A Lasting Solution for Your Missing Teeth
If you’re missing teeth, dental implants offer a durable, long-term solution. At The Foleck Center here in Southeast Virginia, we specialize in helping patients restore their smiles with high-quality dental implants that look and function just like natural teeth. Below, we break down all of the key points you’ll need to know — from what dental implants are, to how they work — so that you can decide if this procedure is right for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a modern, permanent solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges that rest on top of the gums, dental implants are surgically attached to a person’s jawbone. This is done to replace the roots of those missing teeth, and to fuse with the jawbone in order to create a strong, stable foundation for the artificial teeth that will be positioned on top.
A dental implant is made up of three key parts:
- The implant, which is the actual titanium post that’s placed into the jawbone and serves as the root. Titanium is used because it’s biocompatible, meaning it fuses well with the bone.
- The abutment, which is a small connector placed on top of the implant. The abutment will ultimately hold the replacement tooth (called a crown) securely in place.
- The Crown, which is the visible part of the implant. Crowns are custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, and blend seamlessly with them.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
While the process to obtain dental implants is more involved than other tooth replacement options, the results are worth it. Here are the steps we take to help you with this process.
1. Initial Consultation and Planning
First, we’ll sit down for a comprehensive consultation at our Norfolk office. This is when we’ll evaluate your oral health, including the condition of your jawbone and gums. We may take X-rays or CT scans to assess the structure of your mouth, and determine the best approach for placing your implant.
If you’ve experienced bone loss due to missing teeth, you may require a bone graft to strengthen your jawbone before we can perform an implant procedure.
2. Implant Placement
Next, we’ll perform surgical placement for the implant. Under local anesthesia, Dr. Foleck will make a small incision in your gum tissue to access the bone. A titanium post will then be placed where the missing tooth root once was. The implant is designed to integrate with the bone and the surrounding tissue as it heals. This process is known as osseointegration, and it usually takes 3–6 months to complete. While that may seem like a long time, the permanent bond it creates is more than worth the wait.
3. Abutment Placement
Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, an abutment is placed on top of it. This serves as the connection between the implant and the replacement tooth. Usually, this does require a minor procedure where your dentist will need to expose the implant so that the abutment can be successfully attached.
4. Crown Placement
The final step is the placement of your custom-made crown. A crown is designed to match the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth. Once it’s securely attached to the abutment, your procedure will be complete. Your implant will then appear and function like a natural tooth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are numerous benefits to choosing dental implants over other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges. Here are the reasons why we highly recommend them for tooth replacement.
1. A Natural Look and Feel
Dental implants are designed to be like your natural teeth. The crown is made from high-quality materials that mimic the translucency of tooth enamel, making it virtually indistinguishable from your real ones.
2. Durability
One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is their longevity. They can last a lifetime with proper care, making them a cost-effective solution. In contrast, solutions like dentures or bridges may need to be replaced after only a few years.
3. Improved Functionality
Dental implants restore the full use of your teeth. Unlike dentures, which can slip or make eating certain foods difficult, implants’ stability allows you to enjoy all of your favorite foods with comfort. (Plus, you don’t have to worry about any slurred speech that denture movement can create.)
4. Bone Health
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone underneath it can begin to deteriorate over time. Dental implants can prevent this by stimulating the bone, allowing it to maintain its strength and volume. This isn’t the same with dentures, which are unable to reach the bone and can actually lead to further bone loss.
5. No Impact on Adjacent Teeth
Dental implants preserve your healthy teeth because their insertion does not affect the ones you already have. Compare this to dental bridges, which require the filing down of adjacent teeth in order to be secured.
6. Improved Confidence
Dental implants help restore not just the functionality of your smile, but its appearance as well. You’ll be able to smile, speak, and eat with confidence, knowing your replacement tooth looks and feels natural.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants are suitable for most people who are missing one or more teeth. However, certain conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or gum disease, may need to be addressed before implants can be placed.
Additionally, you will need to have sufficient jawbone density to support the implant. If bone loss has occurred, a graft may be required prior to scheduling an implant.
Why Choose The Foleck Center for Dental Implants?
We are Southeast Virginia’s leader in dental implants, offering personalized care for patients throughout Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, and Norfolk. Our experienced team is committed to helping you restore your smile with state-of-the-art implant technology and compassionate care.
Here’s why patients trust us for their dental implant needs.
- Comprehensive Consultation: We evaluate your oral health thoroughly to determine if a dental implant is the right fit for your needs.
- Personalized Care: We take the time to discuss your needs and concerns so that you get a treatment plan that you’re comfortable with.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: We use advanced diagnostic tools like 3D imaging and CT scans to plan and execute your implant procedure with precision.
- Experienced Team: Our skilled dentists have over 20 years of dental implant placement. Coupled with our in-house dental lab, you’ll have access to the best options in the industry.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re ready to restore your smile with dental implants, The Foleck Center is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a permanent, natural-looking solution. 800-800-8000
