dental implants woodbridge va

What Are Dental Implants?

For patients looking to replace missing teeth, dental implants are likely the least familiar restorative option. Many of us probably have a parent or grandparent who used a dental bridge or dentures, but dental implants are a bit more uncommon. Because they look and feel like natural teeth, Dr. Joseph recommends dental implants whenever possible.

dental implants woodbridge va

The Parts of a Dental Implant

Dental implants consist of three parts. The first is a titanium post that is secured permanently into the jaw. It replicates the role of the tooth root. The second is an abutment, a sort of collar which sits just below the gum line and helps secure the false tooth to the post. The final part is a custom porcelain crown designed to blend seamlessly with your other teeth.

Single Tooth Implants vs. All On Four

Some patients may think that the number of teeth they are missing makes them ineligible for dental implants. In fact, implants can be used to replace any number of teeth. Single tooth dental implants are just what they sound like: an implant supporting a single crown. Even one missing tooth can lead to bone loss, so replacement is important. All-on-four implants use a few implants to support a full row of teeth.

What to Expect

First, the post will be placed then the gums given approximately 3-6 months to heal. A temporary crown may be placed to aid function during healing. Once your gums have healed, Dr. Cavallo will place the abutment and final crown, bridge, or denture. Dr. Cavallo can provide every part of your treatment under one roof, making our office a convenient choice for your dental implant needs.

Schedule an Appointment

Questions? Dr. Cavallow offers free patient education seminars to answer questions about dental implants. Contact us to ask about the next seminar date. You can also schedule a consultation to discuss your own eligibility. To schedule, contact our Woodbridge, VA office on our website or at (703) 490-5888.

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What Are Dental Crowns?

If you have never had a dental crown, you’re probably a bit unsure of what they actually are. In fact, if you have had a crown, you may still have some of the same questions. Dental crowns are one of the most common restorative dental procedures, designed to look and feel like a natural tooth to maintain long-term dental health.

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What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are a sort of cap that goes over a damaged tooth, replacing it with a strong chewing surface. Depending on the patient, Dr. Cavallo offers metal, porcelain, composite, or combined material crowns. Porcelain and composite in particular are designed to be almost indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

How Do They Work?

The old tooth will be prepared by stabilizing the damage then shaping the tooth to fit the crown. The crown will be custom made to fit your mouth and maintain good alignment. Your custom-fit crown will then be cemented permanently into place for years of use.

What Do They Treat?

One of the most common reasons for dental crowns is tooth decay. Patients may also receive a crown after cracking a tooth or due to excessive wear. The goal of a dental crown is always to restore a healthy natural bite, so they can be used in any instance where the bite has been permanently altered. In some instances, crowns may also be used to replace a tooth that has been permanently discolored, due to injury or some other cause.

Schedule a Consultation

Do you have a dental concern that might be treated by a crown? Contact the office of Dr. Joseph P. Cavallo in Woodbridge, VA. To schedule a consultation and discuss your treatment options, contact us on our website or at (703) 493-1203.

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The Top Reasons Why You Should Replace Missing Teeth

Taking care of your permanent teeth should be every patient’s top priority. Once you lose a permanent tooth, the only way to restore it is through restorative dentistry.

When a tooth is lost, the bone beneath the tooth begins to atrophy. Similar to muscles, when the bones in the jaw are not stimulated, they will begin to deteriorate. The bones in the jaw are stimulated as you bite, chew, and speak.

Even losing one tooth can result in bone loss in the jaw. As the number of teeth lost increases, you run the risk of experienced facial sagging and functional issues in the jaw.

As mentioned, missing teeth can affect the way to chew and eat. Missing teeth can make it harder for patients to enjoy foods like meat, nuts, vegetables, and grains. As a result, many patients with missing teeth suffer from poor nutrition due to food limitations.

Many patients lose one or more teeth and don’t think much it, but in reality, losing even one tooth can have a serious impact on your dental and overall health. For this reason, many dentists recommend replacing missing teeth as soon as possible.

why you should replace missing teeth woodbridge va dentist

What Are My Options To Replace Missing Teeth?

There is a wide range of options to replace missing teeth. In order to find the best tooth replacement option for your needs, it is important to work with a highly skilled and trusted restorative dentist. An experienced dentist can evaluate your teeth, gums, and mouth and determine the best tooth replacement option for your smile. In many cases, your dentist will explore multiple treatment options with you, and together, you can choose which solution suits your best interest, budget, and lifestyle.

Common Tooth Replacement Options:

  • Dental Implants: Dental implants offer a complete solution to tooth loss; they are designed to replace the tooth root as well as the crown of the tooth. Implants are embedded into the jaw bone, which helps prevent further bone loss in the future. Once the implant is placed, it is topped with an abutment and custom designed porcelain or ceramic tooth. Some of the top benefits of dental implants is that the look and function like your natural teeth and don’t need to be replaced.
  • Dentures: Dentures replace a full mouth or arch of teeth. A traditional denture is comprised of a plate that holds together false teeth and gums and held into place by your natural gum tissue. While dentures may restore the appearance of your smile, they do not combat the effects of tooth loss, meaning that it will not address bone loss and chewing function. For this reason, many patients opt for implant secured dentures.
  • Bridges: Bridges are traditionally held into place by the neighboring teeth; they consist of a false tooth and dental crowns on the opposite sides. Dental bridges can help prevent further bone loss as well as prevent the remaining teeth from shifting. Although traditional dental bridges offer a great solution or tooth loss, an implant-supported dental bridge may also be beneficial in the long run.

Replace Missing Teeth in Woodbridge, VA

If you would like to learn more about your tooth replacement options, visit Dr. Joseph P. Cavallo, DDS. As a highly skilled implant dentist in Woodbridge, VA, Dr. Cavallo has in-depth knowledge of the teeth, bite and jaw, as well as the appropriate treatment options to improve the overall health, function, and appearance of your smile.

To explore your tooth replacement options, call (703) 493-1203 or request an appointment online.

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