Dental implants are a true marvel of modern-day dentistry. As the number one suggested solution following tooth loss, they provide a way to restore both the function and appearance of your smile. If you’re considering dental implants in Reston, VA, there’s no need to feel hesitant. This life-changing treatment has a long and successful history — proving itself capable time and time again.
At our office, our team is skilled and talented in permanent tooth placement and restoration. Using the latest technology, we can place your tooth implant with precision and accuracy — minimizing any discomfort or side effects you may experience, and restore the dental implant with a prosthetic that looks and functions just like your natural tooth.
To learn more about dental implants, we invite you to read below and explore the information we have available on our website. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Reston, VA team.
The Beginning Of Implantology
The first recorded use of the practice of implantology comes from around 600 AD. During an archaeological excavation, Mayan skulls were discovered with crudely placed bits of seashell in the jawbone. These objects were thought to have been placed following the loss of teeth to act as some type of permanent tooth.
It’s hard to imagine this is where it all began — especially seeing that dental implants are nothing like seashells! But, it’s interesting to note that the concept of placing an object in the jawbone to restore function and appearance is not a new one.
The first modern implant was placed in 1952 by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon named Per-Ingvar Brånemark. While studying bone healing, he placed a titanium cylinder in the femur of a rabbit to study the healing process. Once he was ready to remove the cylinder for examination, he realized that it had become so tightly integrated with the bone that it could not be removed. After years of research and development, he eventually placed the first human dental implant in 1965.
What Are Dental Implants?
With all of the technological advances in dentistry, implants have continued to evolve. Today, we have access to a variety of implant systems and types of materials that weren’t even available a few years ago. But we are sure you’re wondering what dental implants are TODAY, and how they can help you.
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are placed in the jawbone to act as substitutes for your natural tooth roots. Once inserted, the bone will grow around the post, anchoring it securely in place. Once the tooth implant has bonded with the jawbone, a small connector piece, called an abutment, is placed on top of the implant.
The abutment will protrude slightly above the gum line and will act as a support for your new permanent tooth. At our practice, we offer both full-arch dental implants and All-On-4 to replace your entire arch of teeth.
All-On-4
The traditional method of placing implants requires the placement of one implant per tooth. However, this isn’t the most convenient method — especially for someone missing a full arch of teeth. This is where All-On-4 comes in. Rather than placing one implant per tooth, All-On-4 uses only four implants to support a full arch of teeth.
The way All-On-4 works is by placing the implants at strategic angles in the jawbone. This provides optimal support for the dental prosthetic, while also maximizing the bone-to-implant contact. This helps to reduce any potential complications and speeds up the healing process.
The All-On-4 treatment is a great option for patients who are missing all of their teeth, or who have an arch of teeth that are severely damaged or decayed. The treatment can be completed in as little as one day and doesn’t require a lengthy healing process.
Full-Arch Dental Implants
Full-arch dental implants are another great option for patients who are missing all of their teeth. Using between four or six dental implants across the upper or lower jaw, a full prosthetic can be supported — giving you a brand-new smile.
Like All-On-4, full arch dental implants are placed at strategic angles in the jawbone to provide optimum stability. The number of tooth implants that are placed will depend on the specific case and will be determined by our team. Once placed, the implants can support either a fixed prosthetic or removable denture; the choice is up to you!
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants in Reston, VA, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation, contact our office today. We would be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have and help you determine if dental implants are the right solution for you.
