Starting with a consultation between the patient and doctor, the journey towards a new smile begins. A consultation offers the opportunity to ask questions and to develop a plan that addresses the specific needs of the patient.
dental implants in fairfax
Dental Implants Restore Your Smile & Function
Missing teeth can make it challenging to chew food properly, affect speech clarity, and leave you feeling self-conscious about the gaps in your smile.
Dental implants offer a natural-looking solution that not only preserves the jawbone but also promotes healthy bone growth, maintains the stability and function of your teeth, and provides improved function and security. With dental implants, you can expect to have a comfortable and natural-feeling replacement for your missing teeth that enhances your overall appearance and well-being.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard in the realm of missing teeth replacement. This procedure involves the insertion of a titanium post into the jawbone, which is then restored with a natural-looking tooth that functions both cosmetically and naturally.
Components of a Single Dental Implant
Our implants mimic the natural bone structure of the tooth.
Fixture
A titanium screw inserted into the jaw bone that integrates with the surrounding bone structure to become a stable foundation for a crown.
Abutment
A custom-made connector that serves to connect the implant fixture with the future crown.
Implant Crown
A custom-made tooth that is fixated on the abutment and implant, blending in with the remaining dentition in color, shape, and size.
Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is composed of 2 single-unit dental implants, spaced apart to restore 3 or more teeth to blend into your dentition.
How Dental Implants Work
Once a tooth is extracted and a bone graft has been placed in the affected area to ensure proper healing, the stage is set for the placement of a dental implant.
The implant fixture is carefully positioned within the jawbone, allowing it to fuse with the surrounding bone and heal properly. This integration process typically takes between 3 to 4 months.
We believe the top benefit implants offer patients is their impact on health. Since the implant consists of a post that embeds into the jawbone, it simulates the advantage of a natural tooth root. In addition to serving as a stable foundation for a tooth, a tooth root serves as a healthy stimulant for the jawbone. By using an artificial implant post, the jawbone is enabled to grow stronger and resist deterioration.
The Implant Process
If it is discovered that the patient requires treatment, this must first be completed. Problems like gum disease, poor bone density, untreated injuries, or severely decayed teeth are all treatable, and this step must be taken to ensure the patient is in the best condition prior to placement surgery.
As part of our process in Fairfax, VA, we consider how an implant might help the patient, as well as what pre-treatment requirements might be required in order to ensure a successful outcome. Dental implants in Fairfax often require several stages, which may involve short periods where the patient is without a tooth.
However, depending on the situation, there are options available to avoid being without a tooth during the implant process.
If it is discovered that the patient requires treatment, this must first be completed. Problems like gum disease, poor bone density, untreated injuries, or severely decayed teeth are all treatable, and this step must be taken to ensure the patient is in the best condition prior to placement surgery.
After having enough time to integrate with the supporting bone structure, the implant post should be stable enough to place an abutment. An abutment acts as the connecting piece between the implant post and dental crown, connecting the entire appliance together.
Based on the patient and doctor’s consultation, a customized crown is built to match the patient’s preference for color, size, and shape. Once the crown is cemented or screwed into place, the patient will enjoy a strong, healthy, and appealing smile for a lifetime.
What to Expect
To ensure that the full process runs smoothly, a patient must follow a certain protocol on their journey to receive dental implants.
The procedure typically involves 5 to 7 visits, which include fixture placement, healing checks, and scans to ensure a successful final restoration.
After the implant has fully healed, it is uncovered, and a digital scan is taken to create a custom-made abutment and crown at a lab. This abutment and crown will function as a permanent tooth, providing optimal function and aesthetics.
Why Get Dental Implants in Fairfax?
Dental implants offer numerous advantages over other restorative options.
Natural Appearance
Dental implants not only look aesthetically pleasing, but they also function exceptionally well, especially in situations where the tooth structure that would normally support a crown is inadequate or absent.
Long-Lasting
Dental implants are renowned for their longevity and can last for an extended period, potentially even permanently. In situations where the dental implant crown requires replacement, the dental post remains intact, providing a solid foundation for a new crown.
The Closest Thing to Real Teeth
Dental implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement, as they restore natural function and aesthetics to your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants are synthetically developed tooth structures that are capable of replacing missing teeth to benefit appearance, function, and health. Rather than just sitting on the gum tissue like many restorative devices, dental implants connect with the jawbone and derive support and stability from your own connective tissue. This makes them more appealing as they last longer, feel more natural, and closely match the capabilities of a natural tooth.
The most significant amount of time in the dental implant process is attributed to the bone healing cycle and the integration of the implant, which usually takes around 3 to 4 months to complete.
Absolutely! Implants can be utilized to anchor and stabilize dentures, providing an excellent option for those who wear removable appliances.
To determine the suitability for dental implants, an initial assessment of your jaw bone is necessary, which is typically performed using a 3D cone beam scan. The amount of bone available, as well as your oral and gum health, will be taken into consideration to determine the feasibility of the implant procedure.
The cost of a full implant procedure varies based on a multitude of different factors; this may include the type of implant chosen, the number of teeth missing, or your need for preliminary treatment. While it’s not possible for us to provide a true estimate of the expense due to these factors, you may be able to receive more information upon attending a consultation with our dentists.
Restore Your Smile Starting Today
Healthy smiles happen every day at Oakton Family Dentistry.