A dental implant is the most permanent and robust restoration process for a missing tooth when the tooth and root both are missing or need to be removed. Replacing the root along with the tooth is the healthiest option for the jawbone and face. Replacing the entire tooth returns normal eating, talking, and smiling. Dr. Daniel Bearley of the Charlottesville, Virginia area can restore dental implants.

The jawbone remains healthy with the sensations transmitted through the roots of the teeth. This sensation keeps the bone density in the jaw steady. When a root is lost, the bone loses up to 25% of the bone volume in just the first year. The bone loss continues even after that. 

What are the parts of a dental implant?

A dental implant is comprised of three parts:  

•  Implant screw/body
•  Abutment
• Crown

The screw is manufactured with titanium which is a substance known to fuse well with bone. During the healing period, the screw will integrate with the jawbone and act as the root. This integration makes the implant the most secure. 

The abutment is placed on top of the screw for attaching the crown. A temporary crown can be placed during the healing period in some circumstances. After the healing period, the permanent crown is then fabricated and placed on the implant/abutment.  

How are dental implants used?

There are a few different ways in which a dental implant can be used. If you are missing front teeth or other teeth within the smile, a single dental implant is utilized to replace these teeth individually. A dental implant may also be used as an anchor for both sides of a dental bridge to replace several teeth. If patients are considering full mouth dental implants, which include several dental implants along the dental arch which support a denture, they can also have this performed by Dr. Daniel Bearley as well.

Although an implant is securely placed and fused to the bone, the crown can sometimes be damaged and needs to be replaced or just becomes loose and needs to be tightened down. Bearley Dental can provide an implant or implant restoration as required.

Video Transcript

Dental implants are titanium roots, that are replaced with in the jawbone to resemble a tooth or group of teeth. A screw is inserted through the gums and into the jawbone. A porcelain crown is then attached to the screw to become the new tooth or teeth. They can be used to support dental prosthesis including crowns, dentures, and bridges. Today’s treatments are so natural looking, no one will know you had surgery. There’s approximately a 95% success rate for all implants. With modern advances in dentistry, some implants can be restored immediately with life like all porcelain crowns. For more details ask your dentist.

Learn more about dental implants

Dr. Daniel Bearley of Charlottesville, VA, is pleased to provide affordable implant restorations.  Contact the office at (434) 443-8034 to schedule an appointment at the practice, conveniently located at 901 Preston Avenue, Ste. #200. We accept new and established patients in the community.