If you have missing teeth, you will need to explore all your options to replace them. Understanding what dental implants are and how they work will help you with this decision making. While there are several options available, a dental prosthesis that is secured with teeth implants is the best solution. It offers more security, has a high treatment success rate, and is more comfortable than traditional bridges and dentures. As a highly trained restorative dentist in Sterling, VA, Dr. Zahra Kavianpour provides all types of dental implants for patients with tooth loss.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a sophisticated medical device that dentists use to replace teeth. It looks like a small screw with threads. Teeth implants come in a few diameters and lengths so they can be placed in various places along the arches. Most implants are made of titanium. This type of metal is very strong, lightweight, well accepted by the human body.
The purpose of an implant is to replace the missing teeth roots. Each implant that your dentist inserts into the jaw will fuse with the surrounding bone to create an artificial tooth root. Once in place, the implants should last for a lifetime. However, they will require proper oral hygiene just like natural teeth.
How do Dental Implants Work?
The implant fixture is what makes this type of dental restoration unique from other tooth replacement options. Dental implants act as teeth roots that secure the new dental prosthesis. They also help prevent bone loss which is often the cause of premature aging in the face. Depending on how many teeth you are missing, the dentist will place anywhere from one to eight dental implants per arch. Fusing with the bone will take several months.
Once the implants are fully integrated with the bone, a small piece called an abutment is connected to each one. This small metal part is responsible for attaching the implant fixtures to the dental restoration. The type of abutment that your dentist places will depend on the type of restoration you are getting.
The last piece your dentist will attach is the false teeth. Dental restorations are custom made for each patient from impressions and measurements. This way they will blend in seamlessly and look natural when you smile. We will use a dental crown and one dental implant if you are missing a single tooth. If you are missing most or all of the teeth on an arch, we will use anywhere from two to eight dental implants along with a custom denture. Several consecutive missing teeth are typically replaced by at least two implants and a dental bridge.
Dr. Kavianpour is a Sterling, VA dentist that offers complete dental implant services to her patients. For patients that qualify, dental implants are the best option to replace teeth. We encourage you to schedule a consultation to learn more about what they are and how they work. The dentist and our entire staff is available to answer any questions. You can reach us at 703.444.3412 or request an appointment online.