Dental Implants

Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Implants in Sterling, VA

If you are looking for options to replace missing teeth, our PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry team is here to help. Contact us today at 703-421-8988 to schedule a consultation!

What is a dental implant?

Dental implants are a revolutionary tooth replacement option in cosmetic dentistry for those who have lost one or multiple teeth. They offer the look, feel, and functionality of natural teeth, and they are also more durable and do not succumb to plaque or tooth decay. The typical dental implant comprises three parts: the implant post, abutment, and artificial tooth. A dental implant is a biocompatible titanium post that anchors into the jawbone. Once the implant is inserted, dental implants act just like natural tooth roots to support dental crowns, bridges, or traditional dental appliances.

Leaving a missing tooth untreated can lead to other dental issues, including:

  • Weakened jawbone
  • Facial Collapse
  • Lowered Self-esteem
  • Shifted adjacent teeth
  • Loss of bone mass

Dental implants provide a permanent solution to restore not only your self-confidence but also your oral health.

Who would benefit most from dental implants?

Dental implants are ideal for patients who do not want to wear removable dental prosthetics like dental bridges or other dental appliances like traditional dentures. Dental implants are now the most preferred method of tooth replacement in cosmetic dentistry because they provide users with a longer-lasting solution and are more permanent.

Dental implants can also benefit you if you:

  • Have one or multiple missing teeth
  • Need dental restoration after tooth extraction
  • Want a permanent alternative to dental bridges or dental appliances
  • Have compromised dental health due to periodontal disease or dental trauma

If you are interested in dental implants, schedule a consultation at PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry to see if dental implants are right for you. We look forward to helping you achieve dental restoration results that will leave you smiling!

What to expect for a dental implant procedure?

If dental implants are right for you, your dental team will first discuss the dental implant procedure. We will evaluate your health and dental implant candidacy during this consultation appointment. We will also take dental impressions and x-rays to design dental restorations that best meet your needs.

Implant Planning

Sometimes patients who have left missing teeth untreated or have suffered from periodontal disease will have bone loss in the jaw and require bone grafting before implant surgery. Bone grafting uses either the patient’s bone, donated human bone, or modified bone to restore the jawbone to ensure it is dense enough to support a dental implant. This is a short procedure but requires healing time before the implant can be placed.

Implant Placement

The dentist will first use a local anesthetic to numb the area to begin the implant placement. Next, the dentist will make a small incision in the gums and expose the jawbone. They will then drill a small hole deep into the jawbone and place the titanium post and suture the gums around the hole.

Abutment Placement

The abutment can be placed when the post is implanted into the jaw bone, but sometimes healing time is required beforehand. The abutment is the piece that connects the post to the artificial tooth or other restoration. The healing time after implant surgery is crucial, and the process usually takes three to six months to allow the jawbone to heal completely.

Artificial Tooth Placement

Once the jawbone is healed, the dentist can place the artificial tooth. The complete procedure takes multiple appointments and months of healing time in between, but dental implants provide the ultimate support of natural teeth and can give you a smile to love for a lifetime.

Types of Dental Implants

Several different types of implants can be used for replacing teeth. So whether you need one or more teeth, our dental professionals at PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry are here to help.

Here is a quick look at some of the different dental implant options:

  • Single Implant: for one missing tooth
  • Multiple Implants: implants placed for multiple teeth
  • Implant-Supported Dentures: several implants placed to replace an entire arch of teeth
  • Implant-Supported Dental Bridge: two or more implants for a partial arch or multiple missing teeth in a row

For a restored smile in Sterling, VA, contact us today!

If you are looking for the most realistic restoration that functions like your natural teeth, then dental implants could be the solution for you! Restoring your healthy teeth is essential to us. For more information or to schedule an appointment in Sterling, VA, contact us at 703-421-8988 today!