If you are missing a tooth, Gwaltney Dental offers tooth replacement options to restore your smile. Missing teeth can hurt your smile’s appearance, cause other teeth to shift, and create hard-to-clean areas.
We recommend visiting our Suffolk, VA dentist office immediately if you have a missing tooth. Early treatment can prevent further damage and discomfort. Our office is proud to provide dental implants as the premier option for tooth replacement.
Unlike dental bridges, implants provide unique long-term advantages not found with other restorative dentistry solutions. Learn more about dental implants below.
Dental Implants in Suffolk, VA
Drs. Steve, Ryland, and Whitney Gwaltney are highly trained experts in restorative dentistry in Suffolk, VA. They have helped many patients replace single missing teeth with dental implants, the premier tooth-replacement option. Dental implants go beyond cosmetic tooth replacement. In addition, they also replace the tooth-root functionality of the missing tooth to restore the look, feel, and function of your missing tooth.
Dental implants involve a surgical procedure in which a surgeon makes a small incision into your soft tissues. We insert a titanium post into your soft tissues via this incision. As the post and the incision heal, the post will begin to fuse with your jawbone, replacing your missing tooth’s tooth roots.
Once the implant heals, we attach a small connector called an abutment. This connects the implant to the final crown, which looks like a natural tooth.
While the dental implant process takes about 6 months to complete, patients love the final results of their restoration. We custom-make the dental crown specifically for you, blending with your smile to create a fully restored look.
Because of the extra support from the titanium post, you can utilize your restored tooth just as you would a natural tooth. Unlike bridges, implants let you eat all your favorite foods. They also feel more natural and are easier to keep clean.
Easy Option for Tooth Replacement
We understand that the dental implant process can seem daunting. It involves surgery and a longer healing time than other options. Please know that our team will be with you every step of the way. We will coordinate your care and ensure you are fully informed and comfortable.
We aim to simplify the dental implant process to create a positive patient experience.
We place many dental implants right here in our office. For more complex cases, we work with a trusted surgeon. Because dental implants offer so many health and lifestyle benefits, they have an over 98% patient satisfaction rate.
Dental Implant FAQs
Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How long does it take to adjust to full dental implants?
It takes about three weeks to adjust to your dental implants. This varies by individual, as some require less time and others more. On average, implants settle and patients adjust after about a month.
Can your body reject dental implants?
The body can reject dental implants. However, it is extremely unlikely. Dental implants are among the most common and versatile tooth replacement options. Their success rate is about 98%.
How do you clean under dental implants?
The best way to clean under dental implants is to use a water pick. These use a stream of water and can reach around and under implants where flossing cannot.
How should you sleep after a dental implant surgery?
After dental implant surgery, many patients report difficulty sleeping. The best position to sleep in is with your head elevated. It is crucial to keep your head elevated to help promote healing and reduce swelling.
Are you awake during implant surgery?
In most cases, we use dental sedation during dental implant surgery. This ensures that patients do not undergo severe pain during the operation. The procedure for dental implants is invasive. We recommend that patients use sedation or a local anesthetic to prevent pain.
Restore your smile in Suffolk, VA
Gwaltney Dental can replace your missing teeth with dental implants for results that feel and look like your natural teeth. To start your dental implant process, please schedule an initial consultation with one of our doctors.
At your consultation, we’ll check if your smile is healthy and strong enough for implants. We’re excited to help you restore your smile and look forward to welcoming you to our Suffolk office.