Natural-looking Enhancements for Your Smile
Replicating lost teeths’ natural function and appearance can be difficult. In the past, dentists gave dentures or bridges as their only option for restorations as replacements. This resulted in limited success. However, restoring your smile permanently is no longer an unachievable goal with the emergence of dental implant dentistry. Today, oral and maxillofacial surgeons and restorative dentists ensure the best approach to treatment.
Dental implants are natural-looking restorative dentistry treatments for replacing missing teeth. They can provide the same function as your natural tooth root. We customize each replacement tooth to match your natural teeth for a bright smile. Dentists often use them with dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. They provide an aesthetic solution that also restores the function of your smile.
The Williamsburg Center for Dental Health offers full services for dental implants in Williamsburg, VA. You may have thought that only an oral surgeon can do implants; however, we have done hundreds at our dental office. As a result, we have a strong understanding of dental implants. We use safe CBCT imaging, modern tools, and software to identify any problems or challenges that need attention. For example, we can see precisely where to put the implant without issue.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Candidates with healthy gums and adequate bone support may consider receiving dental implants. At the Williamsburg Center for Dental Health, we provide dental implants for one or many of the following reasons:
- Replace one or more teeth
- To provide support for a partial denture
- Enhance chewing comfort and confidence
- To improve the look of your smile
- Replace a missing tooth or teeth after tooth extraction
Dental Implant Process
Dental implants in our Williamsburg, VA, office restore missing teeth at the root. A screw comprised of titanium metal that is attached to the jawbone. Our process includes a complete evaluation to determine if you need a bone graft for the best placement.
]Attaching the restoration at the jawbone reduces the risk of further bone loss and deterioration. After this procedure, we let the area heal while the titanium post fuses to the jawbone during osseointegration. This takes about three to six months. While you are healing, we may place a temporary restoration.
Once the titanium post has healed and fused to the jawbone, you return to our office for the second phase of treatment. During this phase, we will attach an abatement to your jawbone, and your permanent restoration will attach to the abutment. During this appointment, we will also take impressions, which will be sent to a dental lab to create your permanent restoration. Depending on patient needs, this restoration may be dentures, a dental crown, or a bridge.
After the dentist attaches the abutment, we let your gums heal for about two weeks. After this time, you return to our office to attach your restoration. At this point, the process for dental implants is complete, and you will have a newly restored smile. After they receive their restoration, many of our patients report an increase in self-confidence. Patients say they feel comfortable smiling, speaking, and chewing again.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Caring for your new dental implant restoration is vital. Doing so will ensure its longevity and keep your oral health in check. We will give you instructions to follow after the implant placement surgery and show you how to care for new teeth daily.
Immediately following the procedure, we will give post-operative instructions. These include maintaining a soft diet, avoiding hard or chewy foods, and practicing gentle oral hygiene to allow the implant site to heal. We will also provide additional instructions that are personalized to your case.
Once the initial healing phase is complete, you must establish a regular dental care routine. Brushing your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste is fundamental to maintaining oral health. Additionally, flossing daily using specialized implant-friendly floss or interdental brushes helps remove plaque and prevent gum disease around the implant.
Regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings are crucial to caring for dental implants. Dr. Hall will want to see you twice yearly to ensure the implants and surrounding tissues are healthy. She will be able to detect any potential issues and treat them early to prevent permanent damage to your implants.
At your appointments, we will take X-rays, monitor your implants, clean your teeth, look at the condition of your dental restoration, and examine your gums. It is vital to remove any tartar since dental implants are susceptible to peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease.
We encourage each patient to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Hall will discuss the correlation between oral health and overall health. A healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet and does not include tobacco or an excess amount of alcohol will help support your oral health, enhancing the longevity of your implants. Following these comprehensive care guidelines ensures dental implants remain functioning for many years.
Dental Implants FAQs
As your trusted dentist in Williamsburg, VA, Dr. Stacey Hall is here to help you choose the appropriate option for your restorative dentistry treatment. Our team is happy to speak with you regarding this option. Our dental implants offer several benefits to patients looking to replace one or more teeth. Continue reading to find answers to common questions about dental implants.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant consists of three parts. The first part of your dental implant is a titanium post. Your dentist will surgically implant this metal post so it fuses with your jawbone. This post will help you restore the functionality of tooth roots.
Your dentist will add an abutment after your mouth heals over the post. The abutment will connect the post to your dental crown. Finally, our dentist will place a crown on top of the abutment. We will fully restore the look and functionality of your tooth.
What are some of the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants are the premier method of tooth replacement. When you choose dental implants for tooth restoration, you enjoy tooth root functionality. This means no dietary restrictions or extra steps in your oral hygiene routine. Your dental implant will look, feel, and function like your natural tooth. It will not compromise your surrounding natural teeth as a dental bridge does.
Will my implant blend in with my smile?
Yes. One of the best aspects of dental implants is their ability to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. You get to enjoy natural tooth aesthetics with dental implants. The dentist caps it off with a dental crown, customizing your smile. The crown will match the rest of your teeth for a seamless look.
What is the difference between a dental bridge and a dental implant?
Dental bridges and implants are common suggestions when considering tooth restoration. However, dentists do not surgically implant dental bridges like they do with dental implants. This means that they require the support of your surrounding teeth to hold the prosthetic tooth in place.
Because dental bridges are external, you must add some steps to your daily oral hygiene routine. This will ensure that you are keeping the dental bridge clean. With dental implants, most of the restoration is underneath your soft tissues. This means that once you have a dental implant, you can care for it just like your real teeth.
How long does the healing process take for dental implants?
You should expect 3-6 months of healing before your dentist can attach the abutment and crown. This allows the titanium implant post to properly fuse together with your jawbone. While this may seem like a long wait time for a tooth restoration, it is well worth the wait. After your post successfully fuses with your jawbone, you will have a fully functioning restored tooth.
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants are very safe for replacing missing teeth. They have been used for many years in dentistry, and the technology surrounding them has only improved over the years. Teeth implants are made from biocompatible materials, mostly titanium, so they can thrive in the human body without issue. Dr. Hall will perform the implantation surgery in a sterile environment to minimize surgical site contamination. Additionally, we will thoroughly explain all the aftercare instructions to ensure patient safety.
How quickly can I replace a tooth with a dental implant?
The implant process for a single tooth will take about 3 to 6 months. It could take longer if you need additional work to prepare for implantation surgery. After placing the implant post, it will take a few months to fully integrate with the bone. Once this process is complete, we will place the abutment and a custom dental crown.