DENTAL IMPLANTS – WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

There are many reasons why someone would need dental implants, ranging from disease to injury, and it may seem to be a daunting topic to discuss, but the end benefits include an improved smile, reducing/eliminating pain from your original teeth, improved speech (as compared to dentures), durability, and helping to improve your overall oral health. Whatever your reason for searching, “dental implants near me” or “dental implants McLean VA”, it’s best to know the process you can expect in order to help you decide on the best dental service provider for you.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are different from other corrective measures because they replace both the roots and tooth. Success rates of dental implants vary, and they depend on where in the jaw the implants are placed; in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. Dental implant costs are initially higher than other corrective measures, but with proper care, implants can last a lifetime – they are durable, but they still require special care. Anyone healthy enough to undergo routine oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant, but patients should ensure that they have healthy gums, enough bone to hold the implant, and that they are committed to good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from chronic disorders, such as diabetes and heart disease, or people who have had radiation therapy to their head/neck area should be evaluated on an individual basis. If you are considering implants, discussing your medical circumstances with your dentist while investigating dental implants in McLean is always a great first step.

What happens next?

The next step toward getting dental implants in McLean involves developing an individualized treatment plan with a team of specially trained and experienced oral surgeons and restorative dentistry professionals, like those at McLean Healthy Smiles (Vidya Colospate, DMD). They will address your specific needs, the best dental implant option for you, and they will ensure that you’re prepared for the next couple stages – the surgery and the recovery. They’ll likely also take impressions of your teeth and a model of your bite to mould your new tooth or teeth.

Surgery involves implanting the titanium root into the jawbone, and this is typically done with little to no discomfort with the aid of a local anaesthetic (depending on your tolerance!). Most patients report that dental implants in McLean hurt less than a tooth extraction, and the pain can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. A small connector post (called an abutment) is attached to securely hold the new tooth. Once this is done, your dentist will need to match your new tooth (made from that previous mould) so that it looks like one of your natural teeth.

Recovery takes typically between six and 12 weeks, all told, and (as mentioned previously) pain management is done with simple over-the-counter medications. Whatever your reasons for looking into dental implants in McLean, understanding what they are, their benefits, and the overall process will better inform your decision.