Dental Implants, Fairfax VA

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Dental Implants Fairfax VA

While nothing can totally replace a missing tooth, dental implants are the next best thing. Implants are safe and effective ways to replace teeth that are missing due to illness or injury. Dental implants consist of three main parts: a titanium screw that serves as the root, the abutment or connector, and the crown, which is the artificial tooth. Implants can be used to replace one or more teeth. They have been used for more than 30 years with much success. In addition, they look and function like real teeth, so you can eat your favorite foods. While bridges and dentures can also be used to replace teeth, dental implants are preferred because they are very safe and sturdy. Ask your dentist if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Why Replace a Missing Tooth?

Many people think nothing of missing just one tooth. How much damage could it cause? A missing tooth is actually a serious issue, even if it is in the back of the mouth and does not affect your smile. In addition, it can affect your chewing and speaking. Missing teeth create gaps that allow adjacent teeth to move around. This shifting can affect your bite and pressure your jaw and other teeth. If your teeth have shifted, they are harder to clean. This can lead to tooth decay, and if not treated, these teeth may also need to be removed. Also, a missing tooth can lead to bone loss. This can cause your jaw to sag, which can make you look older. Because of these reasons, a missing tooth should be treated seriously. Contact Breeze Dental today to learn about dental implants and other options to replace missing tooth Fairfax.

Caring for Dental Implants

One thing you might not know about implants is they do not develop decay since they are made of titanium. However, this does not mean you can skimp on proper dental care. Your natural teeth can still decay, so you should care for your dental implants similarly. Brush and floss daily. Keep the area around the implant clean. See your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups for dental implants in Fairfax. With proper care, your implant can last a lifetime. Without consistent daily care, dental implants can develop problems. Bleeding at the implant site is called mucositis. If caught early, it can be successfully treated. If you ignore it, it can lead to bone loss, which cannot be reversed. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed.

Dental Implants: The Process

If you decide you want a dental implant, expect a long process. This is because a long healing process is involved. Expect several dental appointments over the course of a year. For the most part, the process involves three or four steps. The first step is the placement of the implant, which consists of a titanium screw inserted into your jawbone. This is a major surgical procedure, so expect some swelling and pain afterward. Your dentist may use pain medication to help with the discomfort. Eat soft foods during the healing process. The healing process is amazing in that the jawbone actually grows around the implant, making it sturdy. Additionally, the jaw takes time to heal, though. This is the longest part of the process, taking several months. In some cases, though, you may be able to get the implant and a temporary replacement tooth in one visit. Ask your dentist about this possibility. Once your jaw has healed, your dentist will create a new tooth for you. This is called a dental crown and is placed on an abutment, a post on top of the titanium screw root. Of course, your crown will match your other teeth in terms of size, shape, and color, so the result is a realistic-looking implant. Nobody will know that you have a dental implant.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are many reasons to consider dental implants. One of the biggest benefits is they function just like real teeth. They are very sturdy and allow you to eat your favorite foods. In addition, dental implants also look like natural teeth, so nobody will know the difference. Dental implants are healthy. They help prevent bone loss and support the jaw, preventing sagging. Likewise, they keep teeth from shifting, which can cause problems for the rest of your mouth. Dental implants are pretty much a permanent solution. They are fused to the jawbone, so they won't move around or feel uncomfortable, like dentures. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, unlike dentures and bridges, which need to be replaced every 5-10 years. Implants improve speech. By adding teeth to your mouth, you can speak more clearly. Implants also improve the appearance of your smile, which can boost self-confidence. If you have been embarrassed by your smile in the past, that will change with dental implants.

Contact Us Today

You don't need to deal with the embarrassment of missing teeth any longer. If you're looking for a quality cosmetic dentist in Fairfax, Virginia, choose Breeze Dental. Our friendly staff offers a variety of services to keep your teeth looking and feeling good for life. We offer dental implants and other options to replace teeth. Contact us today for a consultation. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (703) 844-2991. Breeze Dental is conveniently located at 3545 Chain Bridge Rd STE # 105 Fairfax, Virginia 22030. Our team has several years of experience assisting patients with general and cosmetic dentistry. Additionally, we accept most major dental insurances and offer a variety of dental solutions. Many of our patients inquire about their insurance benefits, and our team would be happy to explain your coverage. Our most popular treatments at Breeze Dental include dental implants, crowns, veneers, Invisalign, and teeth whitening. Learn more about our services with a consultation today. Our team would be happy to assist via phone or easily book an appointment online. We look forward to meeting you.