Baltimore has a rich history in dentistry. Many renowned dentists trained in the city have made significant contributions to the field. UM Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute Dental Service provides basic dental care to people with Maryland Medicaid, including children and pregnant women.
Dental care remains largely uncovered by insurance in Maryland, but health officials are working to change that. Some people may be able to get free or reduced-cost dental care Baltimore Maryland at community centers.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a revolutionary restorative dentistry treatment that offer a permanent solution to missing teeth. They serve as artificial tooth roots that fuse with your jawbone over time, helping to preserve bone health and restore both function and aesthetics to the smile.
They are also better for your oral health than bridges or dentures, as they don’t place additional stress on the healthy teeth that surround them. However, proper care is necessary to prevent infection and ensure longevity.
Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether you are suitable for dental implants before performing the procedure. They will then insert the implant into your jawbone and allow it to heal. A small metal connector piece, known as an abutment, will be attached to each implant, and your custom dental care Baltimore Maryland restoration will be affixed to it.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that can hide a variety of flaws in your smile. We can use them to fix a broken tooth, cover a discolored one or support a dental bridge. They also resist staining and look much more natural than dentures or bridgework.
We recommend crowning a damaged or heavily worn down tooth to protect it. This cap can also smooth jagged edges and hold a large filling in place. We even sometimes use crowns to repair a root canal or as part of a dental implant.
Teeth Whitening
Using a highly effective bleaching agent, our dentists can lighten your teeth by up to six or eight shades. This is a safe and easy cosmetic treatment that doesn’t require drilling or injections. It also pairs well with other cosmetic or restorative procedures.
Your dental team will cover your gums before applying the whitening product, which typically contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The active ingredient breaks down stains on the enamel to lighten tooth color.
Most Maryland residents have access to fluoridated water, though the percentage has been decreasing since 2008. Local public health dentistry offices provide subsidized and sliding-scale oral care for eligible residents.
Root Canals
A root canal is a dental care Baltimore Maryland treatment that saves a tooth with infected inner pulp. It removes the infected tissue, disinfects and shapes the interior of the tooth’s roots, then seals it. The procedure may cause mild discomfort afterward, but over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
A throbbing toothache that doesn’t go away is usually a sign of infected pulp. Silvestrin says a dead tooth often hurts differently in different people, so it’s important to visit your dentist regularly.
Flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups will prevent gum disease from progressing from gingivitis to periodontitis. Gingivitis treatments include scaling and root planing, which scrape off plaque from the gum line.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can correct issues such as chipped teeth, uneven tooth size and shape, crooked teeth, or small gaps between them. They can also address discolored teeth that don’t respond to whitening treatments.
Cosmetic dentists strive to design beautiful, symmetrical smiles that complement the patient’s face, bone structure, expressions, and personality. They may recommend dental veneers as one of the fastest, least invasive strategies to deliver stunning results.
Veneers are wafer-thin shells that a dentist permanently bonds to the front surface of each tooth. They are popular because they offer versatility and a natural-looking appearance, as well as resistance to staining.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are an excellent option for replacing one or more missing teeth. They can help restore your smile’s natural appearance and allow you to eat a healthy diet.
Unlike other tooth-replacement solutions, dental bridges don’t require surgery and can be completed in a few visits. They also prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of place, which could cause bite problems.
A traditional fixed bridge is made of a pontic or false tooth and two abutment teeth on either side. The abutment teeth act as anchors to hold the bridge in place.
Dentures
Whether replacing partial or full teeth, dentures are an effective and affordable solution to rebuilding complete smiles. Dentures offer a natural appearance and function while also preventing remaining teeth from shifting, which can lead to further dental problems.
While some patients may find that their new dentures feel bulky or loose at first, they will quickly adjust to these oral appliances. Dentures can be removed at night to allow the gums and jawbone a break from the appliance, which can help prevent irritation or infection. Dentures can also interfere with taste perception, but these concerns typically fade over time as the mouth becomes accustomed to wearing them.
