Dental Implants

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an excellent solution for many individuals dealing with tooth loss, but they aren’t suitable for everyone. Candidates for dental implants typically have:

During a consultation, your dentist will assess your oral and overall health to determine if dental implants are the best solution for you.

Dental implants offer several benefits that other restoration solutions cannot, including but not limited to:

The process of getting dental implants involves several steps designed to ensure the best long-term results. It begins with a thorough evaluation and ends with a fully functional, natural-looking tooth replacement.

Each step is tailored to your specific needs to ensure a comfortable and effective treatment experience.

The healing process after receiving a dental implant varies from person to person but generally takes between 3 to 6 months. This time allows for osseointegration, where the titanium implant bonds with the jawbone. Factors influencing healing time include:

While the process requires patience, the result is a strong, durable replacement tooth designed to last a lifetime.

During the initial healing phase, it’s important to stick to soft and nourishing foods to avoid irritating the implant site. Some great options include:

Avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky foods until your dentist advises you otherwise. Following these guidelines can help promote faster healing and reduce discomfort.

Unfortunately, most dental insurance carriers in Virginia and across the country consider dental implants to be a cosmetic procedure rather than a necessary dental service. This means it's likely that your insurance carrier does not cover the cost of dental implants. On average, the cost of a dental implant ranges anywhere from $3,000 - $5,000. While this may seem somewhat pricey, it is important to note that this price includes the cost of the implant, crown, and surgery. Additionally, dental implants are designed to last for as long as 20 years.

In terms of personal wellbeing, the WestLake Dental Care team enjoys using dental implants because they have a positive effect on self-confidence and esteem. The implant can complete a smile, encouraging patients to actively engage in social behaviors like eating, chewing, smiling, and talking with others. We care about our Sterling, VA patients' dental, physical, and mental health and want to provide the solutions necessary to recover from permanent tooth loss. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a free consultation, contact our implant dentist in Sterling, VA today.