When a tooth is lost, there are several ways to restore the functionality of the mouth. Patients in and near Virginia Beach can choose crowns, bridges, or dentures, allowing them to smile and bite. However, dental implants are the most realistic, long-lasting, and durable tooth replacement solution. These are small, titanium screws that are inside of the jawbone and act as a new tooth root, providing a solid base for a prosthetic tooth.
Doctors Beale, Yeh, Quigg, and Duncan at Coastal Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery are seasoned specialists in providing patients with dental implants. They’ll perform a full examination to determine whether or not dental implants would work best and, if so, create a personalized plan of care that outlines the next step in treatment.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium screws that are surgically implanted into the jaw. Once they are in the jaw, the bone begins to grow around them, securing them in place. After a few months of healing time, they’ll be stable enough to have an abutment attached, which is a small metal post that sticks down through the gums. Once the abutment is in position, a crown can be attached.
While the crown may wear down over time and need replacing, the dental implants will last forever. All patients need to do is return to have a new crown put on the abutment, and they’ll be good to go.
Watch Dr. Nelson from the AAOMS explain the dental implant surgery process
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants present numerous benefits over other methods of teeth replacement, meaning they’re often the solution our oral surgeons in Virginia Beach recommend for their patients.
Dental implants last longer and have higher success rates than bridges, crowns, and dentures.
Dental implants preserve bone in the jaw through stimulation, meaning that patients won’t lose their distinctive facial profile.
Dental implants, unlike bridges, don’t harm existing teeth to replace any missing teeth.
Dental implants fit in the mouth perfectly, unlike dentures, which will lose their grip over time as the jawbone begins to deteriorate.
Dental implants are cleaned and taken care of just like normal teeth, unlike dentures, which must be removed from the mouth and soaked.
Dental implants are more cost-efficient than dentures, as you only need to pay for one procedure.
Dental implants can be perfectly matched to the patient’s existing teeth for a seamless smile.
Dental implants can replace as few or as many teeth as you need.
Dental implants allow the patient to bite and chew like they normally would, which may not be possible with tooth-supported bridges or crowns.
Q: What’s included with my Dental Implants?
Video: Watch Dr. Beale explain the dental implant consultation process.
Q: Are Implants as strong as natural teeth?
Video: Watch Dr. Yeh explain why dental implants are the strongest tooth replacement option.
How the Dental Implant Procedure Works
Getting dental implants does take a couple of appointments as well as a recovery period for the implants to integrate into the bone. At the initial consultation, our doctors will work with the patient to understand their needs. First, they’ll identify whether or not the patient’s mouth is healthy enough for surgery as well as how many implants the patient may benefit from.
Next, they’ll take X-rays to look at the jawbone to see if there’s enough bone density to support an implant. If the jaw isn’t dense enough, our doctors may recommend bone grafting to supplement bone tissue and create a sturdier base for the implants.
If all looks good, patients will return for a second appointment at our Virginia Beach offices to have their implants placed. During the procedure, our doctors will make a small incision in the gums to reveal the bone underneath. Then, they’ll carefully drill the implant into the jaw at a precise angle. Once the implant is secure, they’ll close the gums back up, and the patient can return home.
Recovery after this initial procedure is minimal, as the gums should heal quickly. That being said, it will take a few months for the implant to become secured in the bone. Our doctors will advise the patient when to return, and if all looks well, they’ll open up the gums one more time to place the abutment. After this, the replacement crown or bridge can be attached without any more invasive procedures.
Dental Implants Recovery Timeline
- Initial Evaluation – You will first visit our doctors for an initial consultation where they will perform a full evaluation, take needed images, evaluate your candidacy, and determine your treatment plan.
- Oral Preparation – If you require any pre-surgeries or tooth extractions prior to the placement of your dental implants, our doctors will include these in your treatment plan and explain to you how the procedures will affect your recovery timeline.
- Implant Placement – Once your mouth has been prepared to receive dental implants, our doctors will create small incisions into the gum line and surgically place each implant into the jawbone.
- Osseointegration – After your implants have been placed, your mouth will need to heal for 4-6 months. During this time, your jawbone will permanently fuse to the dental implants, making them a permanent fixture in your mouth.
- Restoration Placement – Once your dental implants have completed fused to your jawbone, your restorative dentist will place your permanent prosthetic crowns and your restoration will be complete!
Choose Dental Implants From Our Doctors in Virginia Beach
Are you seeking a permanent and realistic solution for your tooth loss? If so, dental implants are the way to go. Learn more about how you can benefit from dental implants and whether you’re a candidate by scheduling your consultation with Coastal Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at our Virginia Beach-area offices. Call us today at (757) 426-6155 (Nimmo Location), (757) 496-6690 (First Colonial Location) or (757) 547-9725 (Chesapeake).
