If you have missing teeth, implants are the closest replacement option to having your natural teeth back. Dental implants mimic natural tooth structure, strength, and appearance. At Virginia Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery, Dr. Gocke and Dr. McAdams place implants safely, comfortably, and precisely.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small, screw-shaped post that replaces a missing tooth’s root. An implant that replaces a missing tooth has three components:
- Artificial root – The titanium post that fuses with your jawbone and anchors your replacement tooth
- Abutment – A connector attached to the top of the implant to support a dental crown
- Dental crown – A ceramic restoration that replaces the portion of a tooth that is visible above your gum line
Dental Implant Options
Regardless of how many teeth you want to replace with implants, our doctors will explain your options. You can receive an implant for each missing tooth, or if you are missing multiple teeth in a row, dental implants can support a dental bridge. A denture can also screw onto implants instead of resting on your gums.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implant benefits exceed other tooth replacement options because your jawbone integrates with and anchors the implants.
Benefits include:
- Self-supporting –Unlike a partial denture or a dental bridge, our oral surgeons will not need to alter the structure of adjacent teeth or fasten implants to them
- Healthy for bone – When you replace missing tooth roots with implants, they stimulate your jawbone and prevent shrinkage and facial collapse
- Stable – An implant replaces a tooth from the root up, and anchors dental crowns, a bridge, or dentures to prevent them from shifting or sliding around
- Long-lasting – Implant-retained replacement teeth often last for a decade—much longer than removable options.
Are You a Candidate for Implants?
You are likely a candidate for dental implants if you are relatively healthy, have good oral health, and are ready to commit to caring for your implants. Patients with well-controlled medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can still have successful outcomes with diligent care. If you smoke, quitting the habit will provide a healthy environment for implant healing and long-term success.
What Is the Dental Implants Procedure?
Before implant placement, you will consult with Dr. Gocke or Dr. McAdams to determine whether you are a candidate for this treatment. The oral surgeon will review your health history, conduct an oral examination, and take a 3-D scan of your oral structures and jawbone. Then, he will explain your options for implants and whether you need bone grafting to support them.
The process may include:
- Tooth removal – One of our oral surgeons will remove any unsavable teeth with severe damage or decay
- Bone grafting – Our doctors will fill in areas of bone shrinkage or damage with grafting
- Implant placement – After making small incisions through your gums and precise openings in your jawbone, the doctor will place the implants
- Healing – Your jawbone and implants will fuse during a process called osseointegration, which takes three to four months; meanwhile, you will wear temporary replacement teeth
- Follow-up visits – Our doctors will check your implants and surrounding tissue for proper healing
- Diet – You will have a soft food diet as you heal to avoid irritating the implants
- Abutment attachment – After healing, the oral surgeon will expose the implants and attach the abutments
- Restoration with replacement teeth – Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth to make custom crowns, implant bridges, or dentures
You will enjoy long-lasting implants and a beautiful smile.
How to Take Care of Dental Implants
After your dental implants heal, you will take care of them as you would your natural teeth by flossing daily and brushing twice daily. A water flosser can keep the gum tissue around your implants clean. Schedule routine dental exams and cleanings to maintain good oral health.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants cost more than removable tooth replacement options, but they last for decades. Each patient’s case is unique, and we will give you a cost estimate for your treatment plan at your consultation. Below are some factors that may affect the cost of your treatment:
- Tooth removal
- Bone or gum grafting or other procedures to prepare the implant sites
- Implant components
- Implant surgery
- Restoration and replacement teeth
Request a Dental Implants Consultation
Dr. Gocke and Dr. McAdams welcome patients for a dental implant consultation. Their training and experience will give you high-quality, predictable results. You will receive friendly, professional care from our team. Request a consultation today.
