Dental Implants – Vienna, VA

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are made out of titanium or zirconia and look similar to tooth roots. Mimicking these natural structures, they’re surgically implanted within a patient’s jawbone, fusing over time through a process known as osseointegration, and forming a stabilized foundation offering maximum support for customized restorations.

These superior prosthetics are viewed as the gold standard of tooth replacement and are the only solution known to replace the full root-to-crown structure.

Mini Dental Implants

Similar to their traditional counterparts, mini dental implants are smaller and can easily fit into tinier areas of the mouth. The average size of these prosthetics is around 3 mm, and the placement process typically only takes one visit. As a minimally invasive procedure, patients often do not require bone grafting beforehand, and recovery times are much quicker.

All-on-4/Teeth in a Day Cases

A lack of bone density is just one of the reasons a patient may not be recommended for traditional dental implants; however, permanent prosthetics can still be a reality with All-on-4/Teeth in a Day. Using only four dental implant posts, we can pinpoint the densest areas of the jawbone with our CBCT scanner and place each implant in a way that offers maximum stability and support. A customized denture is then placed on top to project a fully rebuilt and functional smile.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

The 4-step process for dental implant placement is the same for everyone looking to replace their missing teeth; however, no two patient cases are the same, as some may require preliminary care before undergoing oral surgery.

1. Consultation – Patients meet with our team to discuss candidacy and learn if preliminary treatments such as bone grafting, periodontal therapy, or tooth extraction are necessary.
2. Surgery – Our team performs the dental implant surgery in-house using local anesthesia and sedation dentistry if needed.
3. Osseointegration – Dental implants will fuse with the bone tissues over 3-6 months.
4. Restoration – Our team will secure a customized dental crown, bridge, or denture to the tops of the implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Improved jawbone density that prevents facial sagging and encourages a more youthful appearance
• Better oral health because of the ease of cleaning dental implants, as they require no additional products or specialized cleaning supplies
• Prosthetics that are known to last 30+ years or longer with regular maintenance and proper care
• Lower risk of systemic issues caused by tooth loss, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease
• Cost-effective tooth replacement that saves patients money in the long run
• Ability to eat nutrient-rich foods that are healthier for a person’s oral and overall health
• Boosted confidence when it comes to eating, speaking, and smiling

Who Can Dental Implants Help?

Most adults facing the reality of tooth loss are considered candidates for dental implants; however, it is necessary that our team at Mayberry Dental first perform a complete consultation. Those who must undergo preliminary treatments (i.e., bone grafting, sinus lift, periodontal therapy, tooth extraction, ridge augmentation, etc.) before dental implant surgery can look forward to a future where their dental implants replace one, multiple, or an entire arch of missing teeth.

Missing One Tooth 

A single missing tooth can be easily replaced using one dental implant post, a metal abutment, and a customized dental crown that is created in-house in our lab. This makes it easier to stay in one location and receive treatment from the same knowledgeable and reliable team.

Missing Multiple Teeth

When multiple teeth are missing, we can place two dental implants into the outer sockets before attaching a custom-made bridge to fill in the gap. This prevents us from using healthy abutment teeth and allows patients to keep more of their natural tooth structure.

Missing All Teeth

When an entire arch of missing teeth requires treatment, we can use between 4 and 6 dental implants to build the foundation for a fully customized implant denture. Whether fixed or removable, this device makes it easy for patients to eat their favorite foods and enjoy a healthier, more reliable smile for longer.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants 

An initial consultation with our team at Mayberry Dental is essential to determine the cost of dental implants. Every patient’s experience is different, and various factors are considered when formulating the exact cost of treatment. The good news is that our team is here to navigate the process with you, discussing how best to use your dental insurance benefits as well as available financing options to lower any out-of-pocket expenses.

Dental Implant FAQs

Dental implants are an ideal way to address missing teeth, but they are quite an investment, so it pays to be well-informed. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about dental implants in Vienna. Don't worry if you don’t see the information you’ve been looking for below, don’t worry. Give us a call and we’d be happy to answer your questions and get you started with an initial consultation.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

Your dental implants are designed to replace your teeth for several decades—but they can only do their job if you’re diligent about maintaining and taking care of them! But luckily, your implants also don’t require any specialized level of care and it’s quite easy to ensure their integrity moving forward. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of several things you can do to ensure that your dental implants in Vienna last for as long as possible.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Even though your dental implants can’t actually get cavities, you need to prioritize excellent oral hygiene since any remaining natural teeth, your gum tissue, and even your jawbone are all still susceptible to problems. Be sure that you’re brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and also rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. By regularly cleaning your mouth of debris and bacteria, you’ll foster a healthy environment for your implants that encourages the metal posts to remain sturdy, secure, and free of complications.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Unlike traditional restoration options like dental bridges or dentures, dental implants allow you to enjoy all of your favorite foods again since you’ll regain roughly 80% of your chewing power. However, it’s wise to carefully consider the dietary choices you’re making, as some sugary sweets can lead to problems for your implants if you’re prone to overindulging. Hard or sticky objects can also potentially damage your implants, too. Try picking foods that aren’t high in sugars, and opt for healthy choices, when possible, like vitamin- and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.

Break Bad Habits

To put it shortly, your dental implants will not last if you aren’t able to break bad oral habits that might potentially damage them. These include things like:

• Smoking and using tobacco – Smoking can interfere with osseointegration and make your teeth vulnerable to infection, increasing the risk of dental implant failure.
• Using your teeth as tools – Holding objects with your mouth or using your teeth as tools to open packaging is an easy way to damage your implants and compromise their integrity.
• Chewing on hard objects – Biting on hard items like fingernails, pens and pencils, and even ice cubes can quickly wear down the surfaces of your dental implants.

Protect Your Dental Implants

It isn’t just certain food and habits that you need to be mindful of, though—if you tend to play sports or partake in activities where there’s an increased risk of facial injury, you should consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your implants from the pressure of a physical impact. If you’re susceptible to bruxism, or teeth grinding, you can also request a nightguard that helps to combat this; if unaddressed, bruxism can lead to your implants wearing down and loosening over time.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Above all else, visiting your dentist for regular preventive care is the best thing you can do to ensure that your implants are here to stay. By visiting biannually, you’re allowing them the chance to monitor the integrity of your implants and address any developing oral health issues before it’s too late. Gum disease, for instance, often poses a serious threat to implants—but it’s easily mitigated through preventive dental care!