Dental Implants in Harrisonburg, VA
Dental Implants
in Harrisonburg, VA
Dental implants are incredibly sturdy restorations that are designed to replace missing teeth. Placing a titanium post in the jawbone and attaching a custom implant crown on top is one of the best ways to complete your smile and feel like you have all natural teeth. To learn more about our dental implant services, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our friendly and experienced dental team.
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The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant procedure begins with an incision in the gums, after which a small hole is drilled in the jawbone, and the implant is placed carefully. During the healing process, your implant will begin to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, which creates a very stable base for your artificial tooth. This usually takes at least several weeks, so we can provide a temporary dental restoration like a partial denture that you can wear in the meantime. Impressions of your teeth will be used to create a dental crown that will look very similar to your other teeth, and once everything has healed properly, your crown will be placed and adjusted.
Dental Implant Benefits
Dental implants can restore your smile and improve your life in many ways. Taking care of dental implants is as easy as caring for natural teeth and with proper care they’ll last for many years.
- Durable, long-lasting tooth replacement solution
- Improve the appearance of your smile
- Help make eating and speaking easier
- Surrounding teeth are unaffected
- Can be treated like natural teeth
- Help prevent bone loss
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Patients who want one or more dental implants placed need to meet a few requirements to have the best chance of avoiding dental implant failure. Patients should be in general good health and have enough jawbone density for the implant to be placed securely. If there is not enough jawbone tissue to work with, a bone graft can often be performed before the implant placement. Heavy smokers and patients with autoimmune disorders or weakened immune systems are not always good candidates, but our team can evaluate your medical history and lifestyle during your consultation to determine if dental implants are a good restorative service for you. You can compare if dental implants or dentures are better for your needs.
How long does it take to recover from a dental implant placement?
Initial recovery from a dental implant placement typically takes one to two weeks, during which swelling, tenderness, and minor discomfort subside. However, your new implant will require three to six months to fully integrate with the jawbone (osseointegration). During this period of time, patients should follow their aftercare instructions and attend follow-up visits to ensure proper healing before the final crown or restoration is placed.
Do dental implants look natural?
Our dental implants are meticulously designed to both look and function like natural teeth. The crown placed on the implant is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of the surrounding teeth, providing a seamless appearance. Additionally, implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, which mimics the stability of natural tooth roots, ensuring a natural feel and aesthetic. Working with a qualified Harrisonburg prosthodontist like Dr. Rigby helps ensure that your implant(s) will look fantastic!
Are dental implants expensive?
Dental implants can be a significant investment, with costs varying based on the number of implants and overall complexity of the procedure. While they may have higher upfront costs compared to alternative restorations, their durability and long-term benefits, such as preventing bone loss and lasting a lifetime with proper care, make them a cost-effective solution over time. Our practice offers a variety of flexible financial options, including our in-house membership plan and CareCredit™, to help make custom dental implants more accessible.
