Replicating lost teeths’ natural function and appearance can be difficult. In the past, dentists gave dentures or bridges as their only option for restorations as replacements. This resulted in limited success. However, restoring your smile permanently is no longer an unachievable goal with the emergence of dental implant dentistry. Today, oral and maxillofacial surgeons and restorative dentists ensure the best approach to treatment.
Dental implants are natural-looking restorative dentistry treatments for replacing missing teeth. They can provide the same function as your natural tooth root. We customize each replacement tooth to match your natural teeth for a bright smile. Dentists often use them with dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. They provide an aesthetic solution that also restores the function of your smile.
The Williamsburg Center for Dental Health offers full services for dental implants in Williamsburg, VA. You may have thought that only an oral surgeon can do implants; however, we have done hundreds at our dental office. As a result, we have a strong understanding of dental implants. We use safe CBCT imaging, modern tools, and software to identify any problems or challenges that need attention. For example, we can see precisely where to put the implant without issue.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Candidates with healthy gums and adequate bone support may consider receiving dental implants. At the Williamsburg Center for Dental Health, we provide dental implants for one or many of the following reasons:
- Replace one or more teeth
- To provide support for a partial denture
- Enhance chewing comfort and confidence
- To improve the look of your smile
- Replace a missing tooth or teeth after tooth extraction
The Dental Implant Process
Dental implants in our Williamsburg, VA, office restore missing teeth at the root. A screw comprised of titanium metal that is attached to the jawbone. Our process includes a complete evaluation to determine if you need a bone graft for the best placement.
]Attaching the restoration at the jawbone reduces the risk of further bone loss and deterioration. After this procedure, we let the area heal while the titanium post fuses to the jawbone during osseointegration. This takes about three to six months. While you are healing, we may place a temporary restoration.
Once the titanium post has healed and fused to the jawbone, you return to our office for the second phase of treatment. During this phase, we will attach an abatement to your jawbone, and your permanent restoration will attach to the abutment. During this appointment, we will also take impressions, which will be sent to a dental lab to create your permanent restoration. Depending on patient needs, this restoration may be dentures, a dental crown, or a bridge.
After the dentist attaches the abutment, we let your gums heal for about two weeks. After this time, you return to our office to attach your restoration. At this point, the process for dental implants is complete, and you will have a newly restored smile. After they receive their restoration, many of our patients report an increase in self-confidence. Patients say they feel comfortable smiling, speaking, and chewing again.
How to Care for Your Dental Implants
Caring for your new dental implant restoration is vital. Doing so will ensure its longevity and keep your oral health in check. We will give you instructions to follow after the implant placement surgery and show you how to care for new teeth daily.
Immediately following the procedure, we will give post-operative instructions. These include maintaining a soft diet, avoiding hard or chewy foods, and practicing gentle oral hygiene to allow the implant site to heal. We will also provide instructions that are personalized to your case.
Brush and Floss
Once the initial healing phase is complete, you must establish a regular dental care routine. Brushing your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste is fundamental to maintaining oral health. Floss every day with a specialized implant-friendly floss. You can also use interdental brushes to remove plaque and prevent gum disease around the implant.
Visit Our Office
Regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings are crucial to caring for dental implants. Dr. Hall will want to see you twice yearly to ensure the implants and surrounding tissues are healthy. She will be able to detect any potential issues and treat them early to prevent permanent damage to your implants.
At your appointments, we will take X-rays, monitor your implants, clean your teeth, look at the condition of your dental restoration, and examine your gums. It is vital to remove any tartar since dental implants are susceptible to peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking
We encourage each patient to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Hall will discuss the correlation between oral health and overall health. A healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet and doesn’t include tobacco or an excess amount of alcohol will help support your oral health and ensure your implants last.
Dental Implants FAQs
As your trusted dentist in Williamsburg, VA, Dr. Stacey Hall is here to help you choose the appropriate option for your restorative dentistry treatment. Our dental implants offer several benefits to patients looking to replace one or more teeth. Continue reading to find answers to common questions about dental implants:
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant consists of three parts. The first part of your dental implant is a titanium post. Our dentist will surgically implant this metal post so it fuses with your jawbone. This post acts as a new tooth root.
Our dentist will add an abutment after your mouth heals over the post. This piece will connect the post to your dental crown. Finally, our dentist will place a crown, or cap.
What are some of the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants are the premier method of tooth replacement. When you choose dental implants for tooth restoration, you enjoy the functionality of a natural tooth root. This means no dietary restrictions or extra steps in your oral hygiene routine. Your dental implant will look, feel, and function like your natural tooth. Unlike a traditional bridge, it will not compromise your surrounding natural teeth.
Will my implant blend in with my smile?
Yes. Implant restorations blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Tooth implants support custom crowns, bridges, or dentures that match the shape and shade of your teeth.
What is the difference between a dental bridge and a dental implant?
Dental bridges and implants are common tooth restorations. But we don’t surgically implant traditional dental bridges like dental implants. This means traditional bridges need the support of your surrounding teeth to hold the prosthetic tooth in place.
Because dental bridges are external, you must add some steps to your daily oral hygiene routine. This will ensure that you are keeping the dental bridge clean. With dental implants, most of the restoration is underneath your soft tissues. This means that once you have a dental implant, you can care for it just like your real teeth.
How long does the healing process take for dental implants?
You should expect 3-6 months of healing before our dentist can attach the abutment and crown. This allows the titanium implant post to properly fuse together with your jawbone. While this may seem like a long wait time for a tooth restoration, it is well worth the wait. After your post successfully fuses with your jawbone, you will have a fully functioning restored tooth.
Are dental implants safe?
Dental implants are very safe for replacing missing teeth. They have been used for many years in dentistry, and the technology surrounding them has only improved over the years. Teeth implants are made from biocompatible materials, mostly titanium, so they can thrive in the human body without issue. Dr. Hall will perform the implantation surgery in a sterile environment to minimize surgical site contamination. Additionally, we will thoroughly explain all the aftercare instructions to ensure patient safety.
How quickly can I replace a tooth with a dental implant?
The implant process for a single tooth will take about 3 to 6 months. After we place the implant post, it will take a few months to fuse with the bone. Once this process is complete, we will place the abutment. You need more a custom dental crown.
It could take longer to get implants if you need pretreatment. You need time to heal after we provide bone grafting or treat problems like gum disease. We’ll give you an estimate of your total implant treatment time.
Can I get dental implants if I’ve been missing teeth for a long time?
You may still qualify for dental implants but you may need pretreatments. When teeth are missing for a long time, the jawbone underneath often shrinks because it’s no longer being stimulated by chewing. This bone loss can make implant placement more challenging, but not always impossible.
Dr. Slate will first examine your jawbone using X-rays or a 3D scan to check if you have enough bone to support implants. If your bone has deteriorated too much, you might need a bone graft procedure first. We will ad bone material to rebuild the area, which typically needs 4 to 6 months to heal before we place the implants.
Schedule an Implant Consultation
Do you have one or more missing teeth? Get custom dental implants in Williamsburg, VA. Call 757-216-9873 or request an appointment with Dr. Stacey Hall on our website.