Let Dental Implants Keep Your Smile Whole

One of the most important and easiest things you can do every day for your overall health is smile. However, if you don’t have a full set of teeth, this simple action can be dread-inducing. Fortunately, dental implants can fix this issue in a fashion that both feels and appears natural. Available here at the Arlington, VA, office of dentist Dr. Bruce Hanley, read on to learn what dental implants can do for you.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a tiny post or screw that’s crafted from titanium that’s implanted surgically into your jawbone. It essentially serves as a durable synthetic root for a missing tooth that’s capable of permanently bonding to your jawbone, creating a sturdy foundation for the synthetic tooth that will be installed later on.

How Can Dental Implants Work for Me?

Tooth loss can negatively impact more than just your teeth—it can likewise impact your facial structure and result in the gradual deterioration of your jawbone. In turn, this can affect how you smile, speak, and eat. When you replace your missing tooth with an implant, however, you retain your natural facial structure as well as full functionality.

What’s The Dental Implant Procedure Like?

Generally, dental implant treatment will require at least two appointments to complete. During the initial appointment, your dentist will place the implant into your jawbone. You will then need to wait between three and six months for the titanium post to bond with your jawbone. In the meantime, your dentist may give you temporary dentures to safeguard the dental implant. You will also have to avoid sticky and hard foods to enable complete and faster bonding and healing.

Once the bonding process has been completed, your dentist will ask you to come in for the last step, which involves inserting the artificial tooth, also called a dental crown. Your dentist will attach posts to your implant that will act as anchors for your new tooth. These won’t be visible once the crown is placed on top of the posts.

Curious Whether Dental Implants Will Be Suitable for Your Needs?

Contact the office of Dr. Bruce Hanley, DDS, in Arlington, VA, at (703) 524-7100 to book an appointment today.