How Dental Implants Can Restore Your Smile

When you are missing teeth, or have damaged teeth, smiling is something you may be reluctant to do. Getting dental implants can restore your smile. Seeing a dentist in Fredericksburg, VA is the first step in the restoration process. Fredericksburg Dental Associates has a knowledgeable staff to provide the information you need to make this important decision. 

What You Need To Know About Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution to the problem of missing or damaged teeth. Many things can cause your teeth to be damaged. It can be an illness, injury, heredity, or poor oral hygiene. Injury, illness, and heredity are things over which you have little or no control. Oral hygiene is another matter. This is something over which you do have control and it is important that you make a serious commitment to changing your ways if you want to have a successful dental implant. 

Beginning The Dental Implant Process

The first step is to sit down with your dentist in Fredericksburg, VA, and discuss what needs to be done to restore your smile. While dental implants are a great solution, they are not the solution for everyone. Knowing whether you are a good candidate for the procedure is the first step. You need to have enough jaw bone to hold the dental implant or have enough that a bone graft will allow for the procedure. You have to be healthy enough that the implant will heal. Certain illnesses make the healing process an issue. You shouldn't be a smoker or have serious gum disease. 

Getting a Dental Implant

A titanium post is placed into the jaw with an incision. The incision is then sutured. Healing is then allowed to happen. The healing process may take 3-6 months. During the healing process, you may have a temporary crown installed so you can chew naturally. When healing is complete, you will have an impression taken of your mouth so a permanent crown can be created. A crown will look and feel like it is your own tooth. 

Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth, multiple teeth, or your entire mouth full of teeth. They are actually good for your bones and keep them from deteriorating. You will have a lot of reasons to smile once your new permanent crown is installed. The entire procedure can take more than 6 months depending on what needs to be done, but it is all worthwhile. 

If dental implants to restore your smile sound like a good idea to you, a dentist in Fredericksburg, VA can provide the services you need. Call Fredericksburg Dental Associates to make an appointment for a consultation at 540-373-0602.