If you are looking for a dentist in Vienna, VA, that can provide dental implants to replace missing teeth, look no further. Dr. Diane Pham is an experienced cosmetic dentist with the skills to restore your smile using dental implants. Call (703) 225-0040 today!

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a surgically installed restorative option for a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Implants offer a permanent base for replacement teeth. Compared to bridges or dentures, implants provide a more durable, functional, long-term solution with a natural look and feel.

Implant surgery involves a titanium fixture that, over time, fuses to the living bone cells of the jaw. This fusion creates a solid and durable anchor for the new teeth.

A dental implant is comprised of the following:

• The implant: A titanium screw that serves as the root and fuses to the jawbone
• The abutment: A permanent, but removable by your doctor, connector that supports and holds a tooth or set of teeth
• The crown: This is the part of the tooth that you can see. It is usually made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and the look of natural teeth. The crown attaches to the abutment.

Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth, or complete arches of teeth on the top or bottom row.

Dental Implant Procedure

The dental implant procedure is typically an outpatient surgery performed in stages. The stages are necessary to allow healing time for the gums between surgeries. Here is what you can expect for the dental implant process.

Preparation

First, Dr. Pham prepares the jawbone for the implant with other dental procedures. This may include tooth removal and bone grafting. This step is not always necessary but varies, depending on the patient’s needs.

If your jawbone is not thick enough from bone loss or is too soft, Dr. Pham can provide grafting surgery to support the implant properly.

Implant Placement

When placing the dental implants, Dr. Pham will use local anesthesia to numb the gum areas where the implants will be placed. Next, she will create an incision to expose the bone in the gums. Next, holes are drilled into the bone where the dental implants will be placed. Finally, the dental implant post is set deep into the bone.

At this point, you will have a gap, or gaps, where removable dentures or other temporary restoration will be placed. This removable device is placed while you wait for your gums to heal. This healing process can take several months to complete.

Abutment Placement

Sometimes the abutment can be placed during the initial implant surgery; other times, a patient will require a second surgery to place the abutment. The abutment is the piece where the porcelain crown will attach.

To place the abutment in a second visit:

• Your oral surgeon reopens your gum to expose the dental implant.
• The abutment is attached to the dental implant.
• The gum tissue is then closed around the abutment.
• Healing time will be allowed for the gums.

Artificial Tooth Placement

Once your gums have healed, impressions are made of your teeth to create the crown, the artificial tooth.

Types of Dental Implants

Before dental implants, no option replaced the root and the crown of a missing tooth, which compromised the jawbone and adjacent teeth. Implant dentistry has revolutionized the way we restore missing teeth. They look, feel and support the mouth as natural teeth do.

We provide three different dental implants at our dental practice in Northern Virginia. So whether you require one tooth or several teeth, Dr. Pham can restore your smile.

Single Tooth Implants

If you have lost one tooth from an accident or decay, a single implant can be placed to restore your smile.

Multiple Implants

Sometimes a patient requires multiple replacement teeth but still has healthy gums and surrounding teeth. There are a few different options if you have multiple missing teeth. An implant-supported bridge can replace three or more missing adjacent teeth. This bridge requires two implants to support it. Implant-supported dentures can also be used.

Schedule an Appointment at Capital Esthetics and Family Dentistry Today!

If you are interested in dental implants in Vienna, Dr. Pham is the dentist for you. The average cost of implants varies greatly depending on the type of implant and how many implants you require. Dental insurance could cover part of the cost of implants, but you should check with your insurance provider first.

To schedule a restorative consultation with Dr. Diane Pham, call us today at 703-225-0040.