Dental Implants
Dental implants are a safe and durable tooth replacement solution that have a natural look and feel. If you have lost a tooth and are needing a replacement, a dental implant can be a great option. Dental implants require no more maintenance than your regular teeth and will restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the closest you can get to healthy, natural teeth. Modern dental implants have been used in patients successfully for over 30 years. A dental implant is a titanium post (like a tooth root) that is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line that allows your dentist to mount replacement teeth or a bridge into that area. An implant doesn’t come loose like a denture can. It is a high-tech way to save a tooth and, unlike a bridge, does not rely on nearby natural teeth for support.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
People in Fairfax, Vienna, Burke, or elsewhere in Northern Virginia who maintain good oral health but have lost a tooth are good candidates for dental implants. Your gums must be healthy and there must be enough bone in the jaw to support the implanted root. As part of your free initial consultation, we will work with you to determine your candidacy for dental implant surgery.
What Are Dental Implants Used For?
- Replacing a tooth or teeth without affecting the surrounding teeth
- Improving your ability to eat
- Improving your speech, no more worries of slurred speech or mumbling
- Supporting a denture
- Supporting a dental bridge
- Eliminates the need for a removable partial denture
Set up your appointment at Fairfax Family Dental Care today! We offer Free Consultations Monday – Friday, 8-5 for New Patients!
Dental implants can help restore your smile and provide a long-lasting solution to tooth replacement.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
Improved oral health
Unlike a dental bridge, dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth. More of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health.
They prevent premature aging by slowing the shrinking of bone and gum tissue from the area surrounding the missing tooth.
They will never require a root canal because dental implants do not develop decay. This can also limit possible future tooth pain.
Improved comfort
Since dental implants are a part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
Dental implants do not require adhesives. You brush, floss and receive regular hygiene checkups just as you would with your natural teeth.
Durability
Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement system available. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
What is the Dental Implant Procedure?
SURGICAL PHASE (IN OUR OFFICE)
The area is for the procedure is numbed, so that there is no pain during the dental surgery. The gum is gently folded back and prepared for the implant to be placed in.
The tooth root implant, which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth.
A temporary cap is placed on the dental implant and the gum tissue is repositioned. As the jawbone area heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The implant is left to heal, this typically will take 3-6 months. This will allow the bone to attach to the implant, creating a secure anchor
RESTORATIVE PHASE (IN OUR OFFICE)
After the dental implant has had a chance to attach to the bone tissue, the temporary cap is removed from the anchor and a post, called an abutment, is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth to the anchor.
Your implant is now ready for your new tooth. To make the new tooth or teeth, our dentist will make an impression of your teeth, and create a model of your bite. The appropriate restoration is made from this impression (either a crown, bridge or overdenture).
Your dentist attaches the new restoration to the abutment and your smile is good as new!
Our dentistry team in Fairfax, VA wants you to answer your questions about dental implant surgery. Click here for more information about our dental implant surgery process.
Considering a Dental Implant Near Fairfax, VA?
If you are thinking about getting a dental implant in Fairfax, Vienna, Burke, or any other city in Northern Virginia, contact us for a FREE EVALUATION appointment. Our dentists will examine you to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implant surgery and will provide you with further information and a game plan to help you make your decision. Emergency appointments available outside of regular office hours.