Dental Implants FAQ Answered by Fairfax Dentists

Fair City Mall Dental Care Offers Tooth Implant Options

Looking out for the dental needs of Fairfax, VA residents for more than 15 years, Fair City Mall Dental Care provides implant dentistry among our offerings. Dental implants are an effective restorative option if you have missing teeth. Don’t continue feeling self-conscious and functioning without some of your pearly whites. Read on to learn more about the benefits of dental implants besides just the obvious aesthetic one. Our dentists, Dr. Le and Dr. Nguyen, have anticipated the most frequently asked questions we receive about dental implants in our Fairfax dental practice and have answered them below for your convenience. Should you not find the answer you seek listed below, we encourage you to reach out to our friendly staff today at 703.978.3541 to schedule a consultation!

What Are Dental Implants? Why Should I Consider Them?

Many patients and dentists alike consider dental implants to be the best alternative to your natural teeth. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that bond directly to your jawbone for a natural-looking restorative option preferred by many patients. Thanks to constant innovations made in implant dentistry over the past 30 years, today’s dental implants are among your strongest replacement teeth options. Over three million adults in the United States have dental implants, and that number is only expected to continue growing!

Who Makes a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

While dental implants are preferred by many of our patients, sadly not everyone makes a suitable candidate. You must be in reasonably good general and oral health for us to recommend this type of dental treatment. Healthy gum tissues and adequate jaw support are two non-negotiable requirements. If you have severe gum disease, we may ask you to seek periodontal treatment first. We also do not recommend dental implants for patients younger than 16 years old because their facial growth and development aren’t completed yet. To determine if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants, please contact our office to set up a dental consultation at Fair City Mall Dental Care.

How Long Do Dental Implants Usually Last?

Dental implants generally enjoy a high rate of success, lasting several decades or even a lifetime as long as you continue to care for them the way you would your natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing are still needed to keep plaque and bacteria at bay, though you’ll never have to remove them at night for cleaning the way you would if you had dentures. Constructed of titanium that’s compatible with the human body, dental implants are sturdy and built to last.

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

All-on-4 dental implants are recommended when you need to replace all of your upper and/or lower teeth. By placing four implants at once, you’re left with “teeth in a day” without the need for multiple appointments with your dentist. Fair City Mall Dental Care proudly offers All-on-4 dental implants for our Fairfax, VA patients looking for more practical, convenient dental solutions.

Are Dental Implants Removable?

Because they’re fused directly to your jawbone during osseointegration, dental implants offer a permanent, non-removable alternative to dentures. The only time they would need to be removed is if the procedure was unsuccessful or needed to be corrected, which is rare because we only attempt it on individuals who are suitable candidates.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

Dental implants make a superior restorative option because they’re designed to look and feel like your natural teeth. They preserve natural bone and stimulate bone growth, unlike your alternatives. You won’t have to worry about altering your diet or lifestyle. Dental implants require regular oral hygiene and never have to be removed for cleaning. They’ll never slip up your speech like dentures or cause you embarrassment when you’re speaking or eating in public. Want to know what the best part of all is though? With the proper care, dental implants are built to last several decades (which could be a lifetime depending on your age). Smile broadly again when you consider dental implants over dentures or bridges at Fair City Mall Dental Care in Fairfax, VA!

How Painful Is It to Get Dental Implants?

Although it will vary by patient, many people find the implant surgical procedure to be less painful than they were expecting. We use local anesthesia or IV sedation to keep you comfortable and relaxed during the dental implant procedure. Any pain or discomfort you feel afterward is equivalent to other types of oral surgery. You may experience minor bruising, swelling, or bleeding, but these symptoms are easily managed through over-the-counter medications and by following our post-op instructions to the letter. Many of our patients return to work the day after a dental implant procedure at our office.

What’s the Average Cost of Dental Implants?

The cost of dental implants will vary by how many teeth you’re replacing and your type of dental insurance coverage. On average, the cost of replacing a tooth with a dental implant is comparable to the cost of using a fixed bridge to replace it. We’ll help you determine the final costs during your consultation!