When it comes to replacing any number of missing teeth, dental implants in
Virginia Beach are simply in a class of their own. They are the only treatment
to restore a tooth both above and below the gum line, creating a result that
resembles nature in every way. At Lakeshore Dental, you can get this
state-of-the-art solution right here in Virginia Beach, enabling you to eat,
speak, and smile with confidence again. To learn more about this treatment and
what it could do for you, contact us today!
How a Dental Implant Works
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root placed directly into the jawbone
in the space left by a missing one, and once there, it can be used to
support a variety of restorations that show in the smile. For the placement
procedure, we refer you to our trusted oral surgeon right next door to
ensure you receive the highest level of care. After having a few months to
heal, you will return to Lakeshore Dental to receive your new teeth and
complete your smile.
By replacing both the root and crown of your tooth, you benefit from several
advantages that you will not achieve with conventional solutions, including:
High Success Rate: Dental implants offer over a 95% success rate.
Long-Term Solution: With the right aftercare, your new smile can
last for several decades.
Looks and Feels Natural: Your jawbone fuses to the post to secure
your restoration. You will not need to worry about any slipping or
irritation as you regain as much as 70% of your biting force.
Stops Bone Loss: The implant post stimulates your jaw to encourage
new bone growth. This protects your remaining natural teeth and your
facial structures from decreased bone density.
Cost-Effective: Dental implants have the potential to remain in
place forever. You will not need to pay for new implant posts in the
future.
Indications for Dental Implants
Dental implants can be used to treat all cases of tooth loss. Depending on
how many teeth are being replaced, the materials needed, and the treatment
process will vary slightly.
Missing Single Tooth
An implant post is placed into your jawbone to act as a new root. After you
have healed, an abutment is attached to it to connect a custom-made crown.
Several teeth in a row can be replaced using an alternative to a traditional
bridge. Instead of using dental crowns to hold the bridge in place, an
average of one or two implant posts anchors it to your jawbone.
In order for a patient to be a good candidate to get dental implants, they
need to have a strong and thick jawbone that can reliably support the
prosthetic roots. If the jawbone is too thin or brittle to do this, we can
instead use mini dental implants. They are smaller and thinner than
traditional implant posts, but they can still be used to support a dental
restoration that is much stronger and natural-looking than any other
alternative.
Dental Implant Technology
The success of dental implants not only relies on a dentist’s training
and qualifications, but also the use of the latest technologies. At
Lakeshore Dental, Dr. Patel embraces state-of-the-art advancements to
promote the success of your new smile long before your dental implants are
even placed into your jawbone. Elite imaging, high-quality impressions, and
even sedation allows you to enjoy a comfortable and stress-free process to
ensure your new investment has the foundation it needs to last for a
lifetime.
With advanced dental implant procedures by Lakeshore Dental,
Dr. Patel can give you back the hope you may have lost when learning you
were ineligible for dental implants. When a weakened jawbone prevents you
from replacing your missing teeth, we can step in and perform a sinus lift
or bone graft to get your started on the path to a new and improved smile.
Although dental implant cost more upfront than conventional treatments, they
are more cost-effective long-term. With the right aftercare, like
maintaining your oral hygiene, you will not need to have them replaced. When
determining how much you can expect to pay for your new smile there are
several factors that influence the price, such as how many teeth are
missing, if you need additional procedures, and your dental coverage.
If you are ready to stop living with the challenges of missing teeth, your
dentist in Virginia Beach can help you invest in your smile. Contact our
dental office today to see if dental implants are right for you.
Dental Implant Aftercare
So you’ve got your brand-new, recompleted smile with the help of
dental implants – now what? Making sure you keep oral health and
function at a maximum over the coming years is a big priority, of course,
which is why aftercare is such a crucial part of the treatment process. Our
team is happy to lend a helping hand! Check out our detailed aftercare tips
for implant-retained teeth, and please don’t hesitate to schedule an
appointment if you’re experiencing any concerning symptoms or
discomfort.
Dental implant failure is rare, but it can occasionally happen due to
infection, injuries, teeth grinding or an improperly performed procedure. If
your implant comes loose or causes persistent pain, call us for an
appointment. We’ll use advanced technology such as digital X-rays to
gather as much information as possible about the inside of your mouth before
recommending a treatment strategy. We might need to remove the implant
temporarily, but we can try and replace it once the issue has been resolved.
Even with all this information about dental implants, you may still have
some questions. We understand and agree that you should know as much as
possible about this treatment before starting it. That’s why
we’re providing the answers to some common questions about dental
implants. If you have more questions that we haven’t addressed here,
contact our dental office in Virginia Beach to schedule a consultation with
Dr. Patel. We look forward to helping
you!
What technology do you use to ensure that dental implants are successful?
At Lakeshore Dental, we utilize technology that helps us improve the way we
treat our patients. In the case of dental implants, Dr. Patel can use our
i3D Smart scanner
to get a highly defined image of your oral structures. Using these, he can
better plan out the placement procedure. That way, we reduce the invasive
measures needed for success, leading to faster healing and better long-term
function and aesthetics.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants are a great tooth replacement option, but they may not be
right for everyone. For example, you need to be in good oral health to be
eligible. Also, your jaw bone needs to be strong enough to support dental
implants. If it isn’t, we may be able to perform a bone graft to
provide the necessary reinforcement for dental implant placement. The best
way to know whether you qualify for this replacement option is to have a
consultation with Dr. Patel. He can evaluate your mouth and help formulate a
personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs.
What can cause dental implants to fail?
Over 95 percent of the time, dental implants are placed successfully.
However unlikely, failure is possible. If you have an untreated oral
infection, your gums and jaw bone may not surround the implant post as
expected. Or if you lack sufficient jaw bone, the implant may not have the
strength to handle normal functions properly. That’s why Dr. Patel is
so thorough before placing dental implants. He goes above and beyond the
minimum to give you the best chances of success in the short and long term.
What can I do to make my dental implants last longer?
Dental implants have a long potential lifespan, but much of that depends on
you. When you take the necessary steps to maintain your dental implants,
they can last for over 30 years! These steps include brushing and flossing
on a daily basis and visiting Lakeshore Dental twice every year for checkups
and cleanings. Basically, you need to treat your dental implants like
natural teeth.
At Lakeshore Dental, we want to make sure that you feel completely confident
about your treatment, so if you have additional questions, don’t
hesitate to
contact us for
an appointment. We will happily address your concerns and help you find the
perfect solution to replace your missing teeth. Get on the path toward a
complete, functional, beautiful smile by
scheduling your consultation
today!
