Questions about Dental Implants
Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Tysons Corner, Alexandria, Fairfax, and McLean, Virginia
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to support restorations that replace missing teeth. They are one of the most effective options to replace one or more missing teeth, provided you have sufficient bone structure in your jaw to accommodate the implant. There are options for patients that do not have sufficient bone, such as bone grafting prior to implant placement.
Are implants better than dentures?
As long as you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, they will provide you with a better replacement for your missing teeth. Dentures are generally only recommended over dental implants if you are not a good dental implant candidate. There are many drawbacks to having dentures, including the following:
- Dentures are a hassle to take care of at times
- People may be able to tell you are wearing dentures
- Over time, your jaw may shrink, making your dentures fit poorly
Dental implants, however, address all these issues. Since they are implanted directly into your jawbone, they become a permanent replacement and very rarely become loose. Dental implants actually restore bone mass by stimulating bone growth, just as your natural tooth roots do.
What is the difference between dental implants and other restorations used to replace missing teeth?
Other options for replacing missing teeth include dentures and dental bridges. A dental bridge utilizes the teeth surrounding the tooth gap to provide support for the bridge. Over time, this can actually place stress on your adjoining teeth, making them weaker. Since dental implants do not rely on your neighboring teeth for support, this problem will not arise.
While dentures can be used to replace a full arch of missing teeth, they do not provide you with a permanent solution to your problem. Dental implants, on the other hand, fuse with your jawbone and function as replacement roots as well as replacement teeth, providing you with a more stable and permanent solution. You will not experience the issues speaking and eating that normally occur with dentures.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The dental implant process will take several months to complete. After Arlington implant dentist Dr. Joseph Oh inserts your implants, it will take approximately three to six months for your jawbone to heal. During this time, the dental implant will fuse with your jawbone. This process is called osseointegration.
Once your jaw has completely healed and osseointegration has been completed, you will return to our office and Dr. Oh will place a small titanium post, called an abutment, onto the implant. An impression will then be taken to be used for the construction of your new dental crown. Once your crown has been made at the lab, you will return to our office so that Dr. Oh can attach it to the abutment.
For more information, see Dental Implants Questions.
Please contact our experienced implant dentist today to schedule your initial consultation. Galleria Dental Aesthetics serves patients in Alexandria, Arlington, Tysons Corner, Fairfax, and McLean, Virginia.
