Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery involves the exact surgical placement of a titanium post into the jawbone. All steps of your dental implant surgery are completed in our state-of-the-art facility in Fairfax, VA. At Fairfax Family Dental Care, our dentists want to ensure you are prepared for your dental implant surgery, in addition to knowing what to expect during the process.
Dental implant surgery involves the exact surgical placement of a titanium post into the jawbone. All steps of your dental implant surgery are completed in our state-of-the-art facility in Fairfax, VA. At Fairfax Family Dental Care, our dentists want to ensure you are prepared for your dental implant surgery, in addition to knowing what to expect during the process.
1. EXAMINATION
The first step of dental implant surgery is the examination and planning phase. Firstly, we use the Vatech Pax-i3D digital x-ray system to determine if you are a good fit for dental implants. The information is also used to plan the surgery. This advanced imaging software creates a 3d map of your jaw, and allows us to precisely determine the optimal placement of your implants. In addition, it can show us if you are potentially lacking needed bone density. If so, we may recommend a bone graft or sinus lift to rebuild your lost bone.
2. SEDATION
In general, our doctors can complete most dental implant placement procedures with a local anesthetic and offer anxiolysis (nitrous oxide) throughout the various phases of your treatment. Many patients who are nervous or anxious about the procedure benefit from anxiolysis (nitrous oxide), as it helps you to remain calm and relaxed.
3. PREPARATION
After anxiolysis (nitrous oxide) and local anesthesia have been administered, our dentist will prepare the site for the dental implant. Click here to learn more about dental implants.
Set up your appointment at Fairfax Family Dental Care today! We offer Free Consultations Monday – Friday, 8-5 for New Patients!
4. RECOVERY
The recovery process after dental implant surgery can be lengthy. This phase is referred to as osseointegration and typically takes three and six months. Subsequently, the implants will fuse with your bone. To avoid disrupting this critical process, your diet will consist of primarily soft foods. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth and gums gently during this phase of recovery. Learn about how to care for a new dental implant from home.
Fully understanding the procedure can help ease any anxiety you might have about the process.
5. ABUTMENT PLACEMENT
Once recovery is complete, you will return to our office for the placement of the abutment. First, we will create flaps in your gums and fold them back. Next, we will remove the temporary caps and replace them with the abutments, your final restoration will attach to these. After the abutments are in place, our surgeons will reposition the gums around them. The gums healing takes about a week or so. After that, we can place your final dental crown, dental bridge, or denture.
Schedule Your FREE Initial Consultation
If you are interested in a permanent restorative solution for your missing teeth, contact Fairfax Family Dental in Fairfax, VA today. We offer a free initial consultation for new patients Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.