Services
What Is Dental Implant Placement?
A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone to act as the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant heals and bonds with the bone, it provides a strong, stable foundation for a custom implant crown that looks and feels like a natural tooth.
Implants are one of the most reliable ways to replace missing teeth. At Shore Drive Dental, we guide you through every stage of treatment, from your first consultation to your final smile, with a focus on comfort and long-lasting results.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
Prevent Bone Loss
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area can begin to shrink over time without a root to support it.
Keep Teeth From Shifting
Gaps allow neighboring teeth to drift, which can affect your bite and alignment.
Restore Chewing and Speech
Replacing missing teeth helps you eat comfortably and speak clearly.
Protect Your Facial Structure
Healthy bone and a full set of teeth help support the natural shape of your face.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Natural Look and Feel
Implants are designed to blend in with your smile and function like your own teeth.
Strong and Stable
Anchored in the jawbone, implants won’t slip or shift when you eat or talk.
Protects Neighboring Teeth
Implants stand on their own, so healthy teeth next to the gap don’t need to be reshaped.
Long-Lasting
With good care and regular checkups, implants can last for many years, often a lifetime.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options
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Dental Implant Replaces the tooth root and crown, helps preserve jawbone, and doesn’t rely on neighboring teeth.
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Dental Bridge A fixed, non-surgical option that uses the teeth on either side of the gap for support. Learn more about crowns and bridges.
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Snap-On Smile A removable, non-invasive option that can fill in spaces from missing teeth. Learn more about Snap-On Smile.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Many adults with missing teeth are good candidates for implants. You may be a great fit if you:
- Are missing one or more teeth
- Have healthy gums
- Have enough jawbone to support an implant, or are willing to have a bone graft if needed
- Are in good overall health
- Are willing to commit to good oral hygiene and regular checkups
Treatment Process
STEP 01
Consultation and Imaging
We examine your mouth, review your health history, and take X-rays and imaging to check your bone and plan the implant position.
STEP 02
Treatment Planning
We create a personalized plan and let you know whether any preparation, such as an extraction or bone graft, is needed first.
STEP 03
Implant Placement
After numbing the area, we place the implant into the jawbone with care and precision.
STEP 04
Healing Period
Over the next few months, the implant bonds with the surrounding bone to create a strong foundation.
STEP 05
Abutment and Crown
Once healed, we attach an abutment and place your custom implant crown to complete your new tooth.
Aftercare Tips
Follow Your Post-Op Instructions
Take any recommended steps carefully during the first few days to support healing.
Eat Soft Foods
Choose soft foods at first and avoid chewing directly on the implant site.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of implant complications.
Keep the Area Clean
Brush gently and follow our cleaning instructions to keep the site healthy as it heals.
Why Shore Drive Dental
Why Choose Shore Drive Dental for Dental Implants?
At Shore Drive Dental, we see dental implants as a long-term investment in your health and confidence. We take time to plan every detail, explain your options in plain language, and support you through each stage of treatment. Our holistic, fluoride-free approach to care carries through from placement to your final crown.
We offer flexible financial options to help make treatment affordable, and our convenient hours include Saturday appointments by request.
Dental Implants
FAQs
The area is fully numbed during placement, so most patients feel pressure but not pain. Mild soreness and swelling afterward are normal and usually improve within a few days.
The full process often takes several months, mostly to allow the implant to heal and bond with the bone. Your timeline depends on your health and whether any preparation, like a bone graft, is needed.
With good daily care and regular checkups, dental implants can last for many years, and often a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacement over time due to normal wear.
A bone graft may be able to rebuild the area so it can support an implant. We will let you know during your consultation if this is needed.
Yes. Your implant crown is custom-made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth.
Coverage varies by plan. Some dental plans cover part of the cost of implant treatment. Our team can help you review your benefits and financial options.
Call Us
Book Your Appointment Today!
Ready to replace a missing tooth with confidence? Call Shore Drive Dental or visit our Virginia Beach office to schedule your dental implant consultation.
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