Dental Implants
for Missing Teeth Replacement
Dental Implants for Missing Teeth Replacement
Along with the impact missing teeth can have on an individual’s self-esteem and self-confidence, there are numerous health issues that can develop when a tooth or teeth are not replaced over time, including the following:
- Difficulty chewing properly
- Deterioration of jawbone
- Shifting teeth, which will change your bite
- Drifting teeth
- Jaw joint issues
- Added stress to remaining teeth
Dental implants are one of the most common methods for addressing tooth loss. Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots placed in your jawbone and given time to adhere to your bone, after which a crown can be placed. 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.
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 patients in the Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA area. To learn more about what is involved with the dental implant procedure, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for dental implants, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
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Dental Implants & Procedural Expectations
If it has been determined at your initial appointment that dental implants are the best treatment option for you, you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment. Our staff is committed to providing you with as much information as possible during this appointment so you have confidence in the upcoming treatment process. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.
In some cases, patients will need to first have a tooth extracted and/or a bone grafting procedure performed in order to build up the bone so it is strong enough to hold an implant. If this is not necessary, at your follow-up appointment, your implant will be placed in a location that will optimize tissue growth to form around it. Once the implant is properly positioned, a temporary restoration will be placed while the site is given time to heal. The healing process and time it takes for the bond to occur will vary from client to client, but the implant is typically ready to be finished around 6-8 weeks. Once the bond has been confirmed, a final crown will be attached to the implant root and your dental implant procedure will be complete.
Dental Implants & Procedure Aftercare
Following your dental implant procedure, it is important to be cautious during the initial healing stage. You should plan on sticking to a soft food diet for the first two weeks, after which you can begin to slowly reintroduce harder foods. Once the healing process is complete, you will not need to follow any special aftercare instructions or modify your brushing or flossing technique.
In order to maximize the benefits of your dental implant procedure and avoid developing similar issues in the future, it is imperative that you practice good daily oral hygiene practices. Be sure to brush and floss twice daily and continue scheduling regular visits to your dentist or periodontist. These regular visits ensure that your teeth will receive regular professional cleanings and will significantly reduce your risk of developing issues such as gingivitis or periodontitis. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright and healthy smile for many years to come!