Dental Implants In Alexandria, VA
A missing tooth doesn't have to hold you back. Dental implants can boost your confidence and improve your overall oral health. With an implant, you'll regain full functionality, allowing you to eat, laugh, and speak without hesitation.
Why should I choose dental implants?
Choosing dental implants isn't just about filling a gap in your smile — it's about reclaiming your confidence and oral health. Implants are designed to look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. Unlike removable options, implants become a permanent part of your mouth, anchoring directly into your jawbone. This means you can eat, speak, and laugh without worry. They also help maintain your facial structure and prevent bone loss, which is a common issue after tooth loss. While implants might seem like a bigger investment upfront, their durability and the long-term benefits to your oral health make them a smart choice. If you're tired of dealing with the hassles of missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures, implants could be the life-changing solution you've been looking for.
Get Started On The Right Path!
Getting a dental implant can feel like a huge decision - but we're here to make that choice a little easier to make with complimentary consultations. Find out if dental implants can help you regain your smile and oral health, and schedule a consult with Dr. Kotadia today!
Oral Exam
Digital Imaging
Treatment Recommendations
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Natural Feel and Function
Dental implants closely replicate your natural teeth, allowing you to brush, floss, and eat with ease.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Each implant is tailored to match your existing teeth in shape, size, and color. This personalized approach ensures that your new tooth blends in naturally with your smile.
Preserves Oral Health
Made from biocompatible titanium, they integrate with your jawbone, stimulating it much like natural tooth roots. This unique feature helps prevent bone loss and maintains your facial structure, contributing to long-term oral health.
The Implant Treatment Process
Placement
Once we've confirmed your treatment plan, we'll schedule your oral surgery and walk you through the procedure. During the surgery, we make a precise incision in your gum and carefully place the dental implant into your jawbone. We then thoroughly clean the area and apply sutures to promote healing. This step sets the foundation for your new tooth.
Healing & Osseointegration
Healing begins immediately after implant placement. The incision site typically heals within 1-2 weeks, but the full integration of the implant with your jawbone (osseointegration) takes about 3-6 months. We'll schedule regular check-ups during this period to monitor your progress and ensure everything is healing as expected.
Applying the Restoration
The final phase is restoration. We create a custom dental crown designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. This crown is then securely attached to an abutment on your implant. With this step complete, your smile is fully restored!
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
A single tooth implant is a modern solution for replacing a missing tooth. It consists of two main parts: a titanium rod that's surgically placed into your jawbone, and a custom-made crown that's attached to the rod. This crown is designed to match your natural teeth in appearance and function. Unlike removable options such as partial dentures, implants are fixed in place, offering stability and comfort that closely mimics your natural teeth.
Dental implants are crafted with precision to ensure the best fit and function. The implant post, made from medical-grade titanium, comes in various standard sizes. The crown, however, is custom-made for each patient. We either create it in-house using advanced milling technology or work with a specialized lab. If we use a lab, we send them detailed impressions of your teeth. They then craft a durable crown, often using porcelain for its natural appearance and strength. Once ready, we carefully attach the crown to the implant, completing your dental restoration.
With proper placement and care, dental implants can last for decades. However, the crown attached to the implant may need replacement over time due to normal wear and tear. Regular dental check-ups allow us to monitor your implant and crown, ensuring they remain in good condition and addressing any issues early on.
While uncommon, dental implants can develop an infection known as peri-implantitis. This typically occurs if proper oral hygiene isn't maintained after the implant procedure. To minimize this risk, it's crucial to follow post-operative care instructions carefully and maintain good oral hygiene practices once the implant has healed.
Yes, dental implants play a significant role in preventing bone loss. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area starts to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. An implant acts like an artificial tooth root, transmitting chewing forces to the jawbone. This stimulation helps maintain bone density and strength, much like a natural tooth would.
In some cases, it's possible to receive a dental implant and a temporary restoration in a single day. This depends on your specific situation and the type of implant best suited for you. The temporary restoration allows for normal function while your implant heals. We'll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and create your permanent, custom-made crown. A consultation will help us determine the most appropriate implant approach for your needs.