Dental implants mimic your missing tooth's roots, offering superior stability and functionality.

Dental Implants

A couple smiling after getting dental implants in Columbia, Md

Dental implants are a long-term solution to tooth loss and are the replacement that dentists most often recommend, with good reason!

Unlike removable dentures or partials, you won’t experience problems with slipping or shifting, and implants don’t require a specialized daily care routine beyond regular brushing and flossing. We do not need to alter existing, healthy teeth with dental implants; we can support a dental bridge with implants.

Do I Need Dental Implants?

For many people, missing teeth present a mostly cosmetic problem, which is a legitimate concern: Missing teeth carry a stigma, and people with missing teeth may find themselves unfairly judged in many social settings.

Unfortunately, the problem of missing teeth goes beyond aesthetics. Tooth loss puts additional stress on your remaining teeth, leading to damage such as fractures and breakage. You may find it difficult or even painful to enjoy the fresh, healthy foods you need for proper nutrition and nourishment.

One or more missing teeth can eventually lead to significant bone loss in your jaw as the bone atrophies from lack of use. Over time, jawbone loss leads to visible changes in your face and causes a prematurely aged appearance.

Dental implants will stop bone loss in its tracks, which even dentures and partials cannot do.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Alec Dancy

Dr. Alec Dancy brings a thoughtful, relationship-centered approach to dentistry at Hickory Ridge Dental. He believes that great dental care goes beyond treating teeth—it’s about building lasting connections with patients and helping them feel genuinely cared for each time they visit.

Dr. Dancy earned his undergraduate degree from The Johns Hopkins University in 2011 and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Dentistry in 2016. He then completed a one-year General Practice Residency at Christiana Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, gaining advanced experience in comprehensive ...

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Am I a Good Dental Implant Candidate?

While most healthy adults are eligible for tooth implants, some health conditions can affect placement results.

When you visit our office to discuss dental implants, we will ask several questions about your health history. These questions help us determine whether dental implants are the right option for you. Don’t worry—even if you have a health concern, we can likely work with you. We need to know about any conditions and take the necessary precautions to account for them.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

Before beginning the implant process, we perform a full examination, including x-rays. Because the implant is attached directly to your jaw, we need to know the condition of your bone. Our dentist may recommend bone grafts and other procedures to build up your jawbone if necessary.

We then place the titanium implant post in your jawbone. When you have healed sufficiently, we may place a temporary crown over the implant while waiting for your permanent crown to return from the dental lab.

When your final crown returns from the dental lab, you will return to our office so we can place it on your dental implant. The final step is to check the crown for fit and appearance, and your implant will be complete.

For more information about tooth implants or to schedule an appointment, please call our dental practice today.

Dental Implants Technology

3-D Dental Imaging

3-D dental imaging is an exciting new dental technology that allows your dentist to get a full view inside your mouth, allowing for better diagnosis and treatment of dental issues. With 3-D imaging, your dentist will use a 3-D imaging machine to create a 3-D rendering of the inside of your mouth. This is superior to traditional 2-D x-rays because it offers your dentist a look at your entire mouth in 3-D, providing more vivid detail and a variety of perspectives.

Your dentist will be able to zoom in on areas, rotate the view, and enjoy a variety of angles, which makes for a much more in-depth imaging experience. Creating the 3-D image is simple and easy, taking only a few minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants have several advantages over other tooth replacement options:

Dental implants appear the most life-like and natural.
The actual implant piece of the dental implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible metal.
Dental implants are the most secure and stable.
Dental implants prevent bone loss, keeping your jaw tissue healthy and preventing changes in the shape of your face.
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.