Dental Implants in Alexandria, VA
for Missing Teeth Replacement
Dental Implants in Alexandria, VA for Missing Teeth Replacement
If you have had the unfortunate experience of having a tooth extracted or have lost a tooth due to an unexpected injury, that missing tooth can affect more than just your smile. Your smile is a very under-valued asset. It is literally the foundation for your personality. It impacts your self-esteem and your self-confidence in your daily personal engagements, your extended social circles, and your professional encounters. The staff at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, 4660 Kenmore Ave. in Alexandria, VA appreciate the value of smile. To learn more about what is involved with the dental implants alexandria va procedure, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for dental implants, you can call us at 703-823-2422 for an evaluation regarding the extended impact of that missing tooth. There are a number of health issues that can develop when a tooth or teeth are not replaced over time, including the following:
- The shifting of the neighboring teeth into that open space
- Difficulty chewing properly
- Deterioration of jawbone
- Added stress to remaining teeth
- Jaw joint issues
Dental implants have become the new gold standard in the dental industry for the replacement of a natural tooth. They are essentially artificial tooth roots placed in your jawbone and when given time to adhere to your bone, an artificial crown is placed on the top. Dental implants have been the preferred method for addressing missing teeth for the past 30+ years because of their strength in supporting replacement teeth and because they allow patients to return to their normal daily activities with replacement teeth that look and feel natural. Because of that root the crown delivers natural pressures while biting and chewing as well as temperature changes from hot to cold.
Our specialty trained periodontists Dr. Justin Zalewsky and Dr. Antara Daru have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. We are proud to provide optimal care for our patients.
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Dr. Alkakhan
Dr. Waleed completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, gaining advanced clinical training in surgical treatments. His thirst for expertise led him to specialize in Periodontics and Implant Surgery at the prestigious Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). At MUSC, he served as Chief Resident of Periodontics and conducted groundbreaking research on macrophage plasticity during periodontal inflammation, earning a second Master's of Science degree.
Dr. Daru
In 2005, Dr. Daru embarked on her educational odyssey, crossing continents to pursue her passion for dentistry. She obtained her Master of Science in Oral Biology and a certificate in Periodontics from the prestigious New York University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2010. During her academic years, she delved into intensive research, particularly focusing on innovative bone regeneration techniques, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.
Dr. Fields
Dr. Fields, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, embarked on his dental journey at Georgetown College, where he earned a B.S. degree in biology/chemistry. He then pursued his passion for dentistry, graduating with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Louisville in 1989. Additionally, he earned the prestigious Ma.C.S.D. degree, specializing in IV conscious sedation, showcasing his commitment to advancing his skills and knowledge for the benefit of his patients.
Dr. Gupta
Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Gupta embarked on a transformative periodontal residency at the University of Detroit Mercy. Here, she earned her Master of Science and a certificate in Periodontics while simultaneously serving as an adjunct faculty for the School of Dentistry for three years. Her commitment to advancing dental knowledge took her to an international stage, where she presented groundbreaking research on clinical treatment for gum recession and root coverage at a prestigious conference in London.
Dr. Zalewsky
Following his military service, Dr. Zalewsky pursued advanced training at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Certificate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology, along with a Master of Science in Oral Biology. This comprehensive training equipped him to handle intricate periodontal conditions and complex oral implant procedures with precision and skill.
Dental Implants & Procedural Expectations
If we determine at your initial evaluation that a dental implant is the best treatment option for you, we will need to schedule a follow-up appointment. Our staff is committed to providing you with as much information as possible during this evaluation and consultation, so you are confident and comfortable in the upcoming treatment process. If you have any questions or concerns, please simply ask.
The first step in the process is to capture x-rays to determine the health of the jawbone. If the density is good enough to support the implant, then the soft tissue will be numbed with a local anesthetic. A small surgical incision allows our dentist to access the jawbone. Then a small hole will be drilled into the jawbone into which a titanium post is inserted. An abutment or extension is placed on that post to reach the surface and a temporary restoration will be placed on the post while the site is given time to heal. The next step is to be patient and allow that titanium post to fuse to the bone. This most important step delivers the strength of a normal root. The healing process and time it takes will vary from client to client, but the implant is typically ready to be finished around 6-8 weeks. Once the bond has been secured and confirmed, a final ceramic or porcelain crown will be attached to the implant abutment or extension root and your dental implant procedure will be finished.
In some situations, you may need to have the tooth extracted first. Or in other cases the x-ray may show the density of the jawbone will not support the implant so a bone grafting procedure will need to be performed in order to strengthen the bone so it is strong enough to hold the implant.
Dental Implants & Procedure Aftercare
Following your initial implant procedure, it is important to be cautious during the healing stage. We want to minimize the biting and chewing pressure on that temporary crown while the post is growing to the jawbone. We will ask you to plan on eating a soft food diet for the first two weeks, after which you can begin to slowly reintroduce harder foods. Once the healing process has been completed, you will not need to follow any special aftercare instructions or modify your brushing or flossing technique.
To both benefit from your dental implant procedure and avoid developing similar issues in the future, it is important that you practice good daily oral hygiene practices. The health industry suggests that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. They also strongly suggest flossing at least once a day and also scheduling regular preventive evaluations twice a year. These regular preventative visits ensure that your teeth will receive regular evaluations, professional cleanings and will significantly reduce your risk of developing problems issues such as gingivitis or periodontitis. If you follow these simple best practices, you will enjoy that healthy smile for years to come!