Considering a long-lasting solution to missing, lost, or damaged teeth? At the office of Ronald C. Fuhrmann, DDS in Virginia Beach, dental implants offer a strong and stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like your own natural teeth.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small, biocompatible titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. Over a period of several months, this titanium post gradually fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. This creates a remarkably strong and secure anchor, mimicking the root of a natural tooth. Once fully integrated, the implant serves as a stable base for a custom-made replacement tooth, such as a dental crown, a bridge, or even specialized dentures.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants provide numerous advantages over other tooth replacement options:
- Prevention of Bone Loss: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area can begin to resorb and shrink. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, similar to natural tooth roots, which helps to prevent this bone loss and maintain the integrity of your facial structure.
- Enhanced Stability and Function: Implants provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth, allowing you to bite, chew, and speak with confidence and comfort, just like with your natural teeth.
- Durability and Longevity: With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental implants can last for many years, often a lifetime, making them a cost-effective and durable long-term solution for restoring your smile.
- Improved Esthetics: Dental implants are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a lifelike and aesthetically pleasing restoration that enhances your smile.
Dr. Fuhrmann can evaluate your individual needs to determine if dental implants are the right choice for you and will discuss the entire process, from initial placement to the final restoration, with you in detail.
Advanced Implant Solutions
For patients with multiple missing teeth or those seeking a more secure alternative to traditional dentures, we offer advanced implant solutions:
All-on-4® Dental Implants
The All-on-4® treatment concept is a revolutionary solution for individuals who have lost most or all of their teeth in an arch (upper or lower jaw). This innovative technique involves strategically placing just four dental implants in the jawbone to support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth. The unique angulation of the posterior implants allows for maximum contact with the available bone, often eliminating the need for bone grafting, even in cases of significant bone loss.
With All-on-4®, our patients can often receive a full set of fixed, non-removable teeth on the same day as their implant placement, allowing for a rapid return to comfortable eating and speaking. This provides a stable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional removable dentures.
Implant-Retained Dentures
For patients currently wearing traditional dentures or those who prefer a removable option with enhanced stability, implant-retained dentures offer a significant improvement. This solution involves placing a few dental implants (typically two to four per arch) into the jawbone. Special attachments are then placed on these implants, which securely snap into corresponding fittings on the underside of a custom-made denture.
Implant-retained dentures provide a much more stable and comfortable fit compared to conventional dentures, preventing embarrassing slipping, clicking, and discomfort. While they are still removable for cleaning, they offer vastly improved chewing efficiency and confidence, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods and speak without worry.
Learn More at Your Dental Implant Consultation
To learn more about how dental implants, including All-on-4® and implant-retained dentures, at our Virginia Beach office can restore your smile, please contact us to schedule a consultation. Dr. Fuhrmann and his team look forward to helping you rebuild your best smile!
