Dental Implants in Virginia

Having a gap in one’s smile not only makes it difficult to chew and speak, it can also cause the neighboring teeth to shift which can alter the bite and even lead to deterioration of the jawbone. In the past, dentures and dental bridges were the only ways to correct a missing tooth. Each of these options had serious drawbacks:

• Dentures often slip out of place, cause clicking noises and irritate the gum line
• Dental bridges rely on neighboring teeth to act as anchors, which can cause damage to those teeth

Enter the World of Dental Implants

Today <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.michaelfolckdds.com/dental-implant-candidates.html>dental implants</a> are the preferred method of tooth replacement. This permanent solution uses titanium “screws” which act as artificial tooth roots upon which a replacement tooth is attached.

The Dental Implant Process

To place a dental implant, a cosmetic dentist will carefully and precisely drill a space in the jawbone of the empty tooth gap. When the hole is the proper size and shape for the implant, the titanium screw is inserted into the appropriate position. The surrounding jawbone and neighboring teeth are left unharmed.

The next step is an important one because it allows the implant to fuse with the jaw bone to add structural integrity. This process is called osseointegration, and it may take 3-6 months for the implant to become strong enough for the last part of the process.

When the implant area is fully healed and is properly fused with the jaw bone, the <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.michaelfolckdds.com/cosmetic-dentistry.html>cosmetic dentist</a> will place an artificial tooth (dental crown) on an abutment on top of the dental implant. The crown will be created to match the patient’s existing teeth in size, shape and color so it integrates effortlessly with the rest of the patient’s smile.

Candidates for Dental Implants

Dental implants are a good option for individuals who suffer from tooth loss but also have:

• Good health overall
• Healthy gums
• Sufficient jawbone to support the implant
• Good oral hygiene habits

Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants, including those who:

• Grind or clench their teeth
• Smoke heavily
• Drink excessive amounts of alcohol
• Abuse drugs
• Have chronic diseases or disorders
• Have compromised immune systems
• Have had radiation to the head or neck

Those who do not have sufficient jawbone for dental implants may still be candidates for this procedure. Bone grafts help to build up the jawbone to allow for a dental implant to be placed.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Dental Implants

There are many advantages of dental implants:

• This is a permanent solution for tooth loss
• The implants will not fall out or slip
• Neighboring teeth are not compromised
• Jaw structure is preserved
• The artificial tooth is natural-looking and feels like a natural tooth
• They are more comfortable than dentures

Dental implants are an investment in your smile. The cost of dental implants varies, but patients can expect to pay more for a dental implant than other tooth replacement options. However, because this is a permanent solution that can increase a person’s self-confidence and self-assurance, more and more patients are turning to experienced cosmetic dentists for dental implant procedures.

If you are embarrassed or troubled by a missing tooth and would like to learn more about dental implants, please visit the website of cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Folck in Chesapeake, Virginia for a dental implant consultation.