Dr. Stephen A. Price

NORTHERN VIRGINIA GENERAL DENTISTRY &
INVISALIGN PREMIER PROVIDER

Call today for your free no obligation consultation: (703)-935-2879

6035 BURKE CENTRE PKWY | SUITE #200 | BURKE, VA 22015

Dental Implant FAQs

By: | Tuesday, April 30th, 2019 | Dental Implants

Tuesday, April 30th, 2019


Dental implant treatment Dental implant treatment has become increasingly relevant in the tooth-replacement conversation. Many people have heard the term dental implants but aren’t quite sure what this treatment entails or what it might do for them. Here, we provide answers to several of the questions we frequently hear.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are tiny posts made of surgical grade titanium. These posts are inserted into the jawbone, where they gradually become surrounded by bone tissue. The purpose of a dental implant is to serve as a new root for an artificial tooth that will be affixed after the implant has fully integrated into the bone.

Does it hurt to get a dental implant?

The dental implant procedure is not painful. Before commencing with treatment, a local anesthetic is injected into the gums. This will block sensations in the nerves around the treatment area. As implants are inserted, patients may feel slight pressure, similar to the sensation of getting a dental filling or having a root canal. Post-treatment comfort also returns quickly; many patients return to work the day after their procedure.

Why are dental implants necessary?

The reason why dental implants were developed was that we needed better solutions for tooth loss. Losing a tooth also means losing its root system. Research has shown that, when we chew, vibrations travel through the tooth and its roots down into the jawbone. It is believed that these vibrations stimulate bone tissue to regrow. When the root and tooth no longer exist, the jawbone regenerates at such a slow rate that it actually degrades over time. Bone loss can change dentition and also, if extensive, change the shape of the face.

Are dental implants worth the cost?

We all like to know that we are getting a good return on any investment we make. The cost of dental implant treatment may look higher than alternative treatments like dentures at first glance. However, when we take into account the fact that dental implants can last forever and that, by supporting bone structure, may decrease the number of denture relines or replacements that are necessary, we gain a better understanding of the cost-effectiveness of this treatment over the long-term.

Have you been wondering about dental implants and what they can do for you? Let’s talk. Call to schedule a visit to our Burke office at (703)-935-2879.

 

 

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