Alexandria VA Periodontist | Are Dental Implants Right for Me? Your Questions, Answered.

Posted on by IdentityDental

If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be considering treatment options, one of which may be dental implants. Here, we’re going to answer many of the questions you may have regarding dental implants and why they may be the right solution for you.

What are Dental Implants?Alexandria VA Periodontist

Let’s start by answering the fundamental question, “what are dental implants?”. Dental implants are considered an artificial root, usually made from titanium and other materials that anchor to the jaw below the gum line.

The implants then serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth or teeth attachment. This surgical, dental procedure has been useful for over 40 years and has provided patients with the healthy appearance and function of natural teeth.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Your doctor will always go over your health and medical history to determine whether or not you are the right candidate for dental implants. However, as a general guideline, suitable candidates will have:

  • Good general and oral health
  • Sufficient jaw bone length to reinforce the implant
  • Healthy gum tissue
  • No signs of periodontal disease

Remember, our implant team will work with you to better determine if you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant procedure.

What Should I Expect During Recovery?

Many patients inquire about what the dental implant surgery will entail and what the recovery requires. Depending on the course of treatment your doctor decides on, the first practice to implement through your recovery is maintaining sufficient at-home dental care and regular dental visits to ensure the recovery procedure is going smoothly.

The recovery period time can vary depending on how many procedures are required and how your own body processes surgical recovery. Generally, it can take several months to recover from a dental implant procedure completely.

How Do I Get Started?

Nearly 3 million Americans have dental implants, and if you’re considering becoming one of them, a great first step is to speak with our team. From there, we will be able to give recommendations and assess your overall oral health.

If you are ready to consider dental implants to restore your smile, let’s get started. Contact Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS today, and our team will schedule an appointment for you to meet with our Alexandria Periodontist.

 

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria , VA 22302

Alexandria VA Periodontist | Healthy Smile, Healthy Body

Posted on by IdentityDental

Good oral hygiene habits are essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. What you might not know is that research has found the health of your mouth actually mirrors the

overall condition of your body. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a direct relationship between gum disease and many serious health conditions, including heart disease,

stroke, and diabetes. The good news is, research also shows that good oral health may actually help prevent certain diseases from occurring.Alexandria VA Periodontist

Understanding the mouth/body connection

Poor oral habits can cause bacteria to build up on your teeth, making your gums more prone to

disease and infection. When that happens, your immune system goes to work attacking the

infection, leading to inflammation and gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Left untreated, periodontitis and chronic inflammation can wreak havoc on the rest of your body, leading to a host of health problems. Thankfully, this “worst-case-scenario” is easily preventable. Here’s what you can do to elevate your oral hygiene habits and keep unwanted health concerns at bay:

  • Brush twice a day for at least two minutes using a soft-bristled brush. Be sure to choose a toothbrush that is the right size for your mouth so you can reach back teeth easily. If you have any questions about which toothbrush we recommend for you, you can ask our office during your appointment.
  • Remember to replace your toothbrush every three or four months.
  • Choose an American Dental Association-approved fluoride toothpaste to keep teeth free from decay.
  • Floss daily to remove tooth decay-causing bacteria that tend to linger between teeth. Regular flossing also helps remove plaque under the gumline and minimize your risk of contracting gum disease.
  • Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks.
  • Avoid cigarettes and other tobacco products, which are known to contribute to gum disease and oral cancer.

In addition to maintaining good daily oral health habits, seeing your Alexandria Periodontist regularly is one of the best ways to keep your mouth – and your body – healthy. These exams allow our team to monitor any changes to your teeth and gums and make recommendations that will help you avoid future health problems. Contact Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS today to schedule an exam.

 

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria , VA 22302