5812 Mapledale Plaza

Woodbridge, VA 22193

(703) 580-9900

What Are Dental Implants?

Are you ready to learn more about this long-term replacement for your missing teeth?dental implants

Did you just lose a permanent tooth? If so, more than likely you are looking for a restoration that will be able to replace your tooth for the long-term. If so, our Woodbridge, VA, family dentists have the answer you’ve been looking for. Dental implants have replaced millions of teeth and could give you back the smile you want.

What are dental implants?

Perhaps you’ve heard about them or know someone who has them. Dental implants are the closest thing you can get to a real tooth. While nothing is as great as maintaining healthy natural teeth, if you are faced with tooth loss then the best option for getting a long-term replacement is dental implants. These small metal posts are designed to function like tooth roots. When the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone it naturally fuses together with bone and tissue to become a permanent part of your mouth.

How does the dental implant fuse together with the jawbone?

While it will take several months for this to occur, this process is what makes implants so successful and long lasting. This naturally occurring phenomenon in which the implant fuses together with the jawbone is known as osseointegration.

Implants are made from biocompatible metals like titanium. Since the implant is made from this unique metal it means that the body won’t reject it as a foreign object. In fact, it will treat it like it’s just like any other part of the mouth and begin to bond with it. Once the implant has fused together with the bone and tissue, you could just have an implant for the rest of your life.

How do I get dental implants?

If you want to get dental implants to replace your missing tooth or teeth, the first step is to visit our Woodbridge dentists for a consultation. By examining your mouth and talking about your treatment goals we can determine whether or not this is the right option for you. From there, we will need to place the implant.

Once the implant has been placed and the gums have been stitched back up we will allow the implant time to bond with the bone and tissue. Once this is complete, we will place an abutment over the top of the implant.

An abutment is used to connect the implant and the false tooth, which will sit above the gums. If we only need to replace one tooth, then a dental crown will be cemented or attached to the implant. If you are replacing multiple teeth then we will determine whether a dental bridge or other option is better fitted to your needs.

Mapledale Family Dentistry in Woodbridge, VA, prides itself on offering the very best in restorative dentistry. If you have questions about dental implants or want to find out if you are a good candidate, then call us today!

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed