Ryan M. Buckwalter, DDS, FICOI, FAGD

1420 Greenbrier Place
Charlottesville, VA 22901

434.973.2224

Everything You Should Know About Dental Implants

Receiving dental implants can have a profound impact on your life. Usually applied to replace teeth, these implants offer aesthetic and functional benefits for appropriate patients. Although a few risks come with their installation, dental professionals work hard to mitigate them and deliver on these devices’ benefits. If you wish to have dental implants installed, speak with an experienced oral surgeon at Hillcrest Dental about the procedure.

Our team specializes in oral surgery services for residents of Charlottesville, VA. We offer cutting-edge dental solutions with the latest x-ray, imaging, and laser dentistry technology to deliver a comfortable customer experience and high-quality results. Contact us at (434) 973-2224 to learn more about dental implant benefits today!

Below, we detail everything you should know about dental implants:

What are Dental Implants?

The cosmetic device known as dental implants replaces missing teeth in a patient’s mouth. Their installation is straightforward: a dental professional will first insert the implant’s body to replace the missing tooth’s root. Once it has had several months to heal, the professional will add the abutment and artificial tooth—the “screw” portions. These attach to the gum, holding the implant’s crown above the gumline.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Dental implants fill the gaps created by missing teeth, serving lingual, mechanical, and cosmetic purposes. Moreover, they mitigate bone loss and changes in chewing patterns. If you have a missing tooth or teeth, your solution may lie in dental implants.

Candidates must be in good overall health, as dental implant procedures require several months of healing and recovery. Individuals must also be able to refrain from smoking during the recovery process, which can disrupt proper healing. Finally, candidates should have healthy oral tissues and a fully developed jaw.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants can improve your life, enhance your smile, and boost your confidence. They also stabilize nearby teeth by preserving the life of surrounding gums. Moreover, they protect jawbone health by preventing it from shrinking.

Furthermore, manufacturers test these devices’ biocompatibility—the effects implants’ constituent materials have on patients. Most companies use zirconium dioxide or titanium, common materials with approved safety profiles. While producers occasionally use other materials for implants, they test all models before releasing them. Additionally, manufacturers must receive FDA approval, which indicates their devices are safe and effective.

The Risks Associated with Dental Implants

Certain risks are associated with dental implants. Specifically, their installation procedure can cause damage to nerves, gums, and surrounding teeth. It can also lead to sinus perforation or jaw damage. To prevent such issues, Hillcrest rigorously examines all surgical staff. We ensure each remains in optimal condition to perform these procedures.

Prolonged risks include inadequate function, such as bite misalignment or implant body failure. The implant can loosen due to delayed healing, local infection of the bone and gums, and systemic infection (most common in patients with severe diabetes). Individuals may also experience the phantom sensation of loose or twisting teeth in the gums.

Hillcrest Dental: An Experienced Oral Surgeon in Charlottesville, VA

Reach out to Hillcrest Dental for a reliable and experienced oral surgeon in Charlottesville, VA. We provide general dental care, cosmetic dentistry, and advanced dental surgeries, such as dental implant procedures. Our expert team also offers an in-office savings plan to provide the lowest dental implant costs and make general dentistry accessible to everyone. To request a dental appointment, visit our website or call (434) 973-2224.

  • "I am very pleased with how my appointment went yesterday. Everyone was really friendly. They explained everything to me about the procedure and stayed late to assure I was comfortable with the work I had done. Dr Ryan Buckwalter and his assistants were awesome. I highly recommend them for any dental work. Thank you."

    Donnette M.

  • "I was having toothache pain in my lower jaw. I called the next day to make an appointment and was given an appointment time for the very next day. I saw Dr. Ryan, who is knowledgeable, caring and has great people skills with his patients. I made another appointment to come back and have the work done."

    Denise K.

  • “Dr. Buckwalter and his assistant did a wonderful job with our 8 year old today. While they were busy talking teeth, my 3 year old was enjoying his new lip balm and balloon! Finished up with a treat from Starbucks with our gift card. So glad our kiddos don’t fear the dentist. More like they want to keep stopping in."

    Logan D.

  • “Unbelievable experience with Dr. Ryan Buckwalter. Night and Day difference from my last dental experience with another dentist. I no longer fear the dentist!”

    David S.