An attractive smile can help you approach life with confidence and see yourself in a different light. At Progressive Dental Care, Dr. Alka Mahajan, DMD, offers dental implants for men and women of all ages. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, Progressive Dental Care’s experienced team can replace missing or extremely damaged teeth to restore the appearance, functionality, and health of your smile. If you're ready to learn more, book an appointment online or call for a consultation today.

Dental Implants Q & A

What do dental implants do?

Dental implants, for many patients, are the next best thing to having natural teeth. When you lose your teeth due to tooth decay, a disease, or a traumatic injury, your self-esteem and smile can take a hit. Strong, durable, and aesthetically attractive dental implants help restore the simple confidence that comes with having natural teeth.

A dental implant is a metal post that a dentist implants into your jawbone beneath your gums. This is essentially the root of a new tooth. It's similar in shape to an everyday screw. Once the post is in place and your mouth fully heals, a process that typically takes a few weeks, your dentist mounts the new replacement tooth (crown) on the post permanently. The implants fuse to your jawbone, so they are strong, stable, and don’t shift in your mouth.

These posts also help other dental work, like bridges and dentures, stay solidly fastened to your jaw.

Why are dental implants so popular?

On top of feeling, functioning, and looking like natural teeth, dental implants offer the following advantages.

• Are a permanent, lifelong solution
• Offer a cost-effective solution to replacing a missing tooth
• Help maintain your natural smile and face shape
• Protect your healthy jawbone
• Help prevent decay of surrounding natural teeth
• Allow you to speak comfortably and naturally
• Don't fall out of your mouth
• Are sturdy enough for chewing all types of foods
• Aren’t susceptible to cavities with an implanted crown
• Offer a time-tested, predictable result for tooth repair

Who are candidates for dental implants?

It doesn't matter whether you're missing a couple of teeth or just one— you may be an ideal candidate for dental implants. Your gums need to be healthy, and your jaw must be finished growing. Dental implants are not appropriate for kids, as their mouths have not finished growing. However, implants are an exceptional solution for adults.

You may also be a prime candidate for implants if you're tired of having dentures that won't stay in place, or if you're ready to replace a bridge or partial dentures. Patients looking for a more permanent, long-term solution to dental work may be good candidates for implants. Dr. Mahajan discusses all your options and answers your questions during your consultation.

Ready to take the first step toward a more comfortable, confident smile? Call Progressive Dental Care or schedule an appointment online.