Dental Implants in Alexandria, VA
Missing teeth can lead to unsightly gaps in the dental arch. Alexandria Dentist offers a modern and reliable solution: dental implants. In Alexandria, Virginia, patients are increasingly choosing to restore their teeth with titanium implants, abandoning outdated bridges and removable restorations.
Drs. Benjamin Watson and Felix Butler specialize in cutting-edge dental implants technologies to restore the aesthetics of your smile and restore your confidence.
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What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificially created replacement for a tooth root. Our dental surgeons insert it into the jawbone to securely anchor a dental crown, bridge, or full denture. Biocompatible materials such as titanium or ceramic are used to make implants. These materials integrate with bone tissue, becoming an integral part of the body. After successful implant placement, the dentures secured to it provide reliability and comfort comparable to natural teeth. In modern dentistry, dental implants are recognized as the optimal option for dental restoration due to their numerous advantages.
Alexandria Dentist uses only innovative technologies and materials that meet high quality standards. Each implant is installed with precision, ensuring optimal osseointegration and longevity. The clinic’s specialists regularly enhance their skills by attending international symposiums and training sessions to utilize the latest advances in implantology.
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Implant-Supported Restorations
At Alexandria Dentist, we use a wide range of materials to create crowns, including metals, ceramics, zirconia, and porcelain. Our patients can choose a crown shade that perfectly matches their natural tooth color, ensuring a superior aesthetic result. Dental crowns are classified into several main types:
Crowns
When a single tooth is lost, placing an implant with a crown completely restores its anatomy and functionality, from the artificial root to the chewing surface. This method is considered reliable and is ideal for restoring both anterior and posterior teeth.
Bridges
In cases of multiple tooth loss, implant-supported bridges are used, eliminating the need to prepare adjacent teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, which require grinding and crowning of the abutment teeth, implant-supported bridges eliminate this and prevent bone loss.
Dentures
Implants can serve as a solid foundation for complete dentures placed on the upper or lower jaw. Dentures secured to implants (usually four to six) provide significantly more reliable stability and ease of use compared to standard removable dentures.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Compared to alternative approaches to dental restoration, dental implants offer a number of significant advantages.
- Durability: Implants demonstrate high long-term reliability. They are made of biocompatible materials, ensuring their strength. While other restorations eventually require replacement, implants typically last a lifetime.
- Bone protection: Tooth loss often leads to jawbone atrophy. Implants stimulate bone regeneration, maintaining bone health and preventing further bone loss. Furthermore, implant placement does not negatively impact adjacent teeth.
- Reliable retention: For those who wear dentures, implants allow them to be attached directly to the jaw. This eliminates the need for fixatives, reduces the risk of denture displacement, and allows for a normal lifestyle without discomfort when eating and speaking.
- Aesthetics and comfort: An implant-supported restoration closely resembles natural teeth in both appearance and feel. This makes it an optimal choice for dental restoration.
Insurance
In dentistry, dental implants are often the most preferred method of dental restoration. Unfortunately, insurance companies typically do not cover this procedure in their policies, or rarely do. However, other prosthetic procedures, such as bridges or dentures, as well as related treatments, may be partially or fully covered by your insurance. During your consultation, we will discuss the cost of implants and your specific insurance coverage options in detail.
Cost of Dental Implants in Alexandria
The cost of dental implant placement ranges from $2,600 to $4,100. The final cost is determined by a number of factors. Our goal is to make this procedure as affordable as possible. We will help you find optimal solutions to reduce your costs.
We believe the benefits of dental implants should be accessible to everyone, which is why we partner with CareCredit®, a third-party lender specializing in medical financing.
During your consultation at our clinic, we will discuss the cost of your treatment in detail and discuss financing options.
Are you a candidate for a dental implants?
To determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, there are several important factors to consider:
- Consultation with an implant dentist:
This is the first and most important step. The dentist will examine your mouth and assess the condition of your bones, gums, and teeth. Be sure to tell them about any illnesses and medications you have. - Bone assessment:
The dentist will order an X-ray or CT scan to check the volume and density of the bone at the implant site. Good bone volume is the key to success. - Gum health:
Gingivitis and periodontitis must be treated before implantation, otherwise the implant may not take. Maintaining good oral hygiene after implant placement is important. - General health:
Certain medical conditions (diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune diseases) and smoking can impair healing. Discuss all medical conditions with your dentist. Sometimes a consultation with your primary care physician is necessary. - Treatment plan:
The dentist will create a personalized plan. If bone is insufficient, bone grafting (bone augmentation) may be necessary. The plan depends on the number and location of missing teeth.
How does Dental Implant treatment work?
Dental implans is a multi-step process that requires time and meticulous care.
- Consultation and diagnostics: The doctor examines the oral cavity, assessing the teeth, gums, and bone tissue. A CT scan of the jaw is crucial for precise planning of the implant position and size, as well as identifying anatomical features and contraindications.
- Preparation for procedure: Treatment of gum disease (periodontitis, gingivitis) is essential, as inflammation can interfere with osseointegration. Extraction of hopeless teeth may be necessary. If bone tissue is insufficient, bone grafting (bone augmentation) is performed separately or simultaneously with implantation.
- Implant placement (surgical stage): Under anesthesia (local, sedation, or general anesthesia), an incision is made in the gum to access the bone. A socket for the implant is created, taking into account the precise dimensions and angle. The implant is screwed into the socket, and the gum is sutured. A cap (to cover the implant during healing) or a healing abutment (to shape the gums correctly) is installed.
- Osseointegration (healing): The implant fuses with the bone within 3-6 months. Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding stress on the implant, and attending checkups is important. Antibiotics may be prescribed. A temporary prosthesis may be installed.
- Dentures Treatment: After confirming osseointegration with an X-ray, an abutment (transition piece) is installed on the implant. If a cap was installed, it is replaced with a healing abutment, then with the abutment. A crown, made from an impression, is cemented to the abutment, perfectly matching the shape and color of the adjacent teeth.
- Maintenance: Regular dental visits for preventive maintenance and professional cleanings. Meticulous home hygiene (brushing, flossing, using an irrigator) and prompt treatment of gum disease will help preserve the implant for many years.
Maintaining Dental Implants and Restorations
Caring for Dental Implants
To ensure the longevity of dental implants, meticulous oral hygiene is essential. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and flossing daily are recommended. Don’t neglect regular dental visits for checkups and professional cleanings. Your dentist may recommend using interdental brushes, special dental floss, or irrigators to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Care for Implant-Supported Crowns
Dental crowns placed on implants require the same care as natural teeth: brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Daily flossing is essential to maintain healthy gums. Mouthwash is recommended for fresh breath and additional protection. With proper care, crowns can last 10-15 years or even longer.
Care for Implant-Supported Bridges
The space under implant-supported bridges requires special attention when cleaning. Clean your denture thoroughly with dental floss, a brush, or a special toothbrush. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your dentist. Maintaining good hygiene will help ensure the lifespan of your dentures, lasting between 5 and 15 years.
Care for Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures should be brushed twice a day using a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Flossing is recommended at least once a day. Removing your dentures for daily cleaning is generally not necessary. Your dentist will remove your dentures for a professional cleaning during your routine checkup. The lifespan of a removable denture is typically approximately 10 years.
Why choose us?
Our team includes experienced implantologists and dental surgeons with numerous successful dental implant procedures under their belt, including the most complex ones. We continually improve our skills by attending international symposiums and practical seminars to stay at the forefront of the latest developments in implantology. Our practice collaborate with market leaders in implant systems, using only reliable and certified materials that guarantee strength and excellent survival rates.
Our dentists understand that dental implants can be a nerve-wracking experience for many patients. That’s why we focus on creating the most comfortable and safe conditions possible. We offer a variety of pain relief methods, from local anesthesia to sedation and general anesthesia, to ensure a painless and comfortable treatment. Our office is equipped with cutting-edge equipment and monitoring systems, allowing us to closely monitor the patient’s condition throughout the entire procedure.
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325 South Fairfax Street Alexandria VA 22314
703-255-8900
Opening Hours
Mo-Fr 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sa 9:30 am – 3:00 pm