What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a tooth replacement that replaces both the root and crown of the missing tooth. This provides an exceptionally secure, stable restoration that looks, functions, and feels like your natural teeth. The implant post is first surgically placed in the jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. During a period of healing that usually lasts a couple of months, the bone tissues grow around the implant (in a process called osseointegration) and form a strong foundation for the restoration. An attachment called an abutment is placed on top of the post, and then the implant restoration is attached on top of this. The restoration replaces the crown of the tooth; based on your needs, the implant restoration may be a dental crown, a bridge, a complete denture, or a partial denture.

Do I need dental implants?

Dr. Shivaprasanna Rai may recommend dental implants in Stafford, Virginia, if you are looking for a permanent, naturalistic replacement for your missing teeth. By properly caring for your implant with good oral hygiene at home and visiting our office for regular preventive treatments, your dental implant can last a lifetime. If you have experienced bone loss, our dentist can also provide any needed bone grafting before your implant procedure as well.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

In addition to replacing your missing tooth or teeth and restoring your ability to smile, chew and speak normally, implants also promote better long-term oral health and function. Because an implant replaces the tooth root as well as the crown, it performs the same functions as your original tooth root in stimulating your supporting bone structure to keep it healthy and ensure that your teeth remain stable and secure in your mouth.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Anyone who has lost a tooth or teeth is a candidate for implant dentistry. You should be able to receive an implant without any complications as long as your teeth and gums are healthy. If you have a pre-existing condition such as tooth decay or gum disease you will need to receive treatment to resolve that problem before you can receive an implant. Our dentist may also recommend a treatment such as bone grafting prior to your implant placement if your supporting bone tissue has deteriorated at the site of the missing tooth or teeth.

We invite you to call or visit Rai Family Dentistry today to learn more about the benefits of implant dentistry. We are dedicated to restoring your smile!