Dental Implants in Williamsburg, VA

Dental Implants - What to Expect

Dental implants are an excellent way to restore both the form and function of your smile when you're missing one or more teeth. The process involves several key steps to ensure long-term success and health.
 

1. Initial Exam and Health Evaluation

We begin with a detailed examination of your mouth and a review of your overall health history. For an implant to be successful, your mouth must be free of untreated decay or gum disease, as these issues can negatively affect the implant's long-term survival.
 

2. Imaging and Planning

We take a CT scan to evaluate the quality and quantity of bone in the area where the implant will go. Using advanced software, we carefully plan the implant’s placement, ensuring it is positioned safely in relation to nearby structures such as your sinuses and nerves.

From this plan, we create a surgical guide to help with precise placement of the implant screw.
 

3. Implant Placement

During the surgical appointment, the implant screw is placed into your jawbone. This screw acts as the root for your future crown. After placement, the implant typically needs 4 to 6 months to fully integrate with your bone through a process called osseointegration.
 

4. Evaluation and Restoration

After the healing period, we take radiographs (X-rays) to ensure the implant is stable and ready to support a crown.

Next, we take a digital impression of your mouth. This is sent to a dental lab where we design the crown, focusing on both function and aesthetics to match your smile. Fabrication usually takes 3 to 4 weeks.
 

5. Final Appointment

Once your custom crown is ready, you return to our office for the delivery appointment. This is when we attach the crown to the implant and ensure everything fits comfortably and looks great—you leave with your new tooth