Knowing your options is always an important strategy. In the case of tooth replacement, there are a few choices: crown and bridge, partial and full dentures and dental implants. Whenever possible, I like to recommend dental implants in Leesburg. These tooth replacements offer distinct advantages over the others and provide a more lifelike tooth and smile for patient comfort and aesthetic appeal.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a complete tooth replacement. By this I mean that not only the visible portion of a tooth, the crown, is replaced but also the root of a tooth that is hidden below the gum line. Herein lies one advantage that dental implants have over your other tooth replacement options.
With a crown and bridge or dentures, you are always susceptible to bone loss in your jaw. These merely rest on top of the gum ridge. A dental implant, on the other hand, is firmly anchored in the bone beneath the socket of a missing tooth. In this way, the implant stimulates the bone every time you bite or chew. This stimulation is essential to creating healthy new bone tissue. This new growth ensures the natural appearance of your jaw line and a younger looking face.
The Dental Implant Process
To ensure that you receive the best care when having implants, I work closely with other dental professionals in the area. An oral surgeon or periodontist will strategically position your implants, taking full advantage of the most bone volume. This is critical to the ultimate success of any dental implant procedure.
Each implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible metal. After placement of the implant, healing takes anywhere from three to six months. During this time, the implant and surrounding bone tissue fuse together in a process called osseointegration. This process is what provides the firm footing for your eventual tooth restoration.
Once you’ve healed completely, you’ll return to my office to have the proper restoration attached to the implant. First, an abutment is placed over the implant. This is essentially a connector between the implant and the new visible portion of your tooth. After a couple of weeks, I’ll secure the appropriate restoration. A porcelain crown is used to replace a single tooth and a bridge, partial or full denture can replace several or even all of the teeth along an arch.
For Dental Implants in Leesburg, Call Dr. Groy
If you would like to know whether or not dental implants are the best tooth replacement option for you, then contact my dental office in Leesburg, VA. I will be glad to consult with you.