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.
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.