If you are missing a tooth, Gwaltney Dental has tooth replacement options to restore your smile following tooth loss. Missing teeth create a variety of concerns for patients, including altering the cosmetic appearance of their smiles, putting them at risk for dental shifting, and creating hard-to-reach areas that challenge their oral hygiene routines.
When you are missing a tooth, we recommend visiting our Suffolk, VA dentist office immediately to learn more about tooth replacement options to avoid further damage or discomfort. Our office is proud to provide dental implants as the premier option for tooth replacement.
An alternative to dental bridges, dental implants offer patients long-term benefits they will not find in other restorative dentistry solutions. Learn more about dental implants below.
Dental Implants in Suffolk, VA
Dr. Steve Gwaltney, Dr. J. Ryland Gwaltney, and Dr. Whitney Gwaltney are highly trained in restorative dentistry in Suffolk, VA. They have helped many patients replace single missing teeth using dental implants, the premier tooth replacement option. Dental implants go above and beyond cosmetically restoring a missing tooth. 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 heals, the post will begin to fuse together with your jawbone, replacing your missing tooth’s tooth roots.
After the post is completely healed, an abutment is attached to it, connecting it with the dental crown that will be attached to it, replacing the exterior of your missing tooth.
While the dental implant process takes around six months to complete, patients love the end results of their final 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. This means no dietary restrictions, external hardware, or oral hygiene hazards that you would get from other restorative options like dental bridges.
Easy Option for Tooth Replacement
While some patients may be intimidated by the dental implant process because it involves a surgical procedure and an extended healing time compared to other restorative solutions, we want our patients to know that we are here to coordinate your treatment and ensure that you are informed and taken care of every step of the way.
We aim to simplify the dental implant process to create a positive patient experience.
We place some dental implants in-house and will work with a surgeon as needed for more complex needs and other treatments necessary, such as bone grafting. Because of the many oral health and lifestyle benefits of replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, this restorative service has an over 98% patient satisfaction rating.
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 per individual, as some require less time and some require more. On average, implants settle, and patients adjust after slightly less than a month.
Can your body reject dental implants?
It is possible for the body to reject dental implants. However, it is extremely unlikely. Dental implants are one of the most common and adaptable 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 complain that sleeping is very difficult. 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 a result that feels and looks like your natural teeth. To get started on your dental implant process, please schedule an initial consultation with one of our doctors.
During your consultation, we will thoroughly evaluate your smile to ensure it is healthy and strong enough to undergo the dental implant procedure. We are excited to help you restore the health and beauty of your smile, and we look forward to seeing you in our Suffolk, VA dentist office soon.