Losing a tooth is something that you can often avoid by taking good care of your teeth with daily oral hygiene and wearing a mouthguard when participating in contact or high impact sports. But accidents and injuries do happen, and replacing a lost tooth (or teeth) is important because, without it, your appearance, speech and chewing can be adversely affected.
Dental Implant Marvel
One of the most advanced tooth restoration options today involves placing a dental implant, as it is the closest thing we have to a natural tooth. A normal tooth has a root that anchors it into the bone in the jaw, along with a crown (which is the part of the tooth you can see and bites your food). Replacing a tooth means replicating both of those necessary parts, so the new tooth is anchored in the jaw by recreating the tooth root.
In the case of a dental implant, this is the part that is surgically implanted into the bone. This implant is biocompatible as it is made from treated titanium so the body won’t reject it. Through a process of osseointegration, the implant will eventually fuse with the bone, acting as a new root upon which a crown can then be added to cap it off.
When it comes to replacing your lost tooth (or teeth), dental implants are a highly effective option as they can be used to replace just one or all of your teeth! They can be cemented, screwed into the bone or even taken out. Once placed, they are comfortable, stable and natural-looking to complete your smile.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants are a highly effective alternative to wearing dentures. If you are dissatisfied with your current dentures and wish there was a better alternative, dental implants may be the right fit for you. As long as you have good health or well-managed medical conditions (including diabetes), you can successfully wear a dental implant replacement.
Our oral surgeons will assess your oral health with the help of a clinical exam and a CT scan that allows us to view your jawbone in three dimensions to learn whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. Once this is determined, the dental implant options can be reviewed to find the best one for your needs.
After a dental implant is placed, in most cases it takes anywhere from two to four months for the implant to bond with the bone before you can receive your crown. There are some instances where a temporary crown can be placed onto the dental implant on the day of the surgery. Once the implant is integrated and deemed ready for the final restoration, you will be referred to your restorative dentist to complete the crown. It will look, feel and function like your natural tooth.
Call us Today
Dental implants are truly a modern marvel when it comes to dentistry today and can vastly improve your quality of life. Not only will your smile once again look healthy and beautiful as your facial contours are preserved, but you will also be able to consume all your favorite foods without restriction. Our skilled team at Loudoun Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is pleased to offer you state-of-the-art teeth replacement options for your most confident smile. Give us a call today at 703-729-8700 to learn more.