After you’ve lost a tooth or had one extracted, it’s essential that you replace it. Not only is it
important for your self-esteem, but it’s key for your oral health. If you’re looking for a healthy
and strong tooth replacement solution, look no further than dental implants! Drs. Brenda Young and Marjun Ayati offer this advanced alternative to
traditional dentures and fixed bridges to effectively replace missing teeth from the roots up. Read on learn
more about how dental implants can restore the look, function, and feel of your smile and give us a call today to schedule your consultation!
Why Choose Fairfax Dental Group For Dental Implants?
Dentist Highly Trained & Experienced in Dental Implants
Advanced Dental Implant Procedures Available
Fair & Reasonable Prices with No Surprises
What Are Dental Implants?
There are three parts to a dental implant: an implant post (which will mimic the missing tooth’s roots),
an abutment (a small connector piece), and a final restoration (which may be a crown, bridge, or denture). The
implant post is placed directly into the jawbone to form an incredibly strong and comfortable foundation for
your new smile. The abutment is placed on top of the post and securely fastens the final restoration in place
above the gumline. This unique placement offers a wide variety of important benefits, which is why it’s
widely considered by patients and dentists alike to be the gold standard of tooth replacement.
The 4 Step Dental Implant Process
Whether you want to replace one tooth or an entire arch, the dental implant process takes place over multiple
phases and several months. It’s important to keep in mind that every procedure varies depending on the
patient’s unique needs, but typically, the process consists of an initial consultation, preparatory
procedures, the implant placement, a healing period, and the placement of your abutments and restorations. To
find out what your treatment timeline will look like, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ayati today.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Ayati will take the time to thoroughly examine your mouth and facial
structure to determine if you’re a good candidate for the dental implant procedure. Using digital imaging,
we’ll capture pictures of your jawbone and oral structure, allowing us to see if the implants will be able
to properly fuse with your jawbone and support your restorations. After informing you of all of your options,
we’ll create a customized treatment timeline and let you know whether you need preparatory procedures, how
much the procedure will cost, and how long it will take before you can enjoy your new smile.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dr. Ayati is a member of the American Society of Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry. This means that she is
dedicated to performing high-quality and precise surgical and restorative dental procedures and has achieved
advanced training and education to do so. This way, your entire dental implant treatment will take place under
one roof, so you won’t have to worry about the hassle of scheduling the procedure with a new surgeon and a
team that you’re unfamiliar with.
The surgery is fairly straightforward and its length will depend on how many dental implant posts you’re
having placed. First, Dr. Ayati will make a small incision in the gums to reach your jawbone. The implant posts
will be inserted into the bone and the gums sutured up. Then, she’ll make sure that the implants are
protected as you undergo your healing process by placing a small cap over them.
Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment
Over the next several months, the dental implant post in your jawbone will undergo osseointegration. This is the
process where the post literally fuses with the surrounding bone tissue, effectively becoming a part of your
jaw. This will provide a strong, stable, and comfortable base for your crown, bridge, or denture to be attached
to. Once your mouth has healed enough, you’ll come in to have an abutment placed on top of the implant
post (if it wasn’t placed during the first surgery).
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
As soon as we receive your custom-made denture, crown, or bridge, we’ll call you back to our office to
have it attached to your dental implants. We’ll check that your bite feels comfortable, and then your
remodeled smile will be complete!
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants in Fairfax offer several health benefits that aren’t possible with removable dentures,
partials, or fixed dental bridges. As a state-of-the-art solution to tooth replacement, dental implants replace
not only the visible parts of teeth but also the underlying structures. Advantages are numerous, and patients
love how indistinguishable implants are from natural teeth. Not to mention, more and more individuals are
choosing dental implants, as their prevalence has increased more than 6% from 2019-2020. If you are continuing
to weigh your options when it comes to replacing your missing teeth, consider these additional benefits of
dental implants in Fairfax:
Lifestyle Benefits
With dental implants, you will regain your ability to eat the foods you love. With increased chewing power
and bite force, you can expect greater stability and durability, making it easier to consume coarser, harder
foods that are often difficult for individuals with dentures or fixed bridges.
Dental implants in Fairfax are surgically implanted into your jawbone, allowing them to fuse with the bone
and tissues. This creates a permanent fixture in your mouth that will not leave you worried about slippage
while eating or speaking. This is considered one of the greatest benefits when comparing them against
dentures that only use your natural suction to remain in place.
You will notice a dramatic increase in your self-esteem because your implants will replicate your natural
tooth structure and look completely natural.
You’ll be able to enjoy hot coffee as well as any other hot beverage without fear of warping or
damaging your implants (unlike dentures).
Health Benefits
Dental implants mimic the tooth’s root, allowing it to continue stimulating your jawbone. As a result,
you will be less likely to experience bone loss and the potential for facial collapse, which is a real
possibility for people living with dentures and fixed bridges, as they only sit on top of the gums.
With implants, you can expect an easier experience cleaning your prosthetics and maintaining better oral
hygiene. Although your implants cannot decay, it is possible to still develop gum disease; however, you can
freely clean your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
Unlike dentures and fixed bridges that can cause irritation over time, your dental implants should never do
this. Because they do not rely on nearby healthy teeth to remain in place and because they are permanent
within your mouth, they should function just like regular teeth.
By choosing to replace your missing teeth, you can extend your lifespan. According to Dentalhealth.org,
individuals with 20 teeth or more by the time they reach 70 are at a greater risk of living a longer life.
Long-Term Benefits
Choosing dental implants over dentures and fixed bridges will actually save you more money in the long run.
Not only will you not need to worry about replacements and frequent relining, but you’ll avoid
spending money on cleaning solutions and denture adhesives, too.
When dental implants are initially placed by a trusted implant dentist in Fairfax, you can expect a 98%
success rate. After 10 years, they have a 90-95% success rate!
As long as you remain committed to caring for your dental implants and oral health, you can expect them to
last a lifetime without ever needing to be replaced. This is drastically different than partials, full
dentures, or fixed bridges that require replacements after only a few years.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
An additional reason that we offer dental implants is their versatility. Practically anyone with good oral and
overall health with missing teeth can rebuild their smile with dental implants. They can be used to replace one
tooth, multiple teeth, or even your whole smile. It all depends on your specific needs and the number of teeth
that you’re missing. Sometimes, we’ll recommend advanced dental implant treatments like a bone graft
or sinus lift to maximize the success of your dental implants.
Missing 1 Tooth
Are you missing just one tooth? You should still replace it immediately to preserve your oral health and
appearance. Your dentist in Fairfax can use an implant-retained dental crown to seamlessly complete your smile.
Our dental crowns are custom-made to match the size and shade of your natural teeth.
If you’re missing multiple teeth consecutively, we can use an implant-retained dental bridge to fill the
gap in your smile. These personalized prosthetics are rooted in place with dental implants on either side making
them incredibly strong.
Missing All Teeth
If you’re missing all or most of your teeth, our first recommendation is an implant denture. This option
allows us to replace all of your missing teeth at once with the strength and health benefits of dental implants.
The results allow for a sturdy, strong, and beautiful smile.
The cost of your dental implants is hard to determine without examining your mouth first. After one of our
skilled dentists carefully checks the condition of your dental health, the number of teeth you’re missing,
and the strength of your jawbone, they’ll be able to provide a precise recommendation. We consider dental
implants to be a long-term investment, making them worthwhile even though they tend to cost more than other
tooth replacement options.
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
The process of replacing your missing teeth with dental implants will involve several steps, each with a separate
cost. This gives you more time to pay for your new smile because you won’t need to cover the entire amount
upfront. Although every plan differs, costs can increase when additional treatments are necessary to make dental
implants viable. This includes:
Preparatory treatments, which can include tooth extraction, gum disease therapy, or bone grafts.
The cost of surgery, which can be higher or lower depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. Sedation
can also increase costs of you opt for it ahead of your treatment.
We keep the entire implant placement process in-house, which is sure to make the breakdown of your costs more
compact and easier to understand when all is said and done.
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
There isn’t a set fee for dental implants because there are several factors that influence the cost of the
treatment, like the number of teeth you’re missing. Generally, you can expect to pay more if you’re
treating several teeth because you’ll need more implant posts, abutments, and a larger restoration.
We’ll provide you with a custom estimate during your initial consultation. The materials used and the
manufacturers we purchase dental implants from can also influence cost. We’re happy to go over why we opt
for certain dental implants in detail with you directly.
Final Dental Implant Restoration
Depending on the type of restoration you need, you may need to pay more to make your smile complete. For example,
those who need only one dental crown to cover a single dental implant will not need to pay as much as someone
who intends to replace multiple consecutive teeth or bring back an entire arch. Larger restorations require more
attention to detail and materials to create, resulting in a higher price tag.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Every insurance policy differs, but most plans
offer coverage for treatments related to dental implants (i.e. preparatory treatments or restorations) after
reaching your annual deductible. A member of our team will work on your behalf to file the necessary claims to
maximize your yearly limit. We will explain how your benefits are being used and your remaining balance. Our
dental office accepts several payment options to cover any out-of-pocket expenses, like traditional methods and
third-party financing. We will help you find the solutions you need to replace your missing teeth without
draining your wallet.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
At Fairfax Dental Group, we are committed to providing quality care that is also affordable, which is why we
offer multiple financing options to make dental implant treatment easier to obtain. One of the ways we do this
is through CareCredit, a third-party financing option that lets you make low-to-zero interest payments for
treatments over the span of several months instead of covering all your costs in one lump sum. We also offer a
Wellness Plan that not only guarantees dental services at a specific price, but gives you discounts on all other
treatments performed in-house!
Advanced Dental Implant Procedures
While more people can receive dental implants today than ever before, there are some cases where more advanced
procedures need to be performed before they can be confidently placed. Whether it’s bone grafting to
replace bone lost as a result of missing teeth for many years at a time or a sinus lift to increase the bone
volume in the upper jaw, Dr. Ayati and Dr. Young will make sure that you understand how they work in great
detail. If you have additional questions about these more advanced treatments, we encourage you to give our
dental office a call to set up a consultation.
Bone Grafting
When teeth are lost, whether as a result of severe gum disease or physical trauma, the root, as well as the
crown, are removed. This means the bone tissue responsible for stimulating the tooth is no longer functioning as
they should. Over time, bone tissue will begin to break down, resulting in the jaw losing biting strength. It
also means that dental implants will struggle to integrate with the jaw. If we recommend a bone graft prior to
your dental implant surgery, it’s because your jaw bone has become too thin or soft to keep a titanium
post in place.
During a bone graft, bone material is placed directly onto the area of the jaw so that it can regenerate
supporting bone material and expand its width and height. This process can take several months to complete, but
it will make it possible for dental implants to integrate with the jaw. The bone material can come from other
areas of the body (known as an autograft) or from a donor (which can be either from another person or an
animal.)
Sinus Lifts
When placing dental implants, there are certain areas of the mouth that are more difficult to work with. One of
these areas is the upper jaw, especially where the molars and premolars are located. Sinus lifts (also referred
to as sinus augmentations) are performed when there is not enough bone tissue for an implant to integrate, much
like a bone graft. Those who have suffered from severe gum disease or serious facial trauma may need a sinus
lift to receive an implant.
First, we complete a set of detailed X-rays of your skull, then schedule you for surgery at a later date. During
the actual surgery, a small incision is created in the gum tissue so the bone is accessible. We then cut a small
window into the bone and push it upwards to reveal the sinus cavity. From here, we lift the membrane and fill
the space below with bone granules. Finally, the gum tissue is stitched close and the sinus is given time to
integrate with the donated bone material. After several months of healing, we can perform additional X-rays to
make sure that your jaw is ready to receive dental implants.
Dental Implant Failure & Salvage
Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. They are the only solution that replaces the roots of the missing teeth – not just the chewing surfaces. This allows for all sort of additional benefits, including further stability, comfort, and longevity. Even with a success rate of over 95%, dental implant failure is still possible, so it’s important to be on the lookout for signs that something is wrong. If you notice anything peculiar about your implants, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. The sooner we can see you, the more likely that we can address the issue.
After your dental implant surgery is complete. You will need to give the area time to heal. We will give you detailed instructions to abide by so you can heal as quickly and comfortably as possible. If you have any questions regarding post-op, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Everyone’s treatment looks a little bit different, but here are the main steps everyone can expect.
What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery
The number one priority during the healing process is to leave the blood clot at the surgical site untouched. This is needed for the area to heal properly. Here are a few rules to help you keep it in place:
Don’t spit – use a tissue or swallow your saliva
Don’t use a straw when drinking
Don’t smoke after surgery
Keep your tongue and fingers away from the surgical site
Common Side Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement
It’s normal to experience some minor side effects for a few days following your surgery. Here are some of the most common:
Bleeding: Minor bleeding is common for a few days after surgery. To reduce bleeding, use gauze and light pressure.
Swelling: For the first 72 hours after your procedure, inflammation is likely. Use a cold compress to reduce this.
Discomfort: Soreness is normal after dental implant surgery. This can be managed with over-the-counter and prescribed pain relievers.
Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery
After your surgery, it’s recommended that you stick to a soft-food diet to avoid aggravating the dental implant site. Here are some foods that you can enjoy at this time:
Scrambled eggs
Mashed potatoes
Apple sauce
Oatmeal
Ice cream
Apple sauce
Pasta
Soup
Pudding
Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene
The day following your surgery, brush your teeth as you normally would. Just be careful to avoid the surgical site. To keep this area clean, gently rinse your mouth with salt water after meals. When you use mouthwash, make sure to choose one that doesn’t contain alcohol. This can aggravate the surgical site.
What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached
Now that your replacement teeth are secured to your dental implants, the difficult part is over. You might still notice some sensitivity as your mouth adjusts, but this should be easy to manage and temporary. You shouldn’t experience any bleeding, swelling, or extensive recovery. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us so we can help!
Maintaining & Caring For Your Dental Implants
Are you equipped with all the information you need about dental implant care in Fairfax? When visiting our team
of experts to discuss your future with these permanent prosthetics, you can be sure that we will provide you
with everything you need to know to make sure your new smile remains firmly intact for a lifetime. Because
dental implants are designed to potentially last a lifetime with proper care, you can feel more confident in
your decision to pursue this worthwhile investment. From maintaining good oral hygiene to giving up bad habits
and eating healthier foods, we’re offering a list of valuable tips and recommendations to help keep your
implants right where they belong for as long as possible.
Making Oral Hygiene a Priority
Dental implants in Fairfax cannot decay. However, this does not mean that your natural teeth or gum tissue are
immune to infection. This is why it is necessary to maintain good oral hygiene at home. Brushing twice a day
with a non-abrasive toothpaste as well as flossing at least once before bed and rinsing with an antimicrobial
mouthwash can rid your oral cavity of bad bacteria, food particles, and anything else that might hinder the
lifespan of your regular teeth and dental implants.
Eating a Healthy Diet
Leafy greens, low-fat dairy, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables are all healthy food options you should
incorporate into your diet. Those full of vitamin C and calcium can help to ensure greater gum health and
strengthen regular tooth enamel. By limiting your consumption of sugar and starch, you can lower your risk for
cavities and gum disease – a problem that can lead to implant failure if left untreated. Although you are
free to eat all your favorite foods, it’s best to be mindful of what you are consuming on a daily basis.
Breaking Bad Habits
Should you develop a crack, chip, or break in your dental implants, you’ll be expected to spend time and
money seeing your implant dentist in Fairfax. Although not always preventable, there are bad habits that can
increase your risk for potential damage if you do not give them up. Whether it is smoking, eating ice, chewing
on inanimate objects, or using your teeth to open packages, you can shorten the lifespan of your implants and
find yourself investing even more money into necessary replacements. Do yourself a favor and start giving up
these bad habits before you have your dental implants put into place.
Protecting our Dental Implants
If you enjoy playing sports, a protective mouthguard can be an ideal solution to safeguard your smile from
potential damage. If stress causes you to grind or clench your teeth at night while you sleep, a customized
mouthguard can be exactly what you need to avoid excessive wear and tear to your tooth enamel and chips or
cracks to your dental implants. Our team at Fairfax Dental Group can provide you with a custom-made mouthguard
that is comfortable to wear and easy to use.
Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups
What you may not realize is that your dentist is your ally in the fight against tooth decay, gum disease, bad
breath, oral cancer, and damage to your dental implants. By keeping your six-month dental checkups and
cleanings, we can examine your prosthetics and restorations to ensure no problems are developing. We’ll
also make sure your gum health and natural teeth are free of decay and disease, which will, in turn, positively
benefit the lifespan of your prosthetics.
Do you still have questions about getting dental implants in Fairfax? When you schedule your initial consultation with us, we can walk you through the entire
process from start to finish. For now, we’ve answered some common questions that we receive from our
patients below.
How Do I Take Care of My Dental Implants?
Just like your natural teeth, it’s important to take care of your dental implants to ensure they stay healthy
and last longer. Although your artificial teeth can’t develop cavities, you’ll need to regularly brush,
floss, and rinse your mouth to keep your gums healthy and prevent any complications from arising. It’s also
vital for you to visit your dentist in Fairfax every six months for checkups and cleanings to make sure that your
implants are functioning properly and are healthy.
Does Dental Implant Surgery Hurt?
Patients often ask us whether dental implant surgery is painful to undergo. You’ll be glad to hear that it
isn’t! We make sure that you’re completely numb and won’t be able to feel a thing before we place
your titanium post. As the anesthesia and/or sedation begins to wear off, we’ll provide you with some
post-operative instructions to help reduce your risk of swelling and ease any tenderness or discomfort you’ll
experience as your gums begin to heal.
What Is the Recovery Process After Dental Implant Surgery Like?
Recovering from dental implant surgery isn’t that long of a process. Many of our patients are able to return to
their normal daily routines a day or two after their procedure. However, it will be several months until your
implants have fused with your jawbone and you’ll be able to undergo the next part of the process. As long as
you continue caring for your smile during these months and following any post-op instructions that we provide you
with, you should be able to make a fast and pain-free recovery.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants boast an impressive 98 percent success rate. However, it’s important to note that there are
several bad oral habits that can cause them to fail. In order to ensure the success of your implant fusion with your
jawbone, it’s a good idea to stop smoking and drinking in the weeks leading up to and after your surgery.
Otherwise, please speak to your dentist in Green Hills about any concerns or immune-compromising medical conditions
that you may have at your initial consultation to learn whether you’ll be a good candidate for the procedure.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With diligent maintenance and care, dental implants have been known to last over 35 years. After we place your
artificial teeth on the abutments, we’ll let you know what steps to take in order to get the most out of your
new investment.
Do Dental Implants Decay?
No, it’s actually impossible for your replacement tooth to decay. It may look just like a natural tooth, but it
isn’t made from enamel, so it cannot get cavities. However, your remaining teeth can still get cavities and
your gums can still become infected with gum disease. Gum disease could lead to dental implant failure and
additional tooth loss. This is why it’s still so important that you are keeping up excellent oral hygiene,
even if you have dental implants.
Do Dental Implants Make You Look Younger?
Yes! The force of biting and chewing your food spreads through the roots of your teeth to stimulate your jawbone.
When your teeth are missing, the jawbone loses this simulation and will begin to deteriorate. This can cause your
facial structure to appear more sunken and wrinkled. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option out there
that can stimulate the jawbone. This will keep your jawbone strong and your face youthful!
Can I Get Dental Implants If I Have Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Depending on your bone density and gum health, you may still be able to get dental implants. However, treating
rheumatoid arthritis often involves taking immunosuppressant drugs which can complicate bone healing and increase
your risk of infection. It’s also important to consider your ability to brush and floss properly. For implants
to be successful, proper maintenance is crucial. Your dentist will evaluate your oral and overall health to
determine if you are a good candidate.
Do I Need a Bone Graft Before Getting Dental Implants?
Bone grafting involves transplanting a piece of bone tissue to the jawbone to strengthen it so that it can better
accommodate dental implants. The jawbone often atrophies after teeth have been lost because the roots are no longer
present to stimulate it through biting and chewing. Your dentist will take detailed scans of your jaw area to
determine whether you will need bone grafting before you can get dental implants.