Dental extraction changes your mouth permanently, unless you replace those missing teeth with dental implants, today's most realistic dental prosthetics. At Bayside Dental in Lexington Park, Dr. Denise Owens Mullinix uses dental implants as the treatment of choice for tooth loss. They look and act just like real teeth, and because they reside in the jaw, they maintain bone health and strength. Learn all about them here.

Frequently asked questions about Lexington Park dental implants

How does a dental implant differ from bridgework or conventional dentures? A dental implant has three parts: a titanium metal screw (placed in the jaw), a metal alloy extension post and lifelike ceramic crown. Through a bonding process called osseointegration, the implant bonds to the jaw bone and improves its density, size and shape. Traditional tooth replacements cannot improve the bone.

Can I receive dental implants? The vast majority of healthy teens and adults can. Dr. Owens Mullinix will inspect your remaining teeth, gums, and underlying bone (via sophisticated digital imaging techniques) and review your medical history. Good jaw bone structure (particularly in the alveolar ridge) and a health immune system foster implant success. Some people need bone grafts or sinus lift procedures to ready their implant sites.

How long does the treatment take? Implant surgery (which happens right in the office) takes about an hour or so. Actual healing and final restoration with the post and crown occurs many weeks to months after that. This healing process is called osseointegration. It's vital to allow Nature dictate when the bone has fully integrated with the titanium implant.

I am missing several teeth. Can dental implants help me? Yes, even people who have lost all of their teeth may be able to get implant-supported bridges, partials or full dentures.

What is the overall success rate of implants? According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, dental implant procedures succeed about 95 percent of the time. When properly cared for, implants last for decades.

Do implants take special kinds of care? Yes and no are the best answers to this question. Dental implants require diligent brushing every day, along with careful flossing, but so do real teeth. So, if you're good about oral hygiene, you'll do fine with implants. They cannot decay, but implant sites may develop peri-implantitis (similar to gum disease) if patients neglect at-home and in-office hygiene. Also, tobacco usage encourages this destructive infection. So, if you smoke, seriously consider quitting before you undergo implant placement.

We can answer more questions

Learn all you can about dental implants. Dr. Denise Owens Mullinix and her team at Bayside Dental will be happy to help you decide if these wonderful tooth replacements are your best options. Call for a consultation appointment in Lexington Park, MD, at (301) 862-2118.

There are certain factors that can determine whether cosmetic dentistry is right for you.

When it comes to altering and enhancing your smile you want to choose the right treatment to fit your needs. This is where our Lexington Park, MD, dentist Dr. Denise Owens Mullinix can help. There are so many wonderful options out there that can give you the results you’ve been looking for. Here’s what you should consider before diving into cosmetic dentistry.

What do you wish to change about your smile?

It’s important for you to come in with specific and concrete cosmetic goals before coming in for your consultation with our Lexington Park, MD, cosmetic dentist. While we can help you determine the best treatment option we want to be able to meet your needs. Knowing what you are looking to achieve through cosmetic dentistry will give us a better understanding of what treatment or treatments to recommend to you.

Some reasons people get cosmetic dentistry are to improve:

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Stains and discoloration
• Misshapen or malformed teeth
• Uneven or worn down teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Minor crookedness or misalignments

Fortunately, there are many cosmetic dentistry options out there that can give you the amazing results you are looking for, no matter if you want to make small adjustments or you want a full makeover. Some of the most popular options include,

Professional teeth whitening: If you are dealing with stains or discolorations that store-bought whitening products just aren’t fixing then it’s time to consider professional in-office whitening. Since this treatment is supervised by our dentist we can use a much stronger whitening gel coupled with a dental light, which will stimulate the activate ingredient to break up stains in a shorter amount of time.

Dental veneers: Are you dealing with several issues like discolorations, misshapen teeth, gaps between teeth, or chips and cracks? Want to get an overall more attractive smile? If so, then these ultra-thin porcelain shells may be all you need. These shells are bonded to the front of your teeth to hide common dental flaws.

Dental implants: We know how upsetting it can be to lose a tooth as an adult; fortunately, we offer the next best thing to a real tooth: a dental implant. An implant replaces your missing tooth roots by being placed into the jawbone where it will support a false tooth for several decades.

Could your smile use a little refresher? Want to completely revamp your appearance? No matter how minimally or significantly you want to enhance your smile, Bayside Dental in Lexington Park, MD, can help. Book a consultation with us today.

Are implants the right approach for replacing your missing teeth?

More and more adults dealing with tooth loss are turning to dental implants to replace their missing teeth. This is because this simple restoration is as close as you can actually come to a real tooth. An implant both functions and looks just like a real tooth and it could end up lasting the rest of your life if you maintain good oral hygiene. From the office of our Lexington Park, MD, family dentist Dr. Denise Mullinix, find out what dental implants can offer your smile.

What is a dental implant?

Before you understand how an implant works it’s first important to understand what it is. An implant is designed to replace the roots of a tooth. In order to do this, the implant will need to be placed within the jawbone. An implant is made up of three different parts,

• A small metal post or screw: this is the implant itself that’s placed in the jawbone
• An abutment: this sits on top of the implant and connects it with the false tooth
• A crown: this is the part of the dental implant that is visible when you smile

Unlike other tooth replacement options, a dental implant is permanent and fixed in place. In fact, once the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone it actually fuses together with the jawbone.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Since implants act just like real teeth they offer some pretty amazing and unique benefits for our patients in Lexington Park, MD, who are dealing with tooth loss:

• Enjoy a permanent and long-term restoration
• Fully restore proper speech and chewing
• Fill gaps in your smile and improve your appearance
• Boost your confidence
• Prevent teeth from shifting into open gaps in your smile
• Prevent bone loss
• Support and preserve your facial’s natural structure

Bayside Dental in Lexington Park, MD, is dedicated to helping you maintain and achieve a healthier smile. If you are an adult dealing with tooth loss, then it’s time to call our office today to find out how dental implants could help you smile again.

If you have ever looked into replacing the missing teeth in your smile, you may have run across dental implants. These powerful dental restorations are a long-term investment in more ways than one. How will dental implants benefit your smile? Find out more about dental implants with Dr. Denise Owens Mullinix at Bayside Dental in Lexington Park, MD.

What is a dental implant?
Dental implants replace a missing tooth. However, implants stand apart from other tooth replacement options in that they also reach under the gum tissue to replace a tooth’s root. Dental implants have many benefits, including avoiding bone atrophy, eliminating the chance of shifting teeth, and helping you love the way you look by filling in your gaps.

How is a dental implant a long-term investment for my smile?
Dental implants are a long-term investment in your smile. They can last a lifetime with the proper care, a fact that other tooth replacement options cannot boast. Additionally, implants are a permanent part of your smile. Unlike a traditional dental bridge or denture, an implant remains in your mouth and does not require removal for cleaning or soaking at night when not in use. Implants truly are the most realistic and naturally-functioning tooth replacement option available.

Dental Implants in Lexington Park, MD
If you are considering dental implants, you should be in good dental and general health. Those considering implants should have an adequate amount of bone volume to properly support an implant. Some patients may require a bone grafting procedure prior to receiving their implants. A good candidate for an implant has a strong at-home oral care routine including brushing twice daily and flossing at least once. Good candidates should also see their dentist regularly for checkups to keep their implants and natural teeth healthy and clean.

For more information on dental implants, please contact Dr. Denise Owens Mullinix at Bayside Dental in Lexington Park, MD. Call (301) 862-2118 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Mullinix today!

How dental implants from your dentist in Lexington Park can restore your smile

A complete smile is both beautiful and functional. If you are missing teeth, chances are you’ve noticed how difficult it is to chew your food. You’ve probably also realized that people notice the large gaps in your smile. You may have even stopped smiling from embarrassment. It’s time to get your smile back! Dr. Denise Owens Mullinix at Bayside Dental in Lexington Park, MD wants to introduce you to dental implants, the state-of-art-way to complete your smile.

There are many advantages to completing your smile with dental implants instead of bridges, partials or dentures. Consider that dental implants are:

• Completely stable, because they are firmly embedded in bone; they are a permanent part of your smile that won’t move around, unlike partials and dentures.
• Naturally beautiful, because the implant crown is made of high-grade dental ceramic that reflects light, just like your natural teeth; dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
• Easy maintenance, because you brush and floss them just like your natural teeth; dental implants will also never decay and they are resistant to stains.
• Convenient, because you never have to remove them; dental implants become a permanent addition to your smile.

The dental implant screw is placed during a simple in-office procedure. Over time, your supporting bone fuses around the dental implant screw, securing it in place. The dental implant screw functions as the “root” of your missing tooth. After the area of the implant screw has healed, a beautiful new implant crown is placed on top of the implant screw. You now have a new tooth that is as good or even better as the tooth it is replacing!

To find out more detailed information about dental implants, please visit the dental implants page on Bayside Dental website at https://www.bayside-dental.com/dental-implants.html

When you choose dental implants to complete your smile, you have chosen the most highly successful surgical implant, with a success rate of over 95 percent, according to the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

You deserve to complete your smile with the best tooth replacement method available, and that’s dental implants. To find out more about dental implants and other restorative and cosmetic dental services call Dr. Mullinix at Bayside Dental in Lexington Park, MD today!