Dental Implants in Hopewell, VA
Dental implants are the closest match to the look and feel of your natural teeth, making them the best way to permanently restore missing teeth. If you’ve lost one or more of your teeth due to dental trauma, developmental issues, or oral health problems like gum disease or tooth infections, Dr. Daniel Baker is here to help.
Dental implants are lifelike, will never shift or move, and can last 30+ years with proper care. While it’s a multi-step process, most people find it worth the wait to invest in a reliable and long-term solution. Get in touch today for more info about dental implants, and see how we can help you restore your smile in Hopewell, VA!
Here’s a rough timeline of what you can expect:
We’ll remove the tooth and put in a bone graft to preserve the area and make sure there’s enough bone there for an implant once it heals. It’ll take about 3 months for you to be ready for the next step.
Next, we’ll take a 3D x-ray to evaluate where the nerve is and determine where the implant—essentially a metal root shaped like a screw—will be placed (we’ll handle this at City Point Dental or work with another implant specialist if necessary.)
After about 4 months of healing, you’ll come back to see us and we’ll take impressions to create what goes on top of the screw. It’s made up of a connector piece plus the actual tooth that you can see and chew with. This part of the process takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Some perks of dental implants:
They look just like your teeth.
They aren’t susceptible to cavities (but please keep them clean to protect the bone around the implant!)
If all goes well, they can last forever!
Types of dental implants offered at City Point Dental in Hopewell, VA
Single-Tooth Dental Implants
Single-tooth dental implants are the most common type of implant. They consist of a single metal implant that’s surgically implanted into your mouth. Then, a porcelain dental crown is made that looks and feels just like a natural tooth. Once your implant heals, Dr. Baker will attach this crown to your implant, restoring your tooth and your smile. You don’t have to do anything special to care for your new tooth. As long as you maintain good oral hygiene, it can last a lifetime!
Implant-Supported Bridges
If you’re missing several missing teeth in a row, dental implant-supported bridges may be right for you. This treatment usually uses two dental implants to support a row of three or more false teeth. Implant-supported bridges are used to replace a series of 3-4 missing teeth, but they can sometimes be used to replace a full mouth of missing teeth too.
Dental Implant Placement
In the dental implant placement process, Dr. Baker will clean and numb your mouth and then use your surgical plan to place a dental implant precisely in the area where you’ve lost a tooth. As an expert in implant dentistry, Dr. Baker will ensure your comfort throughout the entire process.
Dental Implant Restoration
Once your dental implant is in place, it’s time to build your restoration. Dr. Baker works with skilled experts at a dental lab to build beautiful, natural tooth restorations that look just like real teeth! Even better, you can treat them just like real teeth too. Brush and floss properly, and your dental implant restoration can last for years to come.
Dental Implant Maintenance
Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. But just like real teeth, you need to brush and floss regularly to keep them in good shape. You should also come into City Point Dental for dental implant maintenance. Dr. Baker and our team can clean, maintain, and check on your dental implants as part of your routine six-month visit. This helps keep your implants and your natural teeth in great shape!
Get Answers To Your FAQs About Dental Implants
Can Dental Implants Really Last A Lifetime?
Yes. Because dental implants are artificial roots that are fused with your jawbone, they will essentially become a natural part of your mouth. And if you take good care of your dental implants, they can last 30 years or longer. This means that most patients are able to keep their new smile for the rest of their lives.
Since the overall process of implants can take anywhere from 4-9 months, does this mean I have to walk around with a gap in my teeth until it’s finished?
No! There are lots of temporary options we can offer to fill the space.