Missing a tooth can be embarrassing and make it difficult to eat or smile. Dental implants from King Centre Dental in Alexandria are a great way to replace missing teeth and look and feel like your own natural teeth. They are small metal posts inserted into your jawbone during a brief procedure and provide an excellent base for crowns, bridges, or fixed dentures.
What Are Dental Implants and What Do They Do?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that we place in the jawbone to serve as a permanent anchor for replacement teeth. Unlike other dental prosthetics, dental implants fuse directly with the surrounding bone and tissue, making them extremely strong and stable. Because of this, they can help restore the full function of your teeth, allowing you to eat and speak freely without worrying about loose or shifting teeth.
Additionally, by preventing the loss of jawbone structure and density that comes with missing teeth, dental implants can also help preserve your natural facial appearance over time. They are an essential part of modern dentistry, allowing people to maintain healthy smiles for many years to come.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an increasingly popular solution for people missing one or more teeth, for example, those with significant tooth loss due to injury or advanced periodontal disease. Unlike dentures, which can be uncomfortable and challenging to keep in place, dental implants are permanent and provide a natural-looking smile. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure.
The ideal candidate for dental implants should have healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant. They should also be willing to commit to good oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits.
People who smoke or have diabetes may not be suitable candidates, as these conditions can reduce the procedure’s success rate. However, each case is unique, and Dr. Clark will be able to advise you on whether or not dental implants are right for you.
The Implant Procedure in Our Alexandria Dental Office
The dental implant procedure is an effective treatment that can help you get your smile and life back on track. It involves replacing one or more missing teeth with the synthetic tooth root and crown. Dr. Clark will carefully insert this root, which is usually made of titanium or another similarly biocompatible material, into the jawbone in the place of the original tooth root.
Over time, this root integrates with the surrounding bone to create a stable foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth. Once the artificial root has fully integrated with the jawbone, an abutment is attached to it. Then, we screw a custom-made crown onto that abutment.
Dental Implant Care and Maintenance
Once you have implants, it is essential to take care of them so that they last a long time. Here are some tips for caring for your dental implants:
- Brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Good oral health will help remove plaque and bacteria from around the implant.
- See your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Your dentist can check for any early signs of implant failure or infection.
- Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or candy. These can damage the implant or the surrounding teeth.
- Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of implant failure and infection.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are often worth the investment for patients looking for a long-term solution to missing teeth. The exact cost of dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth we replace and the type of implant we use. We will provide accurate cost estimates during your consultation period to help you decide.
The Best Dental Implants in Alexandria, Virginia
You can have a beautiful, healthy smile again with dental implants from King Centre Dental. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.