty more, including:

• You'll always have a mouth full of beautiful teeth. 
• Your teeth will never be soaking in a jar on the dresser.
• You'll have more self-confidence and better self-esteem when you're not worrying about dentures slipping or falling out at an inopportune moment.
• You'll be able to speak more clearly.
• You'll be able to resume eating your favorite foods.
• You won't suffer periods without teeth because you've lost or broken a denture and are waiting for its replacement to arrive.

How Long Will My Implants Last?

With proper care and maintenance, your implants will last for decades, and some patients find they last for a lifetime. Part of their longevity will depend on the level of care you give them, but with good oral hygiene and maintenance, your implants can provide a beautiful smile for a lifetime.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Dental Implants Procedure?

Not everyone is a good candidate for a dental implants procedure, but most are, and that decision is up to your dentist. When you come to our Clinton office for your initial consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth to determine whether implants will work for you, and we'll provide you with a comprehensive estimate of your dental implants cost.

If you're not a good candidate for implants, they'll make suggestions so you can have the smile you want without dentures.

Where Can I Get Affordable Dental Implants?

 Whether you're interested in mini implants, a single implant, or an implant-supported bridge, we can help you. Call Dr. Mark Greenstein & Associates at (301) 710-0439 for more information on dental implants in Clinton or to schedule an appointment. If finances are an issue, we have options available so that you can have affordable dental implants at a price that fits your budget.

Call us today. We look forward to speaking with you.