Dental implants replace missing teeth, restore their function, and rejuvenate your smile. Whether you have lost teeth from trauma, disease, genetics, or other factors, Virginia Oral, Facial, & Implant Surgery offers high-quality dental implants to Fairfax, Virginia residents. Dr. Timothy Gocke and Dr. Michael McAdams are oral surgeons who create positive, comfortable dental experiences and place dental implants with precision.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that look like small screws. A complete implant for a missing tooth has three parts; a titanium screw, a connector, and a dental crown.
- Titanium screw – A small screw-shaped post replaces a missing tooth’s root
- Connector – Also called an abutment, the connector attaches to the top of an implant and stabilizes a dental crown
- Dental crown – After your dentist attaches it to the abutment, a crown replaces the white portion of a tooth visible above the gumline
An implant with a dental crown looks like a natural tooth.
Dental Implant Types
Dental implant types offer solutions for replacing individual teeth, multiple missing teeth in a row, or an entire arch of teeth. Dr. Gocke or Dr. McAdams can evaluate your case and explain your treatment options in detail.
Implant types include:
- Single implant – Replaces each missing tooth with an implant
- Implant-supported bridge – Anchors a dental bridge to replace multiple missing teeth in a row
- All-on-4® implants – Stabilizes an entire arch of upper or lower replacement teeth
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have more benefits than other tooth replacement options because implants mimic natural tooth structures.
Bone Preservation
Implant screws replace tooth roots, stimulate the jawbone, and prevent bone shrinkage and premature facial sagging.
Restored Function
You can eat and speak naturally because implants fuse with your bone, secure your replacement teeth, and feel natural. By restoring function, you can enjoy your favorite foods again.
Natural-Looking Smile
A dental crown on a single tooth implant will appear to emerge from your gums like a natural tooth. An implant-supported bridge or All-on-4 will replace a full upper or lower arch to fit comfortably and look natural.
Better Oral Health
Unlike a partial denture or dental bridge, implant screws support your replacement teeth. Your denture will not rest on your gums, rubbing or irritating them.
Longevity
Dental implants outlast partial dentures, implant bridges, and removable dentures. The artificial roots can last for decades—often a lifetime.
Are You a Candidate for Implants?
Most people with good health who can receive routine dental treatment are candidates for dental implants. Even if you have a chronic disease like diabetes or high blood pressure, Dr. Gocke and Dr. McAdams can develop a treatment plan for safe, predictable results. If you smoke, our oral surgeons will explain why quitting the habit will help your treatment succeed.
What Is the Dental Implants Procedure?
Dr. Gocke or Dr. McAdams begin the dental implant procedure with a consultation in Fairfax, VA. He will listen to your concerns, review your health history, and take a CT scan of your teeth and facial structure. Our surgeons will also examine your teeth and gums before discussing your treatment options.
Depending on your personalized treatment plan, our doctors will complete these steps:
- Remove severely diseased or damaged teeth
- Perform bone grafting for supporting implants
- Use a surgical guide for precise implant placement
- Attach temporary replacement teeth to the implants
In about three months, your dental implants and jawbone will fuse. You will eat soft foods to avoid disturbing the implant sites as they heal. After the healing period, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth for custom-fitting crowns, a bridge, or dentures. You will have highly functional, natural-looking implants that enhance your smile.
Request a Dental Implants Consultation with a Skilled Surgeon
Virginia Oral, Facial, & Implant Surgery offers the highest level of care and optimal results for dental implants. Dr. Gocke and Dr. McAdams welcome you to schedule a dental implant consultation in Fairfax, VA today.
