Are you missing teeth because of decay or injury? You can replace one or more missing teeth with dental implants. Implants are small titanium screws placed into your jawbone under the gums by an oral surgeon.
At Smiles by Mia in Burke, VA, we can restore your smile with dental implants. Once in place, implants form a strong foundation for your new teeth.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the best option for replacing teeth because they offer benefits other options can’t. Implants replace both the tooth and the root, giving you stability that other replacements don’t provide. With dental implants, you get back almost all your biting and chewing power.
Other options may require you to avoid certain foods. Implants, however, let you enjoy your normal diet without restrictions. You can easily eat crunchy fruits, vegetables, and other foods that may be hard to chew with traditional dentures.
Implants are also the only tooth replacement option that helps your jaw stay strong. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area can begin to weaken. But the implant fuses with the jawbone, helping it grow and preventing further bone loss. This also keeps your face from looking sunken or hollow, which can happen with missing teeth.
Implants look and feel just like natural teeth. They’re custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your other teeth. You don’t need any special tools to care for them—just brush and floss like you do with your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, there’s no need for sticky adhesives, and you don’t have to remove them at night.
Are Dental Implants Right For You?
If you qualify for implants, they’re usually the top choice for replacing missing teeth. Before starting, we’ll meet with you to see if implants are the best option. This includes a full exam, where we consider your health, goals, and budget.
Some patients may not have enough healthy bone to support an implant. In those cases, you might need a bone graft before getting an implant, which adds extra time to the process. Your body also needs to be in good shape to handle surgery. If you have gum disease or other dental issues, we’ll treat those before moving ahead with implants.
Cost can be a concern since dental implants are more expensive than other options, and insurance usually doesn’t cover them. At Smiles by Mia, we offer financing options, including CareCredit, to help make implants more affordable.
Before placing the implants, we make sure you have enough bone to support them. If needed, we can do a bone graft to add more tissue. We also take x-rays and impressions to find the best places for your implants and create a crown, bridge, or denture that fits perfectly.
To place the implant, the surgeon makes a small cut in the gums to reach the jawbone. They then place the titanium screw into the bone, followed by a healing cap. Over the next three to six months, the implant fuses with the bone. Once it heals, we attach your permanent crown, bridge, or denture.
Caring for Your Implants After Surgery
After surgery, we cover the implants with a healing cap. It’s important not to press on the cap for at least two weeks, as it could loosen the implant. You’ll also get gauze to manage bleeding on the first day. Take any prescribed pain medicine or antibiotics, and use ice to reduce swelling and bruising for the next couple of days.
You can brush carefully around the area the night of your surgery, but don’t use an electric toothbrush. Start rinsing with mouthwash the next day to keep the area clean. Follow these steps, and your recovery should go smoothly. If you have any questions during recovery, feel free to call us.
You can read our full post-op instructions for dental implants here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Care for Dental Implants?
To keep your implants in good shape, follow these tips:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth. You can use special brushes to clean around the implant.
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.
- Avoid chewing hard foods like ice or hard candy that could damage the implants.
A healthy diet and avoiding smoking also help ensure your implants last a long time. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor the implant and address any potential issues early.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Yes, dental implants are safe and have a high success rate. Problems like infection or implant failure are rare. Choosing an experienced dentist and following your post-op care instructions will help avoid complications. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to keep an eye on your implants and make sure they stay healthy.
Can Dental Implants Fail?
Though rare, implants can fail due to poor hygiene, smoking, or lack of bone support. Following your dentist’s care instructions and keeping up with dental visits reduces the risk of failure. If an implant does fail, it may be possible to replace it after addressing the cause.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With proper care, implants can last many years, often a lifetime. The crown might need replacing due to wear, but the implant itself should stay stable. Following good hygiene and regular dental visits will help your implants last as long as possible.
Do you want to learn more about dental implants? If you’re interested in dental implants, schedule a dental consultation with the team at Smiles by Mia online. You can also call us at (571) 789-1265. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about implants!