Dental Implants: The Perfect Solution for Missing Teeth

Missing teeth is one of the most common dental problems that Americans have to deal with. If you are one of them, you might think that your options are limited. However, what if you found out that there was a way to not only restore your smile but also return functionality to your teeth? No, it's not magic. It's dental implants, and many people are learning just how great they can be.

In short, dental implants are small posts that your dentist screws into your jaw. The posts are made out of titanium, and artificial teeth are attached to the top of them. Implants work so well because the titanium posts function a lot like the roots of your natural teeth. However, to determine if dental implants are right for you, you need to learn more about them.

Dental Implants and the Benefits They Offer

Before we talk about the benefits of dental implants, you have to determine if you are a good candidate. Thankfully, determining if you are a good candidate is as easy as visiting your local Northern Virginia dentist. The dentist can see if your jaw is strong enough to support titanium implants. If it is, and you are missing teeth, there is a good chance that dental implants are right for you.

If your dentist determines that you should try implants, you will enjoy a number of fantastic benefits. Firstly, dental implants are just as strong as your natural teeth. This means that you can continue to enjoy all of your favorite foods without having to worry about your artificial teeth falling out. For many people, this makes dental implants a better option than dentures.

Secondly, implants keep your jawbone from shrinking. When you have a lot of missing teeth, your jawbone starts to shrink because of a lack of stimulation of the bone which keeps it strong. This is a common issue for people who have dentures. With dental implants, however, you don't have to worry about that.

What Is the Dental Implant Procedure?

Some people are scared to consider dental implants because they don't know what the process entails. Thankfully, getting dental implants is a lot easier and a lot less painful than you may think. This is why dental implants are the perfect solution for most people who are missing one or more teeth.

The first step to getting implants is to visit your Northern Virginia dentist for a consultation. During this consultation, your dentist will take X-rays of your jaw to determine if it's strong enough to support dental implants. If it is, your dentist will use the same X-rays to determine the best locations to put your dental implants.

With this information in hand, your dentist can put the titanium implants into your jaw. While this may sound painful, it's actually a very straightforward outpatient procedure. It is even done under local anesthesia.

When the implants are put in place, you will need to wait several months before you can get your artificial teeth put on. That's because the implants have to fuse with your jaw first. While you wait for this process to happen, your dentist will provide temporary teeth so that you can still eat and talk properly.

After the healing process, you will visit your dentist one more time to get your artificial teeth placed on your implants. These artificial teeth are made to match the color, shape, and size of your real teeth. Thus, no one will be able to tell the difference between your real teeth and your artificial ones.

How Long Can You Expect Dental Implants to Last?

Dental implants are a great investment. That's because they can last a long time. Most of the time, dental implants last a lifetime if they are maintained properly. The maintenance involves cleaning your implants and visiting your dentist on a regular basis to spot any problems. After all, dental implants have a 95% success rate. This ranks them among the most successful dental procedures that you can have done.

Do keep in mind, however, that there is some upkeep involved with dental implants, just like with any other dental device. After all, your artificial teeth can wear down over time. Also, your jaw can change as you get older, so your implants might need to be adjusted. Thankfully, your dentist can spot any changes that need to be dealt with during regular checkups.

You Can Count On Us for Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great solution if you are missing teeth and want a replacement solution that is just as functional as your normal teeth. If you want to find out if dental implants are right for you, give us a call.

At Dental Associates of Northern Virginia, we provide a number of dental services, including dental implants. We will set you up for a consultation to determine if dental implants are right for you. Don't wait to take your first step toward having a smile that you can be proud of. Reach out to us today.