For anyone who has lost a tooth to decay, extraction or injury, dental implants are an innovative option far superior to the alternatives like dentures and bridges.
Dental implants in Fairfax, VA are permanently attached to your jawbone and provide the foundation for a restoration that blends seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. Implants won't move or slide around like dentures. Properly maintained, they can last a lifetime.
Dental Implant Process
Your dentist will begin by assessing your oral health to ensure that a dental implant is a viable solution. You must have the adequate bone structure to support the implant.
If you do, your dentist will surgically place the lower portion of your implant, which consists of a titanium screw that integrates with the bone, anchoring it securely. This process, called osseointegration, may take several months to complete.
In the meantime, the upper portion of your implant, known as the restoration, or artificial tooth, will be created from an approximation of your missing tooth.
Your dentist will attach the restoration to your dental implant at a subsequent appointment to complete the process. You will care for your finished implant in the same manner as your natural teeth, by brushing, flossing, and through routine dental check-ups.
