Many of Virginia Family Dentistry’s dentists have been successfully placing implants for many years. Our dentists are highly qualified, and have received extensive training in Implantology. Many have attended Zimmer Courses, completed the Misch Institute or the Triangle Dental Institute, and are fellows or diplomates of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
Schedule a dental implant consultation with one of our dentists at the location most convenient to you.
Dental Implant Overview
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants have three parts: the implant (post), the abutment, and the crown.
The implant itself is a metal post positioned into the bone beneath your gums. The implant replaces the root of the tooth. The abutment is then attached to the implant. This provides a secure connection to the crown. The final part of the implant is the part you see: the crown. This will be made to look just like a natural tooth.
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or full upper and/or lower arches of teeth.
How do dental implants work?
Implants are threaded posts placed in your jawbone. This provides a secure support for crowns, bridges, or even dentures. The implant will not shift in the mouth like traditional dentures and will improve speech and eating functions.
There are two types of dental implants:
Endosteal Implants: These implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. After the surrounding gum tissue has healed, the abutment and crown are placed onto the implant.
Subperiosteal Implants: This is a metal frame that is placed on the jawbone underneath the gums. Posts are fitted to the frame and provide support for artificial teeth.
How long do implants last?
Well cared for implants can last for a lifetime. Patients with implants will need to continue good oral health habits of brushing and flossing twice daily and will need to keep up with regular dental appointments.
What are the options for dental implants?
Virginia Family Dentistry’s Dr. Colleen Nash explains the various treatment options with dental implants in the video below.
Who is a candidate for implants?
Most people are a candidate for implants in some form. Patients with missing teeth, loose teeth, decay, or a tooth that cannot be saved are generally candidates for implants. Typically implants are used as a replacement for teeth after they have been extracted.
Implants are a good option for the replacement of congenitally missing teeth (patients who were not born with one or more teeth). Patients need to have reached full maturity before an implant is placed. This typically occurs between the ages of 18-25.
Dental implants can replace entire arches of teeth in patients who currently wear dentures.
Some patients will be at a higher risk for implant placement. These patients suffer from bone loss that cannot be corrected with a graft or patients with severe gum disease. Dental implants need sufficient bone to hold the post into place. Bone loss occurs quickly after tooth loss. Generally this bone can be built back up using bone grafts prior to the implant placement.
Who is not a candidate for implants?
An evaluation of bone quality and quantity and a discussion of complete medical history will determine if a patient is not a candidate for dental implants. Most ‘high-risk’ patients can be candidates for implants after additional procedures are performed, such as soft tissue grafting or bone grafting.
A complete consultation including x-rays, an exam, and 3-D imaging will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.
How many appointments are necessary for implants?
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to four months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporaries and eat a soft diet during this time. Custom planning at this time will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
How long does the procedure take?
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Your doctor will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. After two weeks your general dentist will be able to start making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.
Do dental implants hurt?
Virginia Family Dentistry’s Dr. David Roberts explains if implants hurt in the video below.
What to expect at the dental implant consultation
We will happily see you for a consultation to determine if dental implants are a good fit. Virginia Family Dentistry’s dentists will conduct a through examination of your bite, gums, teeth, and overall oral health. This will include x-rays taken to determine the health of the bone around the implant site. The dentist will answer all questions and listen to your concerns.
At this consultation the dentist will create a treatment plan and will discuss your options, timeframe of treatment, and costs. Virginia Family Dentistry’s goal is to give patients the smile of their dreams. Call to schedule a dental implant consultation.
Dental Implant Seminars
Virginia Family Dentistry holds several dental implant seminars each year in our offices to further educate patients on this procedure. Attendees of a Virginia Family Dentistry Implant Seminar will receive a complimentary consultation as a thank you. View our seminar schedule for upcoming seminars near you.
Want to schedule a consultation with a Virginia Family Dentistry Dentist or Specialist? Call the location most convenient to you.