Dental Implants in Virginia
What Are Dental Implants?
The dental implants in Virginia services provided are basically an artificial replacement for the root of your tooth. But they are supported differently than a natural tooth. While a natural tooth has a periodontal ligament that holds the root to the bone, a dental implant biologically attached to the bone in a process called osseointegration.
Additionally, to attach the implant securely, a bone graft is used either to regenerate missing bone around the implant or increase the thickness of the bone supporting the implant. Bone and tissue grafts achieve aesthetic results. Accordingly, once implant placed, a fixed temporary crown gets added to the visible top part of your tooth; supporting the tissue and establish an aesthetic appearance before the permanent crown is attached. However, if the implant area lacks tissue or bone support, a removable temporary tooth may be necessary.
What’s more, the final crown attached to the implant with a connection piece, called the abutment, is made out of titanium, zirconia, or both. Thus, the abutment supports the contours of the gum tissue and helps the natural tooth form to the crown and tissue. Undeniably, they are custom designed to get the best-looking replacement for each tooth. The final crown can be all ceramic or metal-supported for larger teeth and custom-colored to match your existing teeth. When all done, the combination of proper implant placement, a custom abutment, and an aesthetic crown can effectively and aesthetically replace your missing teeth.
Parts and Structure of Dental Implants
The Four Main Parts of a Dental Implant:
Crown – Made of ceramic, the crown is the visible part of a dental implant. It’s custom designed to look exactly like your natural teeth and screw directly onto the abutment.
Abutment – Made of titanium, zirconia, or both, the abutment attaches your crown to the fixture in your jaw bone. Supporting the contours of your gum tissue.
Screw – Made of titanium, the screw attaches the abutment to the fixture in your jaw.
Fixture – The fixture, also made of titanium, is a thin screw inserted into your jaw. Additionally, your bone naturally grows around the post, perhaps with a little help from bone grafts, securing the fixture firmly in place.
Structure of
The Dental Implant:
Dental Implant Procedure
The Stages of Dental Implant Treatment
Overall, the entire dental implant process extends over several months. Before we can implant the replaced tooth, you’ll first come in for a consultation to start the implant process. During this consultation, we’ll take x-rays and examine your mouth, teeth, and gums to see if you’re a candidate for implant surgery. If you have good oral health and a healthy jaw bone, we’ll schedule a date for the first implant procedure.
On the morning of the procedure, we may restrict your eating and drinking. Likewise, get a good night’s sleep and relax!
After you’ve gone through those pre-steps, here’s the dental implant treatment steps you can expect at Family Dentistry Springfield:
- Implant – When you come in for an dental implant in Virginia, our dentist and team of experts make sure you feel comfortable with local or general anesthesia. Then, we remove any remaining damaged teeth, prepare the jaw, and place the implant. Depending on the case, we might be able to place a temporary crown on the same day.
- Healing – You may have bruises and pain for a few days after the implant, but you should feel back to normal quickly. However, you’ll have to wait several weeks for your bone to heal around the implant. Implants can be long term provided good care is taken.
- Abutment – Once your jaw and your gum tissue have healed, we place your dental abutment on the implant and secure it with a screw.
- Crown – Right after we have placed the abutment, we place your custom ceramic crown. Then, you are almost ready to use your implant right away.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?
Evidently, if you have lost a tooth, you may feel uncertain about getting dental implants. Generally, many patients wonder if dental implants works just like regular teeth or if they are comfortable. But we can assure you that dental implants function like your regular teeth. Hence, take a look at the many benefits dental implants can bring:
- Feel and act like a regular teeth
- Fit smooth and comfortable
- Last a long time if care given
- Improve function for chewing and talking
- Enhanced facial structure
- Fill your smile
Finally, if you’re interested in obtaining dental implants in Virginia, call the office or click below to request an appointment!
