Innovative Implants: 3i Dental Implants

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, the quality of your goes a long way in determining the longevity of your treatment restoration in regards to both function and aesthetics. At the Lorton and Springfield dental implant offices of Dr. Snehal Patel, we utilize innovative technology and materials to ensure successful, long-term results. When placing dental implants, we recommend Biomet 3i dental implants.

Why are 3i implants so successful?

Part of the success yielded by 3i dental implants is due to the unique surface of the implant. Unlike other implant posts, 3i implants have a textured micro-surface. As a result, this implant helps spur accelerated osseointegration, allowing patients to enjoy a speedy recovery post treatment as well as a sturdy foundation for the remaining components of their restorations.

Additionally, 3i dental implants contain calcium phosphate within the implant. For patients with deteriorating bones as a result of tooth loss, this compound helps ensure successful osseointegration and improved bone strength. The inclusion of calcium phosphate into the implant also allows patients to receive multiple dental implants at once, offering greater treatment efficiency for patients receiving multiple dental implants.

Who is eligible for 3i dental implants?

Similar to any other implant treatment, 3i implants are an optimal tooth replacement solution for any individual missing a single tooth or multiple teeth. Dental implants can also be used to secure larger restorations, such as dentures or partials and may be included as part of a larger full mouth rehabilitation treatment plan.

Biomet 3i dental implants are unique in that they can also be used as immediate load dental implants. In these scenarios, patients with sufficient jaw bone density could ideally have their implant placed and the abutment and restoration “loaded” onto the implant within a day. While there are a number of benefits associated with this approach to restoration treatment, there are a number of factors that must be considered before recommending immediate load dental implants, or same day dental implants.

At Lorton Springfield Dental Implant and Oral Surgery, ourmission is to provide patients with the best solution for their smile. By utilizing advanced technology to thoroughly examine the condition of your teeth, gums, jaw bone, and bite, our Lorton oral surgeon can recommend personalized restorative treatments that will last well into the future. For more information about improving your smile with 3i dental implants or other implant-supported treatment options, contact our dental implant office today. We conveniently have locations in Lorton and Springfield. 

The Health Benefits of Dental Implants

When choosing dental restorations there are a number of factors to consider, including what is involved in the treatment, the long-term results, and cost. Most importantly, individuals must consider what the long-term health implications are of their desired treatment. In addition to the aesthetic benefits offered by dental implants, this restorative dental treatment also offers a number of health advantages when compared to traditional restorations.

Why are there so many health benefits associated with dental implants?

Part of the reason why dental implants remain successful and functional well into the future is due to the components that make up dental implants as well as how they are integrated into the dentition. The basic structure of a dental implant consists of an implant post, a connective abutment, and the final restoration, which can range from a single crown to total arch replacement with an implant-supported denture.

As the implant post is designed to mimic the natural tooth root, this biocompatible component stimulates the jaw bone exactly as the original tooth root does. During the recovery period following implant placement, the bone and implant fuse together, effectively ensuring that the implant becomes an integrated part of the jaw. Known as osseointegration, this naturally occurring process is critical to the long-term success of the restorative treatment.

Successful osseointegration also plays an important role in creating the long-term advantages associated with dental implants. For starters, the stimulation provided by the integration of the implant into the bone helps to encourage healthy bone regeneration. In the long run, this helps preserve the facial structure in addition to preventing additional tooth loss.

Dental implant integration also helps to preserve the alignment of the dentition. Often, the teeth next to an empty gap tend to shift into the space left by missing or extracted teeth. This can have a domino effect of the rest of the smile, compromising overall functionality. Since dental implants are firmly anchored into the dentition, this restorative treatment also helps prevent this shift, protecting the alignment of the smile and jaw.

Dental Implants in Northern Virginia

If you are weighing your restorative treatment options, contact Dr. Snehal Patel of Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery. Our specialty dental practice is proud to offer a number of dental implant and implant-supported treatment options designed to improve the look, function, and health of your smile. 

The Importance of Preventive Dental Care

When it comes to keeping your smile healthy, preventive dental care techniques are among the most important tools patients can adopt to protect their teeth and gums. Often, the consequences of failing to do so can have lasting effects on your oral and overall health. However, there are steps that can be incorporated into your oral hygiene routine to keep your smile healthy.

Start Early: Adopting an effective oral hygiene regimen early can be the key to lasting oral health. By incorporating good oral health habits early in life, patients have the opportunity to learn those crucial skills before their permanent teeth come in, ensuring that they know the right way to take care of their smile. Additionally, an early introduction to dental health can reduce the likelihood of developing dental fears or anxiety in the future. 

Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat: While this may seem redundant, establishing a consistent oral hygiene routine can minimize the opportunity for bacteria to develop in your mouth. By thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, patients can prevent plaque from hardening into tartar and causing gingivitis. Following these actions with an antibacterial mouthwash can further reduce the opportunity for plaque and bacteria to wreak havoc on your smile.

Eat Smile Healthy Foods: A balanced diet isn’t just good for your health. Good nutrition is crucial to maintaining healthy gums and avoiding tooth decay. Certain foods, like cheese, peanuts, yogurt and milk are great for protecting your teeth from plaque development. Limiting sugary food and beverage consumption can also help prevent plaque buildup. Additionally, individuals should avoid indulging in a bedtime snack, as food left on the teeth overnight can increase the chance of cavity development.

Visit the Dentist: According to the American Dental Association (ADA), individuals should visit the dentist twice a year for a routine professional cleaning. While these check-ups may seem unnecessary, they make up an important part of preventive dentistry and are a key element to lasting oral health. During these appointments, your general dentist will examine your entire mouth for abnormalities as well as signs of gum disease, dental decay, and oral cancer. Early identification of these conditions can prevent your dental visit turning from a routine check-up into an invasive restoration procedure.

By following these basic oral hygiene tips, you can keep your smile healthy and beautiful. However, in the event more extensive treatment is needed in order to re-establish your oral health, contact Dr. Patel and the team at Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery today. We offer a number of restoration and correction procedures customized to help patients regain lasting oral health.

Living with TMD

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD, refers to a range of painful conditions that affect the jaw, jaw joint (also known as the temporomandibular joint), and surrounding muscles. While there is not a single specific cause of TMD, certain factors such as stress, arthritis, poor jaw and bite alignment, and other dental-related conditions may increase the likelihood of developing TMD.

The jaw and jaw joint are responsible for a number of subconscious functions, such as biting, chewing, speaking, and even breathing. When this functionality is compromised by the development of TMD, the condition can greatly impede a patient’s daily life, making it painful and difficult to even open their mouth.

To alleviate some of the discomfort caused by TMD, many patients find oral appliances or stabilization splints to be a versatile, and a minimally invasive method of alleviating their pain. When combined with some at home remedies, patients quickly notice an improvement in their quality of life and overall dental function. Some of these at-home solutions include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication: The swelling of the muscles and tissues surrounding the joint can make basic oral functions extremely painful. Taking ibuprofen or another over-the-counter anti-inflammatory can help reduce this swelling.
•  Learn to Relax: By learning relaxation techniques that lower your overall stress level, many patients that clench or grind their teeth when stressed can help loosen their jaws and alleviate their TMD-related pain.
• Eating soft foods: Crunchy, chewy, or hard foods can also cause joint inflammation. Sticking to softer foods can help patients avoid having to use their jaws excessively and prevent painful TMD flare-ups.
• Separate your teeth: As many individuals clench or grind their teeth when stressed, this may trigger painful TMD episodes. Rather than clenching, try putting your tongue between your teeth to create a cushion between the arches and prevent grinding.
• Try jaw stretches: By practicing minor stretches daily, patients can improve their range of pain-free jaw movement, increasing the overall functional capabilities of the joint.

Thanks to modern dentistry, there are a wide range of treatments available to help alleviate the pain caused by TMD. At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, our team helps patients identify the best solution for their unique case of TMD, improving their overall dental function and jaw health. For more information about treating TMD with oral appliances, contact our Lorton or Springfield dental offices today.

Preparing for Dental Implants: Socket Preservation

Ideally, treatment for dental trauma should seek to preserve as many of your natural teeth as possible. When this is not an option, proactive dental restoration often involves treating the supporting jaw bone to ensure successful care. Socket preservation is an effective method of reinforcing weakened bone and creating a stable foundation for your future restoration.

What is Socket Preservation?

Socket preservation is designed to encourage the body to naturally repair sockets left by missing teeth. When implemented immediately following tooth extraction, socket preservation efforts can reduce bone atrophy in the jaw. Unlike ridge modification, where the graft is placed on bone, socket preservation places grafts directly inside the tooth socket.

The Socket Preservation Procedure

Following tooth extraction, bone, or a bone substitute, is placed inside the empty tooth socket. The socket is then covered with a gum graft or an artificial membrane that encourages the body to heal the socket itself. While socket preservation is not a permanent solution, it does prevent gum tissue and bone from growing in the empty socket and causing bone shrinkage in the jaw.

How Does Socket Preservation Help Me?

Scientific evidence has shown that, within the first year following tooth loss or extraction, anywhere from 40 – 60% of the socket is reabsorbed by the jaw. This can have a domino effect on other oral structures by causing the jaw bone to shrink, compromising dental function and putting other teeth at risk of becoming loose. Bone atrophy can also make the process of placing dental implants more difficult by requiring preparation surgeries to ensure the jaw is healthy enough to support the implants. 

Socket preservation provides patients with a comprehensive treatment that protects the shape of their smile. By preserving the socket, patients have a greater chance of successful dental implant placement, leading to a long-lasting restoration and improved dental function.

Socket Preservation in Northern Virginia

For more information on preparing for dental implants with socket preservation, contact Dr. Snehal Patel at Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery. With offices in Lorton as well as Springfield, our dental team strives to help patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles through long-lasting restoration solutions.  

Recover Correctly from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Recovering from any surgical procedure requires rest and following doctor’s instructions; wisdom teeth extraction is no exception. In order to minimize post-treatment discomfort and ensure a successful recovery, here are some helpful do’s and don’ts to consider.

Post-operational Dos

•  Replace the gauze placed over the wound every few hours. If bleeding continues beyond the first 24 hours, call Dr. Patel to schedule an emergency follow-up appointment.
• Use ice packs for the first 24 hours. Try holding the packs outside your cheek for 15-20 minute increments at a time. After the first day, you can apply a warm washcloth to the outside of your cheek for the following days.
•  Stick to soft foods. Wait to reintroduce solid foods into your diet until the healing process is well underway.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day. Try mixing 1tsp of salt water with 8 ounce of warm water.
• Take Motrin or other pain reliever to soothe any discomfort. General discomfort is expected during the post-operational stage, however many of our patients find their pain easily managed with over-the-counter medication. If you find the extraction site particularly sore, Dr. Patel recommends trying SockIt! Gel. When applied inside the socket, the oral gel effectively numbs the area. 
• Maintain your oral hygiene regimen. It is recommended that you brush your teeth post-operation to remove any bacteria and plaque build-up. Remember to be gentle around the surgical sites.

Post-operational Don’ts

•  Avoid lying flat, as this may prolong bleeding.
• Do not smoke cigarettes or use a straw for the first few days following surgery, as the suction force can prevent clotting. Smoking can also introduce bacteria to the surgical site, increasing your chances of post-operational infection.
• When possible, do not touch the wound. Prodding it with your tongue or fingers can introduce bacteria to the surgical site, increasing your chances of infection as well as slowing recovery time.
• Limit physical activity. While you might feel fine once the initial symptoms have worn off, it is important to remember that you are in the post-operative stage. Physical exertion can increase bleeding and prevent the wound from clotting.

During recovery, it is important to remember is not to rush the process. While the procedure may have been minor, your body is still recovering. Ignoring post-surgery instructions can cause other complications to arise, such as dry socket, infection, or damage to the surrounding teeth, jaw, or nerves.

By fully following Dr. Patel’s post-operation instructions, you can enjoy a successful post-wisdom teeth surgery recovery. For more information on wisdom teeth extraction, contact our Lorton and Springfieldoffice to schedule an extraction consultation. 

Oral Solutions to TMD

Temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMD, can be debilitating conditions that prevent patients from enjoying life to the fullest. Thanks to innovations in modern dentistry, individuals suffering from the painful symptoms of TMD have many treatment options. One particular treatment recommended to most patients is a stabilizing oral appliance.

Oral Appliances 101

Similar to a night guard or a bite guard, oral appliances are used to reposition the jaw in a neutral position overnight. There are a number of different stabilization appliances, each designed to address the unique issue caused by a dysfunctional temporomandibular joint. Two of the more commonly known splints are the stabilization splints and mandibular repositioning splints (MORA).

Usually worn only at night, stabilization splints are typically used to prevent TMD patients from clenching or grinding their teeth. They are custom made to cover all of the patient’s teeth and can be made from soft or hard materials. In contrast, MORA appliances are worn for extended periods of time. This version of the splint is a bit more invasive as it is used to realign the entire bite by permanently repositioning the jaw.

Regardless of the type of oral appliance selected, many patients notice a significant improvement in the condition of their joint after using a stabilization or repositional splint. When combined with self-care exercises such as resting your jaw, alternately applying ice and heat, and regularly stretching your jaw, many patients are able to manage the TMD-related pain and regain oral functionality.

Alternatives to Oral Appliances

Splints are not the only oral solution for TMD-related issues. Depending on the source of TMJ-pain, orthodontics may sometimes be recommended for patients with poor bites. Similarly, if missing or deteriorated teeth are the cause of the TMD, patients may consider some form of restorative dental treatment to correct the function of their smile.

For certain patients, splints and orthodontics may not be sufficient treatments for alleviating temporomandibular pain. While there are surgical procedures available for correcting the position of the jaw, condyles, or other components of the temporomandibular joint, surgical treatment is typically considered a final option.

At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, our team is available to help you understand your TMD treatment options. For more information about oral appliances and the dental approach to TMD care, contact our dental offices in Lorton andSpringfield today to schedule your consultation.