What Are Dental Implants? 5 Things You Should Know.

Are you searching for information on dental implants via a dentist in Ashburn, VA? Read about the basics of getting a dental implant including costs and more.

For millions of Americans, tooth loss is an inevitable part of aging. Around one in six adults over the age of 65 has lost all of his or her teeth, according to the CDC. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers an advanced solution that restores lost teeth — dental implants.

Your dentist in Ashburn VA can guide you through the straightforward surgical procedure. Once your doctor fits your implant, your doctor will fit you with an implant-supported restoration. Read on to learn five important facts about dental implant cost factors and other important topics.

Simply put, dental implants replace lost tooth roots. For decades, dentists have used tooth replacement solutions that placed a prosthetic to restore oral function. Dentures and bridges could restore some oral function, but those treatments never truly replaced the entire tooth structure.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed in a patient's jaw. Over time, a dental implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone tissue. Once healed, the implant functions like a natural tooth.

Dental implant technology has evolved considerably over the past few decades. If you are looking to fully restore your bite, you should consider this advanced tooth replacement option. 



Your dental implant cost factors include the cost of the implants, staffing costs, and costs associated with the surgery. 

2. Implants Prevent Jawbone Tissue Atrophy

Natural tooth roots act as tiny stimulators that promote jawbone health. Following the loss of even one tooth, the supportive jawbone begins to be reabsorbed. This is why individuals who experience extensive tooth loss can develop a smile that looks sunken in.

This is one reason why replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant is so important. Placing a dental implant soon after tooth loss can prevent the loss of jawbone tissue.



Individuals who have experienced extensive tooth loss may require a straightforward surgical procedure that restores lost jawbone tissue. During your dental implant consultation, Dr. Aman Sabharwal will use diagnostic imaging to ensure that you are a good candidate for this advanced restoration.

3. Implants Support a Range of Restorations

One or more dental implants can support a wide range of implant-supported prosthetics. The cost of dental implants will vary depending on which restorative option is right for you.

A single implant can support a dental crown. This option is ideal for anyone who has experienced the loss of a single tooth. Our dental practice offers advanced CEREC technology that can deliver natural-looking crowns during one visit to our office.

To restore multiple adjacent teeth, our dentist can have you fitted with a bridge that requires two or more dental implants. Traditional dental crowns require dentists to drill healthy teeth so they can have a bridge cemented over them. Dental implants do not require invasive procedures on your natural teeth.

Implants can also support a partial or full denture. A partial denture is an ideal option when there are healthy teeth remaining. A full denture restores missing teeth along one or both arches. 



Dentures generally require that a doctor place four or more dental implants to ensure that the denture is stable. 

4. Implants Last a Lifetime

Dental implants are designed to last for a lifetime. The advanced titanium material is biocompatible, meaning it can safely and fully fuse with your natural jawbone.

Over time, your dentist may need to adjust or replace your implant-supported restoration, but your dentist will not need to replace the underlying implant. Patients can take steps to ensure that their implants remain healthy and stable.

Maintaining good oral health habits is a critical step. The implants are only as stable as the supportive bone and gum tissue. Preventing gingivitis and other oral health problems will keep those supportive structures strong and healthy.



Regularly scheduled visits to your dentist in Auburn, VA, can also help. Dr. Sabharwal will carefully examine your dental implants to ensure they are supported by healthy bone tissue. 

5. Implants Require Oral Surgery

Doctors and dentists place dental implants through oral surgery. The procedure is straightforward and safe. Millions of these procedures have been performed in the United States alone.

Local Anesthesia

Your doctor will perform the surgical procedure with your comfort in mind. First, local anesthesia will be used to block the nerve signals to and from the surgical site. This step completely numbs the treatment area.

Sedation and Surgery

Sedation is commonly used during this procedure. Sedation helps patients fully relax throughout the procedure by placing them in a dream-like state where time seems to move more quickly. Your doctor then makes a small incision in your gums before placing the dental implant.

Recovery

Following surgery, your doctor will provide recovery guidelines. The recovery process requires initially resting for a few days. Over the next few months, the implant will fuse to the surrounding jawbone tissue through a natural process called osseointegration.

How Much Do CEREC Crowns Cost?

There are several factors that determine the cost of a crown: location, dental insurance, type of materials, the experience of the dentist, and so on. 



Your best course is to check with your insurance first to see if they cover the cost of any crowns. Some may cover a portion while others do not, and coverage may be based on why you need the crown. 

Most CEREC crowns cost between $500-1,500 per crown. If your dental insurance doesn't cover any of the cost, many dental offices provide payment plans to make the cost more affordable for patients. Talk to your dentist's office about how you can afford a CEREC crown. 

Schedule Your Dental Visit in Ashburn VA Today

Have you recently experienced the loss of one or more teeth? Or are you planning on undergoing tooth extractions? Modern dental technology allows patients to fully restore lost teeth by placing one or more dental implants.

If you are ready to enjoy the many benefits of dental implants, your dentist in Ashburn VA can guide you through the process. Our doctor is highly esteemed. He developed his wide range of specialties by working alongside a prosthodontist, orthodontist, endodontist, and periodontist. 

To schedule your dental implant consultation, please contact our Ashburn VA dental practice today.