August 5, 2018
If you’re missing teeth, simple things like eating, talking, and smiling can become a hassle. Dental implants in Virginia Beach are an effective solution. Your local dentist explains key components of the process to restore your smile.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are surgically placed posts made from titanium – a very strong and lasting material. Because titanium is biocompatible, it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction and fuses with your existing bone over time through a process called osseointegration. This allows the implant to form a firm foundation and support your entire facial structure.
Before the Process Starts, Do This
The most important step of the dental implant procedure is the consultation with your dentist. He or she will take a meticulous approach to examining your oral health and determining how much healthy bone you have.
These two components are essential for a successful procedure. Thanks to this thorough approach, the success rate for dental implant placement is over 95%.
These two components are essential for a successful procedure. Thanks to this thorough approach, the success rate for dental implant placement is over 95%.
How to Prepare for a Dental Implant
Sedation Dentistry – If you’ll be receiving sedation dentistry, you’ll need to abstain from eating within a 12-hour window of the start-time.- Have a Driver Scheduled – If sedation dentistry will be used, you’ll need someone to drive you home because it may take a few hours for the effects to wear off.
- Have Soft Foods Prepared – Prepare foods like smoothies, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and other soft foods that won’t interfere with healing.
Getting Restored
The placement of the dental implant is only one aspect of the procedure. After sufficient healing, your dentist will place an abutment, which allows either a crown (to replace a single tooth), bridge (for two or more missing teeth in a series), or implant-retained dentures to be attached.
When this final step is complete, you’ll have a fully restored smile and be ready to get back to living your life to the fullest!
When this final step is complete, you’ll have a fully restored smile and be ready to get back to living your life to the fullest!
Excellent Care Equals Longevity
Cared for properly, a dental implant could last a lifetime. Two components are essential for long-term success:
Living without your teeth has been tough, but with the help of your dentist in Virginia Beach, you have a clear path to being fully restored and leading a happy, fulfilling life.
- Oral Hygiene – Your consistent and properly done oral hygiene plays a huge role in how long your implant will last. The main practices you should engage in are brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day to rid your mouth of harmful bacteria.
- Regular Visits to Your Dentist – Equally important are your visits to your dentist for preventive care. While there, your teeth will be cleaned and examined to make sure there are neither any threats to your beautiful new smile nor your dental function.
Living without your teeth has been tough, but with the help of your dentist in Virginia Beach, you have a clear path to being fully restored and leading a happy, fulfilling life.
About the Author
Dr. Amrish Patel is a 2011 graduate of Boston University and a veteran of the United States Army. He takes pride in providing each patient with attention and care, and has completed continuing education in implantology and endodontics. To have your smile fully restored with dental implants, you can find Dr. Amrish Patel, DMD at Lakeshore Dental, and he can be reached through his website for more information.
