Dental Implants in Vienna, VA

Tooth loss can occur for many reasons, but the number one cause is periodontal disease. However, you can also lose teeth due to:

• Sports Injuries
• Impact Trauma to the Mouth
• Advanced Decay
• Fractures Below the Gumline
• Untreated Bruxism.

Regardless of the reason for your tooth loss, the priority is to learn about your replacement options. At Vienna Family Dental and Esthetics, we offer dental implants in Vienna, VA, a state-of-the-art solution for missing teeth.

What Is a Dental Implant? The Parts Explained

Dental implants are unique because they are as close as possible to the structure and appearance of a natural tooth. Unlike a bridge or denture, a dental implant replaces the entire tooth, including the root.

There are three parts to a dental implant:

• A titanium implant post
• A connector piece called an abutment
• The implant restoration

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Your dentist in Vienna, VA, has you come in for a consultation to determine your implant candidacy. We explore bone density when assessing your suitability and talk to you about your goals.

In some cases, you are an immediate candidate for dental implants. At other times, you may require pretreatment, or the dentist may recommend an alternative to dental implants. 

Dental Implant Planning and Placement

If you're a candidate for implants and choose to proceed with treatment, we plan your implant surgery using image-guided technology, including state-of-the-art 3D cone-beam imaging. This helps us place your implants into the jawbone with precision.

Dr. Barry Rudolph or Dr. David Paino expertly places the implant post here at our Vienna, VA dental office. In some cases, we may determine that the best results for you will be achieved using a trusted local periodontist specializing in implant placement.

The implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible material, so it is readily accepted by the body and can integrate with bone.

Implant Healing and Integration

As the implant heals over a period of several months, it integrates with surrounding bone and tissue and ultimately becomes a permanent part of your dental anatomy. Integration is painless. You'll not even feel it happening. However, it's a crucial part of dental implant treatment.

Your New Smile

After integration, we attach an abutment to the implant to support your restoration, which may be a dental crown, an implant bridge/denture. There are several options for restoring your implant, including crowns, bridges, and full or partial dentures.

About Implant-Retained Dentures in Vienna, VA 

Denture wearers often report discomfort and instability, but dental implants address these common issues. Implants are placed at certain points along your jaw, and we design your dentures with attachments that correspond to the implants, which then snap in place.

When it comes to restoring function, a removable denture only returns about 10 percent of your chewing ability, while a dental implant restores about 90 percent. You can also be confident knowing that your new, stable dentures are designed to look natural and enhance your appearance.

What to Expect After Implant Surgery

After implant surgery, you may notice mild swelling and discomfort for a few days, but you can typically combat this with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Most patients report minimal discomfort, comparing implant placement recovery to that of less invasive procedures, such as a root canal or a dental filling. 

To expedite healing, follow all aftercare instructions provided by your dentist. 

A process of regeneration is continuously going on in your jaw. The presence of a healthy tooth root sustains this process, but when a tooth is lost, bone in your jaw gradually resorbs (shrinks). This begins immediately after tooth loss, and the bone will continue to deteriorate, affecting your overall oral health. Implants replace the missing root, stopping this destructive process in its tracks.

An implant is also an excellent solution because, after healing, the post is as stable as your original tooth root. You can be confident that the restoration you choose will be artfully crafted with durable materials, so no one will ever know you have an implant.

Reclaim Your Smile with Dental Implants in Vienna, VA

Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. While they may seem like a recent innovation, implants have been around for over 40 years and have an impressive 98 percent success rate.

Would you like to learn if dental implants are the best solution for you? Please call our Vienna, VA dentists, Dr. Barry Rudolph and Dr. David Paino, to arrange a convenient consultation.

We would love to meet with you to discuss the benefits of replacing your teeth with dental implants!