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Dental Implants in Alexandria, VA
Replace your missing teeth. Enjoy your favorite foods. Smile with confidence.
The best way to replace missing teeth
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a screw shaped post that is placed directly into the jawbone that mimics the form and function of a tooth’s natural roots. Implants provide a stable and secure foundation for a variety of tooth replacement options that won’t slip and slide around in your mouth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer many benefits over other tooth replacement options. Made from durable, biocompatible materials, implants permanently bond with the surrounding bone tissue, helping to preserve your oral health and prevent further bone loss. They can support restorations that are designed to look and feel just like natural teeth, providing enhanced aesthetics and improved function. With dental implants, there are no dietary restrictions, so you can eat your favorite foods without worry.
- Long lasting results
- Improved chewing ability
- Improved phonetics
- Enhanced cosmetics
- Easier hygiene
- Improved comfort
Alexandria Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Do dental implants hurt?
Types of dental implant restorations
Dental implants are extremely versatile, and can be used to replace anywhere from one to all of your teeth.
Single tooth implants
The simplest restoration, single tooth implants replace one missing tooth, and can help prevent you from losing more teeth by preserving the health of your jaw.
Implant-supported bridges
While traditional bridges rely on healthy teeth surrounding a gap, implant-supported bridges are anchored by two or more dental implants.
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Implant-retained dentures
A removable option, implant-retained dentures, also known as overdentures or “snap-in” dentures, are held in place by two or more dental implants. They are removable at home for easy cleaning, and offer improved comfort and stability when compared to traditional dentures.
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Full-arch restorations
Unlike implant-retained dentures, full-arch restorations, also referred to as “All-on-X,” are a fixed replacement for a full set of missing teeth. Secured by 4 or more implants, these are the most secure, long-lasting, and life-changing tooth replacement option for those who are missing a full arch of teeth.
The dental implant treatment process
If you are considering dental implants, it is important to know that the process involves multiple steps that take place over several months.
1
Consultation and Treatment Planning
The first step in the dental implant process is a comprehensive consultation with your Alexandria oral surgeon. During this consultation, your doctor will assess your oral health and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. If you require bone grafting or any other preparatory procedures, they will be incorporated into your treatment plan.
2
Implant Placement
Once you have been approved for treatment, the next step is implant placement. This is the stage where the dental implant is inserted into the jawbone, acting as a replacement for the natural tooth root. We use our 3D printer to create custom surgical guides to ensure every implant is placed in the ideal location.
3
Applying the Restoration
After the implant has been inserted into the jawbone, it will need time to fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This process can take anywhere from 2 to 3 months, depending on the patient. Once the healing is complete, the final step is to place the permanent restoration. This can include an implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture.
Frequently asked questions
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to be an effective long-term and permanent solution for missing teeth and, with proper care and maintenance, can potentially last a lifetime without needing replacement. The titanium implant post itself that integrates with the jawbone typically lasts for many decades. However, the visible crown restoration placed on top, which resembles a real tooth, usually lasts approximately 10 to 15 years before it may need replacement due to normal wear and tear from chewing stresses and oral functions over time. Factors like diligent daily oral hygiene, balanced diet,Destructive lifestyle habits, and genetics can also impact the longevity of dental implants and restorations. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings at Alexandria Oral Surgery will help ensure your dental implants remain in excellent structural and functional condition to increase their working lifespan.
Are dental implants covered by dental insurance?
Dental insurance coverage of implants varies widely depending on the specifics of your plan. Some dental insurance plans may cover the cost of the implant, or part of the cost, such as the crown. Others may only cover the cost of a bridge or dentures, which are alternative treatments for missing teeth. It's important to understand that dental implant treatment involves several steps, and some parts of the process may be covered by your insurance while others may not. It's best to consult with your insurance provider and the administrative staff at Alexandria Oral Surgery to understand what parts of your dental implant treatment may be covered.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Most people who are in good general and oral health make great candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates have healthy gums and adequate bone density in their jaw to support the titanium implant posts. However, certain medical conditions and diseases can affect eligibility, such as uncontrolled diabetes, radiation treatment to the head/neck, smoking, excessive alcohol use, or untreated advanced periodontal disease. It's also imperative that candidates demonstrate commitment to excellent oral hygiene and regular professional hygiene visits. Ultimately Dr. Jeffrey Rothman and Dr. Vincent Nguyen at Alexandria Oral Surgery will need to thoroughly clinically examine your unique oral anatomy and health circumstances through scans, labs or other diagnostics to determine if dental implants present the best tooth replacement solution aligned with your lifestyle and expectations.
What’s the success rate of dental implants?
With ongoing advances in implant technology, materials, and placement protocols, dental implants now enjoy high long-term success rates. According to multiple recent research studies and clinical data, over 95% of modern dental implants successfully integrate into the jawbone and remain functionally stable for decades when patients adhere to proper at-home oral care and regular professional cleanings. However, success is dependent on several key factors such as the patient's baseline oral health, bone density and volume, avoidance of habits that could overload implants, and commitment to follow-up care and maintenance. Choosing an experienced implant dentist also optimizes outcomes. Overall, implants show impressive survivability for permanent tooth replacement.