Dental implants are one of many dental restorations used in replacing missing teeth. When patients are looking for a long-lasting, permanent option for their smile, they are often told by their dentist that dental implants are the way to go. Dr. Wayne Myles of Smiles by Myles in Reston, VA, is excited to offer dental implants in his practice and encourages patients to learn more about their versatility.
WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?
First, it is important to understand what the dental implant is. A dental implant is a titanium restoration used to act as a natural tooth root. It is implanted into the bone of the jaw, where it stimulates the body’s natural process of osseointegration. The bone grows around the implant over time to hold it firmly in place within the mouth. The dental implant can then be used in a variety of ways to restore the smile.
WHY ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS VERSATILE?
Dental implants are versatile because they are used in several different ways in dentistry. These restorations may replace one or more teeth. Below are the ways in which Dr. Wayne Myles uses these metal restorations:
- Replace a single tooth – the loss of a single tooth can be repaired using a single dental implant. The implant is placed where the tooth root once was, bonding with the natural bone for stability and strength. The dentist then restores the top of the implant, called the abutment, with a custom dental crown.
- Anchor a dental bridge – when patients opt for a dental bridge to replace one or more teeth in the dental arch, they are required to have a tooth on each side to anchor the dental bridge in place. If one or both sides are missing, dental implants can be used instead.
- Retain full dentures – patients missing all their teeth often have no choice but to go for a full denture to replace the smile. However, traditional full dentures can be difficult to keep sturdy and in place. Dr. Wayne Myles can place several implants along the dental arch and create implant-retained dentures for the best in stability and functionality.
Reston, VA, area patients faced with missing teeth are encouraged to work with the team of Smiles by Myles to find the best possible solution for their unique and individual needs. Call the office at (703) 722-6342 to request an appointment at the office, located at 11730 Plaza America Drive, Suite #110.
