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Asuncion Dental Group is proud to say that we have all the services you need to keep or restore your smile to its greatness in one convenient place! But one of the most rewarding things that we provide is to make your smile “whole” again. Our team in Frederick, Maryland, accomplishes this feat with what is considered to be a big breakthrough in tooth replacement: dental implants. So, let’s dig into what implants are and what makes them so great for your smile and the rest of you.
In the past, if you were missing one tooth, a dental bridge might be in your future. If you have several lost or failing teeth, a “partial” might be appropriate. Or, if you no longer had healthy teeth in the upper and lower jaws, a “complete” or full denture could remake your entire smile. These options might fill in gaps and help with chewing foods; however, they were not without drawbacks.
The problem is these prosthetics only replace the visible parts of your teeth. But your teeth are not designed like that! Your teeth are made up of the visible crown and support structures such as the pink gums or gingival tissue. They are also stabilized in the jaws with tooth roots, which typically cannot be seen. These roots resemble two prongs extending from the jawbone to the gum line.
Implants are different from older versions of bridges and partial and complete dentures. They replace the tooth roots. Made from materials such as titanium and zirconia, cylindrical-shaped implants are surgically placed in the jawbone. Since implants are made from biocompatible materials, they naturally fuse or integrate into the surrounding bone. This process can take several months.
Generally, once the implants have joined the rest of the jaw, Dr. Frederick Asuncion can attach the visible parts of the prosthetic teeth to these new tooth roots. Dr. Asuncion may place one implant in the jawbone to secure a single tooth or crown. Or, a few implants may be positioned to stabilize several teeth as part of a bridge or “partial.” Finally, a minimal number of implants (four) may be placed in such a way as to retain an entire upper or lower denture. This approach saves you time, money, stress, and hassle.
Because implant-supported teeth are designed like natural teeth, there are many benefits associated with seeking this modern treatment alternative:
What’s more, at Asuncion Dental Group, many different types of patients can benefit from implants – including those with bone loss. Dr. Asuncion is happy to discuss options such as mini implants, the less invasive and “graft-less” alternative to standard implants for individuals who otherwise might not be good candidates for implant-retained crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Call our office in Frederick, MD, today at (301) 690-8482 to learn more. If you are an existing patient due for your next check-up, please call (301) 620-8882 to schedule a visit. We look forward to seeing you!