Advanced Dental Implant Treatment from Experienced Oral Surgeons
Missing teeth can affect your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Dental implants provide a durable, natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function. At Eastern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our experienced oral surgeons provide comprehensive dental implant treatment using advanced technology and personalized surgical planning.
Dental implants replace the root of a missing tooth with a small implant post, typically made from titanium. Once the implant is placed into the jawbone, the surrounding bone gradually integrates with the implant through a process called osseointegration. This creates a stable foundation for a dental crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture.
Unlike traditional removable dentures, dental implants are designed to provide long-term stability. They can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or support a full-mouth restoration.
With offices in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Eastern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery provides specialized dental implant surgery for patients throughout Hampton Roads.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. After the implant heals and integrates with the surrounding bone, it can support a custom dental restoration.
A complete implant restoration generally includes three components:
- Dental implant: The post that replaces the missing tooth root.
- Abutment: The connector between the implant and the final restoration.
- Crown, bridge, or denture: The visible replacement tooth or teeth.
Because the implant is anchored directly into the jawbone, it provides a stable foundation for replacement teeth. Dental implants can also help preserve the supporting jawbone after tooth loss.
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Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several advantages for patients who have lost one or more teeth.
Replace Missing Teeth
Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth, or an entire arch of teeth. Treatment can be customized according to the number and location of missing teeth.
Restore Chewing & Speaking
Implants provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth. This can make chewing and speaking more comfortable compared with removable tooth replacement options.
Help Preserve Jawbone
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding jawbone can gradually deteriorate because the tooth root is no longer present. Dental implants replace the missing root and can help maintain the structure of the jaw.
Protect Neighboring Teeth
A single dental implant can replace a missing tooth without requiring healthy neighboring teeth to be reduced to support a traditional dental bridge.
Provide Long-Term Stability
With appropriate oral hygiene, regular dental care, and professional maintenance, dental implants can provide a long-lasting solution for tooth loss.
Who Is A Candidate For Dental Implants?
Many patients with missing teeth can benefit from dental implants. However, candidacy depends on your oral health, jawbone structure, healing ability, and individual treatment goals.
During your consultation, an oral surgeon will evaluate:
- The number and location of missing teeth
- Available jawbone volume
- Gum and periodontal health
- The position of surrounding teeth
- Your bite and available space
- Medical conditions that may affect healing
- Your goals for tooth replacement
Some patients who initially do not have enough bone to support an implant may become candidates after bone grafting or another preparatory procedure.
Dental Implant Consultation and Treatment Planning
Our dental implant treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation. Your oral surgeon will examine your teeth, gums, jaw, and overall oral health while discussing your goals and available treatment options.
Advanced imaging may be used to evaluate your jawbone and surrounding structures. A CBCT scan provides detailed three-dimensional images that can help your surgeon determine the appropriate implant position and develop a customized surgical plan.
Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may include:
- Tooth extraction
- Bone grafting
- Sinus augmentation
- Dental implant placement
- Implant healing and osseointegration
- Abutment placement
- Crown, bridge, or denture placement
The goal is to create a predictable treatment plan that supports the long-term function, stability, and appearance of your replacement teeth.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery involves placing an implant post into the jawbone at the site of a missing tooth. Your oral surgeon carefully plans the implant’s position based on your anatomy and treatment needs.
If a damaged or non-restorable tooth remains, it may need to be removed before or during implant placement. In certain situations, an implant can be placed during the same appointment as the extraction. Other patients may need to allow the extraction site to heal before receiving an implant.
Depending on your procedure and individual needs, anesthesia and sedation options may include:
- Local anesthesia
- Nitrous oxide
- IV sedation
After the implant is placed, the jawbone gradually integrates with the implant through osseointegration. This healing process creates the stable foundation needed for your final restoration.
Bone Grafting and Sinus Augmentation
Adequate bone is important for successful dental implant placement. When a tooth has been missing for an extended period, the jawbone may lose volume over time.
If there is not enough bone to support an implant, your oral surgeon may recommend bone grafting before implant placement. Bone grafting adds bone material to an area of insufficient bone and allows the site to heal before the implant is placed.
Some patients may also require a sinus lift or sinus augmentation, particularly when there is insufficient bone in the upper jaw near the sinus.
Because oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained in complex surgical procedures involving the jaw and surrounding structures, they can evaluate your anatomy and determine which procedures are appropriate for your implant treatment.
Types of Dental Implant Treatments
Dental implants can be used to treat many different types of tooth loss.
Single Dental Implants
A single implant can replace one missing tooth without relying on neighboring teeth for support. Once the implant has healed, it can support a custom crown.
Multiple Dental Implants
When several teeth are missing, multiple implants can support individual replacement teeth or an implant-supported bridge.
Full-Mouth Dental Implants
Patients who have lost most or all of their teeth may be candidates for full-mouth dental implant treatment. Multiple implants can provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Dental implants can also stabilize removable or fixed dentures. Implant-supported dentures attach to strategically positioned implants, providing greater stability than traditional dentures alone.
Robot-Assisted Dental Implant Surgery with Yomi®
Eastern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery uses Yomi® robotic-assisted dental surgery technology to assist with dental implant treatment.
Yomi® combines digital treatment planning with robotic guidance to assist the surgeon during implant placement. Your oral surgeon remains in control of the procedure while the system provides guidance based on the customized surgical plan.
The technology can help the surgical team visualize the planned implant position and assist with precise placement. It can also allow the surgeon to make adjustments to the treatment plan during surgery when appropriate.
If robot-assisted dental implant surgery is appropriate for you, your oral surgeon will determine whether Yomi® technology is suitable for your specific treatment.
Why Choose Eastern Virginia OMS?
Dental implant treatment involves both surgical planning and long-term restorative care. Choosing an experienced dental implant surgeon can help ensure that your treatment is carefully planned around your anatomy, oral health, and individual goals.
At Eastern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide specialized surgical care for patients who need tooth replacement and dental implant treatment.
Our implant services may include:
- Single dental implants
- Multiple dental implants
- Full-mouth dental implants
- Implant-supported dentures
- Dental implant surgery
- Bone grafting
- Sinus augmentation
- Tooth extraction
- CBCT imaging
- Sedation and anesthesia options
- Robot-assisted implant surgery with Yomi®
Our offices in Virginia Beach and Norfolk allow us to provide comprehensive oral and maxillofacial surgical care to patients throughout Hampton Roads.
Schedule a Dental
Implant Consultation
If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may provide a stable, long-term solution for restoring your smile and oral function.
Eastern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery provides personalized implant treatment from conasultation and surgical planning through implant placement and healing.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with an experienced oral surgeon and learn whether dental implants are right for you.
How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?
The total dental implant treatment timeline varies from patient to patient. Treatment length depends on the number of implants needed, your oral health, the condition of your jawbone, and whether additional procedures such as tooth extraction or bone grafting are necessary.
What Happens After Dental Implant Surgery?
After dental implant surgery, your surgical team will provide detailed instructions for protecting the treatment site and supporting proper healing. You may experience some swelling, tenderness, or discomfort during the initial recovery period.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are important for maintaining your natural teeth and implant restoration. Your restorative dentist and oral surgeon may also recommend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the implant is progressing as planned.
Once the implant has fully integrated with the surrounding bone, your restorative dentist can complete the final crown, bridge, or denture.
What Are The Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer a stable, long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, dental implants replace the missing tooth root and do not require healthy neighboring teeth to support the restoration. They can also help preserve the jawbone, restore chewing function, improve speech, and provide a natural-looking replacement for missing teeth.
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, dental implants can provide long-lasting results. Your oral surgeon can evaluate your oral health and discuss whether dental implants are an appropriate option for you.
How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, and maintain regular dental appointments to help keep your gums and implant restoration healthy.
Your oral surgeon and restorative dentist will provide specific aftercare recommendations based on your treatment. Maintaining healthy gums is particularly important for the long-term success of your implants.
For additional information about maintaining good oral health, the American Dental Association provides patient resources on oral hygiene and dental care.
Schedule A Dental Implant Consultation
If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may provide a stable, long-term solution for restoring your smile and oral function.
Eastern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery provides personalized implant treatment from conasultation and surgical planning through implant placement and healing.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with an experienced oral surgeon and learn whether dental implants are right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take?
The total dental implant treatment timeline varies from patient to patient. Treatment length depends on the number of implants needed, your oral health, the condition of your jawbone, and whether additional procedures such as tooth extraction or bone grafting are necessary.
What Happens After Dental Implant Surgery?
After dental implant surgery, your surgical team will provide detailed instructions for protecting the treatment site and supporting proper healing. You may experience some swelling, tenderness, or discomfort during the initial recovery period.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are important for maintaining your natural teeth and implant restoration. Your restorative dentist and oral surgeon may also recommend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the implant is progressing as planned.
Once the implant has fully integrated with the surrounding bone, your restorative dentist can complete the final crown, bridge, or denture.
What Are The Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer a stable, long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, dental implants replace the missing tooth root and do not require healthy neighboring teeth to support the restoration. They can also help preserve the jawbone, restore chewing function, improve speech, and provide a natural-looking replacement for missing teeth.
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, dental implants can provide long-lasting results. Your oral surgeon can evaluate your oral health and discuss whether dental implants are an appropriate option for you.
How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, and maintain regular dental appointments to help keep your gums and implant restoration healthy.
Your oral surgeon and restorative dentist will provide specific aftercare recommendations based on your treatment. Maintaining healthy gums is particularly important for the long-term success of your implants.
For additional information about maintaining good oral health, the American Dental Association provides patient resources on oral hygiene and dental care.
