Dental Implants

Dental implants are an effective, natural-looking way to restore your smile and ability to eat and speak comfortably. The implants are screw-like posts surgically placed in the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. The implant serves as a stable base for a dental restoration that replaces the visible portion of the tooth. Dental implants are a comfortable, permanent solution for patients missing one or more teeth.

There are three sections to a dental implant:

  • The implant is a slender screw or pin serving as the artificial root.
  • The abutment is a post connecting the implant to a dental crown or prosthetic.
  • The crown or restoration replaces the visible portion of a missing tooth or teeth.

Dr. K | Dental Implants


Advantages of Dental Implants

Many people choose dental implants after trying other, less permanent solutions such as dentures or dental bridges that did not work for them. Dental implants give you incredible freedom, convenience, and comfort without having to care for removable dentures or other prosthetics. The advantages of implants are numerous, including:

  • Implants prevent deterioration of the jawbone
  • You can eat all your favorite foods without worry
  • Your facial contours are preserved to avoid the sunken, aged appearance commonly seen when teeth are missing
  • You can speak clearly without worrying about slipping dentures
  • Dental implants do not develop cavities
  • No worrying about dentures or bridges that slip, shift, or fall out
  • Dental implants are comfortable, with no rubbing on the gums or fit issues
  • Dental implants are easy to clean – just brush and floss like natural teeth
  • No other tooth replacements look, feel, and perform like natural teeth
  • The remaining teeth are not disturbed or damaged for implant placement
  • Dental implants absorb the full bite force of the missing teeth, preventing gum and soft tissue irritation

Types of Dental Implants

Single Implants

A single tooth implant replaces a missing tooth with an individual artificial tooth composed of the titanium implant, an abutment, and a dental crown. The implant stabilizes the jawbone and the crown replaces your tooth without having to disturb the teeth on either side, unlike a bridge or a partial denture.

Full-Arch Dental Implants

If you are missing some or all of your teeth in the upper or lower jaw, full-arch dental implants can replace all of your teeth with a full arch fixed bridge supported by only 4-6 implants.  Full-arch dental implants are cost-effective because they allow you to replace all of your teeth with a few number of implants.  The full arch implant supported bridge is thinner and more comfortable than traditional dentures (they do not cover the roof of the mouth), they are more realistic-looking, and allow for normal speaking, eating and chewing.

Implant Supported Dentures

If you are not a good candidate for full arch dental implants, implant supported dentures are another alternative to traditional dentures. An implant supported denture is a denture that is supported with 2-4 implants, but is only recommended for the lower arch where the bone is more stable. Unlike a regular lower denture that moves around, an implant-supported denture is more secure which makes eating and talking more comfortable.

Dr. K’s expertise in the placement of dental implants is backed by hundreds of hours of implant training, which has included a post-doctoral residency program in dental implantology. Dr K has successfully placed 1,000’s of implants and enjoys restoring patient’s self confidence and overall quality of life by giving them the gift of a new smile.  If you are interested in restoring your smile with dental implants, the first step is scheduling your free consultation with Dr. K. Contact our office at Owings Mills Phone Number (443) 258-9939 to schedule your appointment and start your journey to a long lasting beautiful smile and better health!

Dental Implants FAQs

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of dental implants depends on how many implants you need and whether additional steps like bone grafting are involved. We offer several financing options to help treatment fit comfortably within your budget. For a closer look at what influences pricing, visit our Cost of Dental Implants page for more details.

Are Dental Implants Worth It?

Many patients find dental implants worth the investment because they restore the ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Unlike removable options, implants are designed to feel and function much like natural teeth over the long term. When you weigh the comfort and stability implants provide, they often prove to be a valuable choice for your oral health.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

With proper care, dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth. Good oral hygiene and regular checkups help protect the implant along with the surrounding gum and bone tissue. While results vary from patient to patient, many people enjoy their dental implants for years to come.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Dental implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, which gives them more stability than traditional dentures. This can allow for more natural chewing and speaking, without the shifting that sometimes comes with removable dentures. Every smile is different, so we take the time to help you decide which option is the right fit for your needs.

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants use four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. This approach can restore an entire arch of teeth without needing an implant at every missing tooth. To learn more about how full mouth dental implants can transform your smile, visit our Full Mouth Implants page.

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