Are you dreaming of a complete, confident smile that lights up every room? Missing teeth can cast a shadow over your confidence, impacting everything from your daily conversations to the simple joy of a meal. At Eastern Shore Smile Solutions, our top dentist in Cambridge, Dr. Hiers, understands these challenges intimately, and we’re here to offer a life-changing solution: dental implants.
If you’re in Cambridge, Easton, or surrounding areas like Denton, Trappe, or St. Michaels, a renewed sense of self and the ability to truly enjoy life again are closer than you think. Call us today at 410-228-4191 to begin your journey towards a radiant, natural-looking smile. 
Not many dental practices can boast over three decades of experienced care, and fewer still can provide the level of expertise, personalization, and innovation found at Eastern Shore Smile Solutions. Since 1989, we have been at the forefront of comprehensive dentistry solutions, driven by a mission to create an environment that provides patient education, encourages open communication, and offers state-of-the-art treatments, empowering you to take charge of your oral health.
Choosing Eastern Shore Smile Solutions means choosing a practice deeply rooted in the community, with a commitment to integrating cutting-edge techniques with personalized, compassionate care. Call our friendly dentists today at 410-228-4191.
Dental implants are a highly effective and long-lasting solution for replacement teeth, designed to mimic the structure and function of natural teeth. They work by creating a strong, stable foundation within your jawbone, onto which artificial teeth are then attached.
Here’s a breakdown of how dental implants work:
A typical dental implant system consists of three main parts:
The beauty of dental implants lies in their ability to mimic natural teeth:
Every successful treatment begins with a thorough understanding of your unique oral health needs and aspirations. Your initial visit with Dr. Hiers will involve a detailed discussion about your health history, a comprehensive oral examination, and advanced imaging, such as 3D scans. These diagnostics enable Dr. Hiers to evaluate the quality and quantity of your jawbone, pinpoint precise placement sites, and develop a personalized treatment plan. The planning process for dental implants may also involve collaboration with various specialists, including a dental surgeon and a periodontist, to ensure the best possible outcome.
In some instances, especially if a tooth has been missing for a long time, the jawbone might have deteriorated or be insufficient to adequately support an implant. This is where bone grafting comes into play. Bone grafting involves adding bone material to the jaw, creating a stronger foundation for the implant. This can be done using your own bone, donor bone, or synthetic materials. Bone grafting can take several months for the transplanted bone to grow enough new bone to support a dental implant.
The site then needs time to heal and integrate the new bone material, which typically takes several months. Dr. Hiers will discuss this possibility during your consultation, explaining how it fits into your specific dental implant process.
Once your jawbone is ready, the next step involves the gentle surgical placement of the titanium implant post into the bone. This surgical procedure is usually performed with local anesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout. Many patients express surprise at how comfortable this stage is. Dental implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day. After placement, the implant is typically left to heal beneath the gum line for a period of several months.
This is a vital period during the healing process where the body naturally integrates the titanium implant into the jawbone. It’s a testament to the body’s remarkable healing capabilities and the biocompatibility of the implant material. During this time, the implant essentially becomes a permanent part of your anatomy. How long do dental implants take to fully integrate? This varies, but it commonly ranges from three to six months. After the dental implant is placed, the gums must heal for at least two weeks before attaching the artificial tooth. During this healing period, Dr. Hiers will monitor your progress with follow-up appointments.
Once osseointegration is complete and the implant is firmly anchored, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the top of the implant. This abutment will protrude slightly above the gum line and serve as the connector for your new artificial tooth. In some cases, the abutment may be placed at the same time as the implant, depending on the specific situation and implant system used.
With the abutment in place, impressions are taken of your mouth. These impressions are then used to custom-create your dental crown, bridge, or denture – the visible part of your new smile. Whether you need a single tooth implant procedure, a bridge to replace several teeth, or full mouth dental implants, each restoration is meticulously designed to match the shade, shape, and size of your natural teeth, creating a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result
No, getting dental implants doesn’t hurt. With modern anesthesia and sedation options, discomfort during the implant placement procedure is minimal. Pain management options during surgery may include local anesthesia or IV sedation, tailored to your comfort needs. Most patients report only mild soreness similar to a tooth extraction in the days following the surgery, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The total timeline varies for each person, typically ranging from a few months to a year. This depends on factors like whether bone grafting is needed and how quickly your body heals and integrates the implant (osseointegration).
Most individuals who are missing teeth are candidates for dental implants. However, factors like bone density, general health, and habits like smoking can influence suitability. A comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Hiers will determine if implants are the right solution for you.
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and routine dental checkups and cleanings are essential to keep the surrounding teeth and gum tissue healthy and help your implants last.
Imagine the feeling of truly smiling again, of enjoying every meal without a second thought, and speaking with unwavering clarity. If you’ve been living with missing teeth, know that a brighter, more comfortable future awaits you. Dr. Hiers, our trained implant dentist near you, and the caring staff at Eastern Shore Smile Solutions are here to guide you every step of the way.
Take the first step towards a vibrant, complete smile. Call Eastern Shore Smile Solutions today at 410-228-4191 to schedule your dental implant consultation. We welcome new patients from Cambridge, Easton, Denton, and St. Michaels.
