Dental Implants in Winchester, VA
Dental implants are a permanent, attractive solution for missing teeth that restore function and aesthetics, whether you are missing a single tooth or need to replace all your teeth.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants? | Dental Implant Cases | Types of Dental Implants | The Dental Implant Process | Dental Implants FAQ
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are screws placed in the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. They are usually made of titanium or zirconia, the biocompatible materials used for joint replacements. Over time, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone through osseointegration. Once the implant is fully integrated with the jawbone, it provides a stable base for a replacement tooth attached to the implant using an abutment. This slender pin attaches the visible portion of the tooth to the dental implant.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are superior to any other form of tooth replacement, including dentures, for many reasons. Implants are unique because they are surgically placed in the jawbone, becoming an integral part of it. The implant stimulates the surrounding bone, preventing resorption that leads to loss of bone mass and a sunken facial appearance.
Other benefits of dental implants include:
- Dental implants can last a lifetime.
- Dental implants are easy to care for – brush and floss them like natural teeth.
- Dental implant restorations do not develop cavities.
- Our D.C. restoration team creates natural-looking, beautiful replacement teeth explicitly designed for you.
- You can throw away denture creams and special denture cleansers.
- Dental implants do not shift, click, or move when speaking or eating.
- You never have to remove dental implants at night.
- Dental implants improve the stability of any remaining natural teeth.
- Your full bite force is restored.
- You can eat all the foods you love without worrying about debris getting caught under your dentures.
- You once again have a beautiful, radiant smile.
Dental Implant Cases
Types of Dental Implants
Dr. Dickson meets with each patient to determine their needs and what type of dental implant is best for them. We offer several options, including:
Single Tooth Implant – If an individual tooth is missing, a single dental implant is placed, and a dental crown is attached to replace the visible portion of the tooth. The process does not disturb the remaining healthy teeth.
Implant for a Dental Bridge—A dental implant provides added stability for patients who wear a dental bridge to replace two or more missing teeth in a row. The implant is placed in the space where teeth are missing, and the bridge snaps onto an abutment to hold it securely in place and prevent shifting.
Full Mouth Dental Implants—To replace all of the upper or lower teeth, a full arch of replacement teeth resembling a denture is attached to several implants in the jawbone. Several options are available, including a permanently attached restoration or an overdenture that snaps into place on a bar or posts but is removable for cleaning.
All-On-4 – The All-On-4 dental implant process is an innovative approach to dental restoration that saves patients time and money by placing an entire arch of replacement teeth on four dental implants. You wear a set of temporary teeth while your permanent dental prosthetic is crafted, then return to have the permanent teeth attached.
Teeth in an Hour—Similar to All-On-4, Teeth in an Hour features implant placement by Dr. Dickson and dental restorations by our D.C. team. With Teeth-in-an-Hour, you go home with permanent restorations on the day of surgery.
Preparing for Dental Implant Surgery
The process begins with an initial consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Dickson assesses your oral health, takes X-rays and digital images, and reviews your medical history to determine whether you’re suitable for dental implants. He develops a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs based on the evaluation. This plan will outline the number of implants needed, the type of implant, and the overall timeline for the procedure.
Any necessary preparatory treatments are arranged before the implant surgery. These could include tooth extraction, bone grafting (if there is insufficient bone to support the implant), or periodontal treatment to ensure the surrounding gums are healthy.
The Dental Implant Process
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing when you arrive at our practice on the day of implant surgery. Do not wear any jewelry or makeup. Before surgery, you may receive antibiotics. If you are nervous or have dental anxiety, we may offer you nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or IV sedation to relax you and make the experience pleasant. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area where the dental implant will be placed. You will not feel any pain during the procedure.
During the procedure, Dr. Dickson makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone and then drills a hole into the bone where the implant will be placed. The implant is then carefully inserted into the jawbone.
After the implant is placed, osseointegration begins, during which the implant fuses with the surrounding bone tissue. This healing period typically takes several months, during which temporary crowns or bridges are worn so that you can speak, eat, and smile confidently.
Once osseointegration is complete and the implant is firmly integrated into the jawbone, a second minor surgery may be required to expose the implant and attach an abutment. The abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the final restoration.
After the abutment is placed and the gums have healed around it, impressions of the mouth are taken to create a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture that will be attached to the implant(s). The final step involves attaching the custom-made restoration to the abutment. The restoration is carefully positioned and secured, ensuring a natural-looking and functional result. There are occasions when permanent restorations are created before surgery and attached immediately following implant placement, such as Teeth-in-an-Hour.
After the completion of the dental implant procedure, regular follow-up visits are necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure the long-term success of the implants.

1. Normal

2. Tooth Loss

3. Healed Bone

4. Implant Placed

5. Healing

6. Implant Restored
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
With so many options available, it can be difficult to grasp the many procedures and components that go into the final cost of dental implants. Every procedure is different depending on the type of implant, the number of implants, and the complexity of the surgery. Please visit our Cost of Dental Implants page to learn more.
Dental Implants FAQ
How do dental implants compare to other tooth replacement options?
Dentures and bridges both have limitations because they are removable. They are prone to breakage, tend to rub against the gums (causing pain or even sores), and must be removed for cleaning and sleep.
Dental implants are the closest thing to your natural teeth. They are permanent, fixed, and do not irritate your gums. Implants also restore your full bite force, something you do not have with dentures or bridges. You can eat all the foods you love, even tough, chewy foods, and you do not have to worry about seeds getting stuck under your implant teeth. Put simply, dental implants last longer, perform better, and feel more comfortable than other tooth replacement options.
Will dental implants look and feel natural?
Absolutely. Because the artificial teeth are firmly anchored in your jawbone, they do not move or shift, so they feel like your natural teeth. Our D.C. prosthetics team carefully crafts your replacement teeth based on digital impressions of your mouth for a custom match.
How do I care for dental implants?
You care for dental implants like you care for natural teeth. Floss daily and brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush. Avoid gritty or abrasive toothpaste. Visit your dentist twice yearly for checkups and professional cleanings to avoid gum disease.
Can dental implants be used to replace multiple missing teeth?
Of course! Dental implants are the ideal solution for many individuals, whether they have one missing tooth or an entire mouth of missing teeth.
How soon can I return to normal activities after getting dental implants?
We suggest taking 2-3 days off to relax and let the healing begin. During this time, staying hydrated and maintaining a soft diet are essential. We will provide you with detailed post-op instructions. On day two or three, you can return to work and other everyday activities but should avoid strenuous activities such as sports, exercise, or heavy lifting for the first week following surgery.
To learn more about dental implants and how they can improve your smile and your ability to enjoy life, call our office at Virginia Dental Implant Institute Phone Number 540-662-6400 to arrange a free consultation with Dr. Dickson.
Accepting New Patients in Winchester VA
Virginia Dental Implant Institute Phone Number 540-662-6400 Appointments