A vacant space in your grin does more than alter appearances – it disrupts the joy of savoring cherished flavors and sharing unbridled laughter. Beyond aesthetics, these gaps can sow seeds for intricate oral concerns ahead. Embrace dental implants, the ultimate remedy to restore not only your smile but the rhythm of your vibrant life.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are dental restorations for missing or damaged teeth. They typically consist of titanium or zirconium oxide posts that dentists place directly into the jawbone to act like your tooth’s roots. They later add an abutment on top of the implant and cap it off with a restoration like a dental crown, thus replacing the entire tooth. Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth and typically last 30 years or more.
Did you know…
Dental implants aren't just for teeth? They can also serve as anchor points for facial prosthetics, like artificial ears or noses, providing a revolutionary solution for individuals seeking both functional and cosmetic enhancements.
Ready to
schedule your appointment?
What Is the Process of Getting Implants
Initial Consultation and Treatment Plan
The first step in getting implants is a consultation with Dr. Tommy Duong. This consultation involves reviewing your medical and dental records, assessing your oral health, and taking x-rays of your teeth and jaws. Next, Dr. Duong will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific procedure. The plan will include the number and types of implants necessary for the treatment and other guidelines on methodology and medication.
Implant Placement and Osseointegration
After creating the treatment plan, Dr. Duong will administer treatment. He’ll first make an incision in the gums to expose the jawbone. He’ll then use create a hole inside the jawbone before placing the implant and suturing the gums. He’ll then release you to allow for osseointegration, which is the fusion of the jawbone with the implant over the next few months.
Abutment Placement and Final Restoration
Once osseointegration is complete, your dentist in Charlottesville will call you in to attach the abutment and prosthetic teeth. This will involve opening up the sutured gums and attaching the abutment on top of the implant, followed by the prosthetic tooth. Dr. Duong will then do a final evaluation of the implants before releasing you with post-treatment care instructions and dates for follow-up appointments.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?
There are 3 main types of dental implants: endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic implants. Endosteal implants are implants that are embedded in the jawbone. On the other hand, Subperiosteal implants are dental implants that the dentist places under the gum line on top of the jawbone, while zygomatic implants are placed on the cheekbones.