Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth, including the tooth’s root. The dental implant is made out of biocompatible titanium and is inserted directly into your jawbone, replacing the tooth root. The process for applying your dental implants may vary based on the extent of the treatment needed. For a full understanding of the dental implant process in your specific case, consult with a Northern Virginia implant dentist from Galleria Dental Aesthetics.
During the dental implant process, the tooth root and the tooth itself are replaced by an implant and a dental crown. To replace multiple missing teeth, a dental bridge may be used and placed on a few supporting implant posts. In some cases, where the bone is less than sufficient to support an implant, a bone graft may be performed prior to the implant being placed.
Once the underlying bone structure is assessed and the tooth and root are extracted, the titanium implant is inserted into your jawbone. It will take several months for your jawbone to heal. During this time, your jawbone will fuse with the dental implant, forming a very stable replacement root. This process is called osseointegration.
Once osseointegration is complete, Northern Virginia implant dentist Dr. Joseph Oh will place a titanium post, called an abutment, onto the implant. Specifications for the dental crown are made and sent to the laboratory for fabrication. The shape and color of the tooth are made to match your existing teeth as much as possible. Once your crown is ready, Dr. Oh will attach it to the abutment, completing the procedure.
Please contact our experienced Northern Virginia implant dentists today to schedule an initial consultation. Galleria Dental Aesthetics serves patients in Arlington, Tysons Corner, Alexandria, Fairfax, and McLean, Virginia.