Dental Implants

*According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Our Richmond practice provides the restorative treatment to treat missing or badly damaged teeth in conjunction with a dental bridge, crown, or denture. The placement of dental implants is an extremely sophisticated example of modern dental technology and since it emerged as a practical option over forty years ago, it has changed the way that dentists restore patients' health and appearance. 

Determining Whether an Implant Is Right for You

In situations where an extraction is necessary, our doctors are very likely to recommend placing an implant. Common implant cases include treatment for a badly damaged tooth that is causing pain or has sustained trauma, such as a fracture. If you have been living with a lost tooth or a congenitally missing tooth for some time, you may feel that you do not need a dental implant. However, it is important to your overall oral health to help curb misalignment and to encourage long-term jaw and gum health.

Acting quickly to replace a lost tooth can help prevent any changes to your bite that will occur naturally once a tooth has been lost. If left untreated, a gap can lead to shifting of the teeth, which can change the position of your bite, cause grinding, and lead to bone loss. Prompt treatment can also help control pain and discomfort associated with tooth loss or damage. Our restorations are designed to look natural and indistinguishable from your surrounding teeth, so if a broken or missing tooth has compromised the beauty of your smile, you can also benefit from a more attractive appearance.

What to Expect During Treatment

Dental implants are placed during a minor surgical procedure and the entire treatment will usually require several office visits.

Your Initial Consultation

During your first visit to our Richmond office, your dentist will spend time working with you to plan the various steps of your unique implant plan. During this stage, she will determine whether you will need additional care, such as preparatory procedures or the modification of traditional dentures. If you require bone grafting to correct the effects of long-term tooth loss, we partner with a skilled periodontist who can provide treatment in our office. This procedure typically requires several months of recovery time before an implant can be placed.

Once any prerequisite treatment is completed, your dentist will also create impressions of your bite. We will place a crown for a single missing tooth and a bridge or denture in situations where more than one tooth needs to be replaced.

The Surgical Procedure

During the placement surgery, the implant will be inserted into the jaw. The post will be carefully positioned using x-rays or computer imaging systems, or a combination of the two, to guide the implant. The incision will be closed or in some cases, a temporary restoration will be attached. Over the course of the next four to six months, the implant will actually fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. 

Placing the Restoration

Once your dentist has determined that the treatment site is fully healed, you will return to our Richmond office to have an abutment (connector piece) attached. Depending on your situation, the dentist may be able to place a crown, bridge, or denture at this point, or you will return for an additional appointment.

Dental implants allow you to enjoy all your favorite foods and smile with confidence, without worrying your dental prosthetic will slip out of place.

Your permanent restoration will provide an improved appearance and fully restore your bite. You can expect to enjoy all your favorite foods and smile with confidence, without worrying your dental prosthetic will slip out of place.