Dental Implants Williamsburg VA

Implant Teeth

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

What Are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

What is involved with Dental Implant Surgery?

The surgical procedure varies significantly depending upon the number of implants needed, the suitability of the sites where implants need to be placed, and the ultimate use of the dental implants.  Some implants are able to be restored immediately, while others need to wait 3-4 months to heal prior to restoration.  We aim to simplify your surgical procedure and minimize disruption to your life within the boundaries of good medical care.  Dr. Schmidt attends the best meetings in the world to provide his patients with the most up-to-date technology backed by solid medical research.

What is recent advanced Dental Implant technology?

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Schmidt is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them but do require a minimum of twelve weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction – further minimizing the number of surgical procedures.

Dental Implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. While Dr. Schmidt performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

 

What Types Of Prosthesis Are Available?

A single missing tooth can be replaced with a single crown, made of ceramic, tooth-colored and highly esthetic materials connected to the titanium implant.  Several teeth can be replaced with a bridge from implant to implant.  The design is determined at your consultation appointment.  A complete denture replacement has several options as well, depending primarily upon the desires of the patient.  Two implants can secure a loose lower denture.  Four to six implants can secure all upper or lower teeth, and more closely mimics your natural teeth, no longer a removable appliance.

Dr. Schmidt performs in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. Anesthesia, as for any surgical procedure, is selected in consultation between patient and surgeon and varies between local and general anesthesia, and everything in between.

Why Dental Implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.

Dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than 35 years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Are You A Candidate For Implants?

If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If your mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcomes, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.  A consultation appointment is used to evaluate your needs and have a frank discussion of what is possible.  You will have all the information to make an sound decision.  We are not selling this treatment, and if it is not in your best interest, we are obligated to let you know.  We will also make sure that you know all the alternatives.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?

The majority of dental implants and bone grafts can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, however, all options are available and will be discussed at the presurgical visit.

Do Implants Need Special Care?

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dentist.