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.
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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.
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Restorations
At Rivanna Dental Care we offer various types of implant restorations for missing teeth, including dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. All our restorations are made from top-grade materials and are guaranteed to last for years with the proper care.
Maintenance
We also offer repair and maintenance services for worn-out or damaged restorations and dental dental implants. With good oral hygiene alongside regular checkups and cleanings, you can keep your dental implants looking and functioning their best for years.
Single-Tooth Implants
Patients missing a single tooth can always opt for our single-tooth implants. Our implants are made from high-quality titanium that’s both strong and durable. Dr. Duong will meticulously plan, place, and restore your dental implants, ensuring they look and feel just like your natural teeth.
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?
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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.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth or chronic dental problems. They are artificial tooth roots, similar in shape to screws. When dental implants are placed in your jawbone, they bond with your natural bone. They become a sturdy base for supporting one or more artificial teeth, called crowns.
Why should I consider dental implants?
Dental implants are often the first choice and a standard of care compared to other options to restore missing or damaged teeth. They offer several benefits that other tooth replacement options, like dentures or bridges, can't provide. These include improved appearance as they feel and look like your natural teeth, enhanced speech as they allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip, increased comfort, easier eating, durability, and improved oral health.
Are dental implants right for me?
If you have one or more missing teeth, then you may be a candidate for dental implants. Dental implants can be a smart choice for adults of all ages, whether you were born without a tooth or have had to have teeth removed due to injury, infection, or decay. They can also be an option for adolescents, once facial growth and development have been completed. However, your dentist will be the best person to determine if dental implants are the right solution for you based on your overall health, the health of your gums and jaw bone.
What can I expect during the dental implant process?
The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months. A typical process might include initial examination and consultation, followed by the placement of the titanium implant, which is left to heal and integrate with the jawbone. Once the healing process is completed, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient. Your dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and attending regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth and, with proper care, can last a lifetime. The implant itself, which is placed in the jawbone, is made of durable titanium and typically does not need replacement. However, the crown attached to the implant may need to be replaced after 10–15 years due to normal wear and tear. Maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding habits like smoking can significantly extend the lifespan of your dental implants.
