Dental Implants in Harrisonburg
Missing teeth can significantly impact your quality of life, making eating, speaking, and interacting with others challenging. At Rocktown Family Dental Care in Harrisonburg, VA, Dr. Joan Anderson is proud to offer dental implants, a long-lasting solution to tooth loss.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible titanium and surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They consist of three parts:
- Implant — A screw-like post that fuses with the jawbone.
- Abutment — An attachment that connects the implant to the crown.
- Implant crown — A custom-made replacement tooth that restores function and appearance.
Because the implant replaces the missing tooth root, it creates a strong foundation for a long-lasting tooth replacement. This would be a crown for a single missing tooth or an implant bridge or denture for multiple missing teeth.
Dental Implants and Osseointegration
The key to dental implant stability is a process called osseointegration. Once the implant is placed into the jawbone, the bone gradually grows around and bonds with the titanium post.
This process takes several months and ensures that the implant is firmly anchored in place, providing a level of stability other tooth replacements cannot.
Health Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many advantages to choosing implants to improve function, but they also offer numerous oral health benefits:
- Prevent bone loss — Tooth loss can lead to jawbone loss, which can result in a sunken facial appearance and further dental issues. An implant stimulates the jawbone to maintain its density and prevent bone loss.
- Stabilize surrounding teeth — Dental implants prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, which can lead to bite problems and the potential for additional tooth loss.
- Maintain a healthy jawbone — Dental implants support overall jaw health by preserving the jawbone and preventing resorption and further tooth loss.
- Preserve healthy tooth structure — Dental implants don't require altering adjacent teeth, as bridges do.
The Process for Getting a Dental Implant in Harrisonburg
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation with Dr. Anderson, she will assess your oral health, review your dental and medical history, and discuss your specific goals and concerns.
Implant Surgery
We work with top specialists in our area who we trust to expertly place your implant. This minor surgical procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience.
Healing Period: Osseointegration
After implant surgery in Harrisonburg, the process of osseointegration takes place over 3–6 months as the implant fuses with your jawbone, creating a strong foundation for the artificial tooth.
Restoring Your Implant
After healing, Dr. Anderson will design a custom replacement tooth or teeth so you can eat, speak, smile, and chew confidently again.
How Implants Compare to Dentures
If you currently wear removable dentures and wonder how dental implants compare, here are a few of the benefits to consider:
- Increased comfort — Dental implants don't slip or shift as removable dentures do, providing increased comfort and stability
- Improved chewing ability — Removable dentures restore only a fraction of your chewing ability, while dental implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without worry or discomfort.
- Improved speech — Unlike ill-fitting dentures that can slip and cause speech difficulties, dental implants stay firmly in place so that you can speak clearly.
- Longer-lasting solution — With proper care, dental implants outlast other tooth replacement options and can provide 25 years or a lifetime of use.
How to Care for Your Dental Implant
Dental implants are long-term tooth replacements that can last 25 years or even a lifetime when cared for properly.
- Brush and floss daily to keep your dental implants and surrounding tissues clean and plaque-free.
- Visit Dr. Anderson's office for regular checkups and professional cleanings to maintain oral health.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as they can negatively impact your dental implant's success and longevity.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports activities or while sleeping if you grind your teeth to protect your dental implants and natural teeth from damage.
Schedule with Us to Learn More about Dental Implants
A dental implant is a long-lasting solution that offers numerous benefits compared to other tooth replacements. Dr. Anderson and her Rocktown Family Dental Care team have given many of our patients a new reason to smile with dental implants. If you would like to see if you are a good implant candidate, please call our Harrisonburg, VA, dental office to schedule a convenient appointment.
Restore the Natural Look, Feel, and Function of Your Teeth With Dental Implants
Dental implants permanently address tooth loss by fully restoring dental function and a confident, natural-looking smile.
Incredible Longevity
Dental implants are made for the long haul. They integrate with the jawbone for a secure, lifelong tooth replacement solution.
Optimal Function
Implants mimic natural teeth, restoring complete chewing and speaking capabilities without compromising neighboring teeth.
Natural Aesthetics
Implants blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth, restoring a natural and complete look and function to a person’s smile.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Joan Anderson
Dr. Joan Anderson is the skilled and dedicated owner and dentist of Rocktown Family Dental Care. As the sole owner and dentist of the practice, Dr. Anderson is responsible for all treatment planning for patients, supervising staff members, and providing patient care. She prides herself on being a good employer, creating a dental home that people want to be a part of, and mentoring her employees to succeed even if their career plans take them elsewhere.
Having graduated from dental school in 2008, Dr. Anderson practiced in Georgia and South Carolina ...
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Typically made from titanium, dental implants are a sturdy foundation for affixing replacement teeth, such as dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. The result is a natural-looking and functional replacement that mimics the look and feel of your original teeth.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Once the dental implants are inserted and have fully fused with the jawbone—a process known as osseointegration—they act like natural tooth roots. Replacement teeth are attached to the implant, providing a secure and long-lasting solution for tooth loss.
Why Consider Dental Implants?
Dental implants are considered one of the most effective and durable solutions for missing teeth. They don't require adjacent teeth for support, like traditional bridges, and they help preserve the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that often accompanies missing teeth. Dental implants could be an excellent option for you if you're looking for a way to replace missing teeth that are functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Call Us for Dental Implants in Harrisonburg, VA
Dental implants have become increasingly popular due to their high success rate and the comfort and confidence they offer patients. If you're considering dental implants in Harrisonburg, VA, call our dental office today for an in-depth evaluation to determine if they are the right choice for your unique smile.
There’s no single standard or exact figure for what a dental implant “should” cost. This variability in the cost of implants stems from a variety of factors, including:
- The type of dental implant used. Endosteal is most common, but other varieties, like subperiosteal for individuals with insufficient bone height and zygomatic, which are inserted directly into the cheekbone of patients with upper jawbone loss, are sometimes recommended.
- The extent of the damage to the gums and jawbone where the missing tooth used to be.
- The number of dental implants that are being placed.
- The need for additional procedures like bone grafting or sinus lifts.
As always, it’s essential that you consult with a dentist for a thorough assessment of your individual needs and a specific and accurate cost estimate.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?
Coverage for dental implants varies across dental insurance plans. Review your dental insurance policy and consult with your provider and dentist to confirm what (if any) portion of implant placement your insurance will cover.
Precisely Placing Dental Implants in Harrisonburg, VA
If you’re in the Harrisonburg area and want to learn more about the benefits of dental implants and their cost to you, contact dentist Dr. Joan Anderson and the Rocktown Family Dental Care team to schedule a consultation!