Getting Dental Implants in Sterling, VA

If you have gaps in your teeth in Sterling, VA, dental implants may be the solution. A dental implant is a small screw that is fitted into the jawbone. Over a span of a few months, the bone will grow around the artificial root. The implant acts as a root that can hold a single replacement tooth or anchor a set of dentures. Having a dental implant is just like having a natural root because it is independent of the other teeth and is very stable. This natural fusion between the jawbone and the implant is called osseointegration.

Dental implants are usually made of titanium because it is accepted by the body, but other metals are sometimes used. Since the 1950s, when implants were first invented, science and technology have steadily improved the rate of successful outcomes, and today, the success rate stands at about 98 percent.

Dental implants are used to replace a single tooth or all of the teeth, if necessary. There are generally three options when it comes to replacing teeth, such as complete or partial removable dentures, a fixed dental bridge and dental implants. Dentures are typically the least desirable because of the inconvenience of having a removable set of teeth. Dentures also affect the sensory experience and taste of food. The main disadvantage of fixed bridgework is the grinding down of the adjacent teeth to support the bridgework.

When you consult with our expert in Sterling, VA, you can learn if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Some questions you may be asked are about your overall health. Your jawbone will be examined to see its density in the area where the implant is to be placed.

Just as with the natural teeth, daily flossing and brushing are needed to get rid of food debris and keep plaque from forming. When you visit us at Cascades Center for Dental Health for your regular check-ups, our dentist can examine the surrounding hard and soft tissue and make sure your dental implant is secure so it will last for years and possibly a lifetime. Contact us today to schedule a consultation in Sterling, VA and learn more about implants.