DENTAL IMPLANTS

A Long Term, Effective Solution For Missing Teeth

If you need a new crown or are considering an implant, Commonwealth Prosthodontics is the place to get expert care in a calming and compassionate environment. Dr. Schleider and Dr. Dallow are award-winning prosthodontists who have advanced training in cosmetic restorations and are dedicated to excellence in patient care. Dental implants are a long-term, effective solution for missing teeth. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants can play a crucial part in preserving jawbone density and structure, preventing any future bone loss and maintaining facial aesthetics over time. Implants may also be necessary for a tooth that has severe decay or is unable to support a crown any longer. To determine if you are a candidate for a dental implant, Commonwealth Prosthodontics will consider the following criteria:

  • Adequate bone support – Using advanced 3D scans of your teeth and oral structures, we will be able to determine the density and thickness of the bone. This becomes an important factor if a patient has been missing a tooth for a long period of time. Adequate bone support is essential for the success of a dental implant. Sometimes, a bone graft is necessary to create adequate bone support for a dental implant.
  • Healthy gums – It is important to have healthy gums when getting an implant. Even though the implant is placed in the bone underneath the gum tissue, healthy gums will be required to support the abutment and the crown restoration. Healthy gum tissue increases the success rate of dental implant therapy. 
  • Good oral hygiene – Dental implants have a higher success rate when the patient is dedicated to brushing and flossing regularly and maintaining routine dental visits. It is important to care for your implant just as you do your natural teeth. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

After your consultation and examination, your Richmond prosthodontist will take careful measurements of your teeth and mouth and create a customized treatment plan for your implant. The first step of the dental implant procedure is to place a titanium “tooth root” or screw into the bone which will become the foundation of your new crown restoration. After the implant is placed, you will need a few months to heal so that the bone can properly fuse to the implant making it strong enough to withstand the forces of biting and chewing. After several months of healing, the abutment component is placed on top of the implant which acts as the attachment point for the new crown restoration. A customized crown will be attached to the abutment and your new crown will look and function like your natural teeth. 

A dental implant is completed during several appointments over a period of 4 to 6 months. The healing process will depend on your unique biology, and Commonwealth Prosthodontics will be here to guide you, care for you and answer any questions you may have during this process.

ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

Some patients may wonder, ‘Do I really need a dental implant?” Commonwealth Prosthodontics recognizes that each patient is unique and there is not a one size fits all approach to dental work. However, dental implants are swiftly becoming the standard of care to replace missing teeth. An implant restores the function of your bite, maintains the aesthetics of your smile and can help improve the quality of your life. There are many advantages of dental implant therapy including:

  • Restore a more youthful appearance – missing teeth can cause the muscles of the face to sag and replacing missing teeth with dental implant therapy can restore the fullness in the cheeks while supporting the facial muscles. This helps to maintain a more youthful appearance.
  • Improved speech – since implants look, feel and act like your natural teeth you will be able to speak clearly with implants 
  • Enhanced comfort – often when patients are missing teeth, they have to make dietary modifications. Sometimes, accommodations such as chewing on one side of the mouth can cause discomfort or problems in the jaw joint. Implants are a permanent solution that can restore the normal function of your bite making patients more comfortable when eating. 
  • Regain your confidence – implant therapy can help you regain your confidence in eating, speaking and smiling. No one will know you have a dental implant and you can be confident in your normal day-to-day activities. 
  • Improved oral health – an implant looks, feels and acts like your natural teeth. You can maximize the longevity of your implant by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing around the implant just like your regular teeth
  • Durability – Commonwealth Prosthodontics uses state-of-the-art technology and materials to provide the highest quality dental implants designed to last a lifetime.

Commonwealth Prosthodontics of Richmond, VA is proud to serve the Richmond community and surrounding areas with the highest standard of care for dental implant therapy. We are dedicated to restoring the function of your smile as well as enhancing the natural beauty of your smile. If you would like to learn more about how dental implant therapy can benefit you, call (804) 346-3366 today. 

DENTAL IMPLANT BRIDGES

Dental bridges are used to close the gaps or bridge a missing tooth or teeth while restoring the cosmetic and function. In cases where multiple teeth are missing, patients may be advised to get a dental implant bridge. Implant bridges help to maintain function, preserve the jaw bone and restore beauty.

Living without your natural teeth isn’t easy. And it can be even harder if you get removable dentures to replace your missing teeth. No matter how much time and effort are put into the dentures, they’ll never quite be the same as your original, natural teeth. So, what’s the solution?

Drs. David M. Schleider and Catherine Dallow are pleased to offer Implant Bridges to patients in Richmond, Virginia.

Implant bridges are ideal for anyone looking to replace missing teeth especially anyone who has found themselves unable to utilize conventional implants. They are durable and comfortable. The procedure can be performed immediately once candidacy is confirmed, with a quick recovery time.

Implant Bridges have several advantages, including:

  • Convenience – You enjoy the durability, strength and comfort of dental implants combined with the aesthetics of your natural teeth
  • Durability – Unlike conventional dentures which need to be repaired or replaced frequently, Precision Implant Bridges are incredibly durable
  • Quick Recovery – We make sure to perform as minimal surgery for the placement as possible
  • No Need for Bone Grafting – A bone grafting procedure is not required

Implant bridges include:

  • Extractions
  • 5 dental implants
  • Transitional Permanent Bridge

Flexible Financing Available to Fit Your Budget, including a plan that offers up to 84 months of financing, if approved for credit!