Everything you need to know about dental implants:

diagram of dental implants lynchburg virginia

A dental implant is a surgically placed titanium screw which can hold a tooth or several teeth in place. After the surgical placement of the dental implant, the process of ossentegration occurs and the surrounding bone and implant surface fuse together. The dental implant acts as a replacement to the lost root of a tooth. This “root” can then be used to support single teeth, or joined together to support multiple teeth or stabilize dentures.

Would you like to replace one or more missing teeth with something fixed in place?
Are you having problems eating, chewing or speaking properly due to missing teeth?
Do you have a bridge that is loose?
Do your dentures move around when you chew?
Do you get frequent sore spots from your denture or need “paste” to hold it in?
Do you have a partial denture but never wear it?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions you may be a candidate for dental implants. There are almost no absolute contraindications for dental implants, although certain conditions will put patients in a higher risk category (i.e. smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, etc.).

After your initial consultation, the first part of the process is the actual surgical placement of the implant. This is typically done with local anesthesia. Dr. Claiborne offers sedation as an option for implant procedures including nitrous oxide sedation, oral sedation and intra-venous sedation. There are typically two follow up appointments (after 2 weeks and 6 weeks). In some cases a second surgery to uncover or “expose” the implant is required, and this is done after 4-6 months. The next appointment is to take impressions in order to make your tooth (crown) or dentures.

Dr. Claiborne has a 95% success rate to date with hundreds of implants placed. Most literature will state a 90-95% survival rate for 10 years. Patients who smoke have an increased risk of failure (usually 2.5 times greater than a non-smoker). The first dental implant was placed in 1965 and is still in function today. The best way to ensure long term success is with good oral hygiene and 6 month cleaning appointments with radiographic follow-up of your implants.

Call 434-473-7449 to schedule an appointment today!