Do you have missing teeth? Are your gums sensitive or swollen? Restore your smile at Herndon Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Restorative dental care renews the form and function of the smile. With restorative care, we can replace missing teeth, treat gum disease, and address tooth damage. Dr. Mark Jefferies provides restorative dentistry to patients in Herndon, VA. Along with his dental team, Dr. Jefferies works with patients to find the source of their oral health problems and create a custom treatment plan to address their symptoms. Dr. Jefferies understands that dental problems can have a big impact on the way people, eat, speak, and smile. Restorative dental solutions can create long-lasting differences in the health and comfort of each patient. Q&A: Restorative Dentistry in Herndon, VA Do you have questions about restorative dentistry? Read answers to common questions patients have about their restorative dental options: What are the benefits of dental implants? Dental implants are one of the most versatile options for patients with single or multiple missing teeth. Implants consist of a titanium post, abutment, and dental crown. Once implants are healed, they become a permanent part of the smile because they fuse with the jaw bone. Dental implants can also be used to secure a dental bridge or denture in place. Implants feel and look like natural teeth and improve the patient’s oral health, speech, and bite. How do I know I have gum disease? There are several early signs of gum disease, including swollen, red, and bleeding gums. If your gums bleed when you brush and floss your teeth and gums, you may have gingivitis. Also known as gum inflammation, gingivitis is the precursor to gum disease and is easily reversible with routine dental cleanings and a good oral hygiene routine. What are dental crowns made of? Tooth crowns may be made of zirconium, porcelain fused to metal, or porcelain ceramic. We use porcelain ceramic crowns because they easily blend in with the rest of the smile. This porcelain ceramic material is beneficial for teeth in the smile line, or teeth that are visible when you smile. Traditional metal crowns are durable but do not look natural. Are partial dentures and dental bridges the same? Although both partial dentures and dental bridges replace rows of consecutive missing teeth, they can have different uses for the smile. Partial dentures can replace multiple rows of teeth in different areas of the mouth. Dental bridges often replace one or two missing teeth. In addition, a dental bridge is solely the false teeth that fill a gap in a smile. Partials can also include artificial gums for false teeth. Schedule a Dental Consultation Today Do you require restorative dental care? Call Herndon Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today. New patients can call (703) 570-1152 and current patients may call (703) 793-1771. You can also request a dental appointment with us online. Do not hesitate to ask our team any questions about your treatment options or current dental concerns. They will always be glad to assist you.
How Do I Care For My Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement treatment because of how easy it is to care for them. The most important thing to remember is that keeping the gum tissue and supporting jaw bone healthy will ensure that your implants will remain stable and secure in your mouth. Dr. Mark S. Jefferies is a restorative dentist in Herndon, VA who wants you to take proper care of your dental implants for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. Can Dental Implants Get Infected? To understand how to care for implants, take some time to learn about whether dental implants can get infected. Because dental implants are artificial, it is impossible for the implant itself to decay or develop a cavity. However, the longevity of the dental implant can be in jeopardy when gum tissue around the implant becomes inflamed. This kind of infection is known as implantitis. Implantitis affects the soft and hard tissues surrounding dental implants. During the inflammatory process, dental implants can become covered in the same destructive bacteria that cause periodontal infections in natural teeth and, if left undisturbed, these bacteria can form dental calculus. Calculus is a rough hard deposit that can eat away at the supporting gum and bone that surround the implant and hold it in place in the jaw. Once calculus has established itself, this deposit cannot be brushed or flossed off and can only be removed by a dental hygienist. Failure to do this can lead to receding gum tissue and bone loss and may result in the implant falling out. Caring For Dental Implants: Keeping Implants Healthy Keep your oral health in check and avoid calculus formation by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Cleaning your teeth after meals is especially important. This is accomplished by gently brushing with and ADA approved toothbrush, giving special attention to all sides of the implant. Dr. Jefferies advises using the following: Small, soft, ADA-approved manual toothbrush or an electric brush Low-abrasive, tartar-control toothpaste Dental floss for cleaning around the implant Antimicrobial mouth rinses Not only should you perform dental hygiene at home daily, but be sure to schedule regular visits to Dr. Jefferies. It is recommended that you have a professional exam and cleaning every 3-6 months. You should also have your dental implants examined by x-ray annually. What Happens If I Don’t Take Care Of My Implants? Implants can develop issues without consistent daily care. Bleeding is usually the earliest sign of a problem. This condition is known as mucositis. The current research suggests that this may be successfully treated and is reversible if caught early. Unfortunately if it progresses to bone loss, also known as peri-implantitis, that is not a reversible condition. If peri-implantitis is not treated it can lead to advanced bone loss and the implant loosening or even falling out. Restorative Dentistry in Herndon, VA If you think you would benefit from implants due to missing or broken teeth or need the implants you already have inspected, Dr. Jefferies and his team are ready to help. Please call us at (703) 570-1152 or schedule a consultation online today!
Should I Get Dental Implants?
Patients who are dealing with missing teeth now have several treatment options available, but one treatment stands apart. Dental implants are a popular missing tooth replacement solution due to their durability, ease of care, and natural appearance. Dr. Mark S. Jefferies is a Herndon, VA implant dentist who can help you achieve your cosmetic dentistry goals. Learn more about whether implants are right for you, how they work, and how to get them. What is a Dental Implant? What makes dental implants such a good choice for so many patients is how they provide the same functionality as your natural teeth. The implant is a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone with a prosthetic tooth, called a crown, attached. A single implant can replace just one missing tooth, or multiple can be used to support a full denture restoration in a procedure called All-On-Four. Who Needs Dental Implants? Many people are good candidates for dental implants. Patients who are looking for tooth replacement should consider them and enjoy these benefits: Stabilize surrounding healthy teeth Stimulate jaw tissue production to prevent bone loss Eat a normal diet without restrictions common with dentures Avoid denture adhesives and special cleaning If you have a tooth that needs extraction, you can fill the gap with an implant. People with missing teeth are potential candidates for dental implants. If you’ve lost a tooth after extensive decay due to periodontal disease, you will be left with an empty space in your mouth. More than a cosmetic concern, an empty space in the mouth can cause further tooth decay and bone loss. Implants help stabilize the tissue more than other tooth replacement options. Herndon, VA Dental Implants Dr. Jefferies believes in empowering his patients to own their oral health and have the smile of their dreams. We work with you and a local oral surgeon to coordinate the best treatment so you can restore confidence in your smile. Contact us online today to request your appointment or call our office at (703) 570-1152.
How to Keep Your Dental Implants Healthy
Taking care of dental implants is very similar to taking care of natural teeth, which is one of the reasons why implants are such a popular treatment for missing teeth. Oral hygiene is just as important when you have dental implants, and it’s crucial to maintain healthy gum tissue and supporting jaw bone to keep them stable. Dr. Mark Jefferies is a Herndon, VA implant dentist focused on helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Learn more about how to care for your dental implants to keep your smile looking great and functioning at its best. Can Dental Implants Get Infected? Because dental implants are made of metal, the implant itself will not decay or form a cavity. The same goes for the artificial tooth, called the crown – it is never going to develop a cavity. However, the gum tissue surrounding the implant can become inflamed in an infection called implantitis, which affects the soft and hard tissues surrounding the implants. Dental implants can become covered in the same bacteria that cause gum disease in natural teeth, forming dental calculus. This is a rough and hard deposit that can destroy the gum tissue surrounding the implant, putting it at risk of becoming loose or failing entirely. Calculus cannot be removed by brushing or flossing and must be removed by a dental hygienist. How to Keep Dental Implants Healthy You can prevent dental implant failure from infection by maintaining good oral hygiene. Remove plaque by brushing twice a day and flossing every day. Be sure to floss around all sides of the implant and remove plaque from the gum line to prevent calculus buildup. Your implants also require regular examinations by your dentist. Even individuals with a full arch of dental implants should get X-rays and exams to ensure their implants are still functioning properly. Your dentist will inspect the gums around the implant and check that the implant is attached properly. Dental Implant Care in Herndon, VA Dr. Jefferies and his team offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry options to help patients restore their smiles. We believe that with the right treatment plan and proper care, your smile can stay healthy for a lifetime. Schedule an appointment with us online today or call our office at 703-570-1152.
4 Reasons Why People Get Dental Implants
Dental implants have many advantages over other tooth replacement alternatives such as dentures and bridges. What makes dental implants so popular over other options? Herndon, VA dentist Dr. Mark S. Jefferies offers dental implants to patients who are looking for a permanent solution to tooth loss. Here are four common reasons why patients choose dental implants over other tooth replacement options. 1. Implants Help Preserve and Protect Your Jawbone When empty spaces are left in the mouth after losing teeth, the underlying jawbone can deteriorate, risking the stability of the surrounding teeth. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement that stimulates new bone growth and prevents additional bone loss. Implants only require treatment to the immediate area of tooth loss, unlike dental bridges which require adjacent teeth to be ground down for the bridge to be anchored. 2. Dental Implants Function Like Natural Teeth One of the most common concerns patients have when looking for tooth replacements is whether the treatment will blend in with their natural smile. Dental implants look, feel, fit, and function exactly the same as your natural teeth. Once they heal, no one will be able to tell you have an implant, and you care for them just as you would your natural teeth. 3. Dental Implants Last A Lifetime While some other tooth replacement treatments need to be replaced as often as every 5 to 10 years, dental implants are designed to last several decades with proper care. Although implants are a larger investment up front, you will not need to continue to invest in maintenance beyond regular oral health care. 4. Implants Are Secure In Your Mouth Since dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw bone, they do not move around once the implant has fully healed. Unlike with dentures, which may slip or affect your speech, dental implants are secure in the mouth and do not hinder your ability to talk or eat. There is no adhesive or additional maintenance to worry about with a dental implant. Dental Implants in Herndon, VA To learn more about whether dental implants are right for you, contact Dr. Mark Jefferies by scheduling an appointment online or call (703) 570-1152 today. Our team can help you restore your smile and your confidence!
How Does All-On-Four Work?
You can change your life in just one visit to our Herndon, VA dentist office. Dr. Mark Jefferies offers a revolutionary denture treatment that replaces a full arch of teeth in just one day. Using as few as four tiny implants strategically placed in the mouth, Dr. Jefferies can remove teeth, insert implants, and secure your new restoration in as little as one trip to our office. All About All On Four All-On-Four is the revolutionary treatment that replaces missing teeth in just one visit. Using state-of-the-art imaging and detailed treatment planning, patients can receive permanent dental restorations, fully replacing their smile’s functionality and appearance. Implant-secured dentures improve the health and integrity of the jawbone in addition to restoring a natural appearance. All-On-Four removes the need for denture adhesives, allowing patients to eat, drink, speak, and smile normally — for a lifetime. How Does All-On-Four Work? A full arch of permanent dentures can be secured with just four tiny dental implants. Dental implants are the best solution for missing teeth, because they actually help preserve the integrity of the underlying jaw bone. With regular dentures, the jaw bone can recede due to the missing tooth roots, but dental implants actually take the place of the missing roots and keep the jaw healthy. Patients who receive implant-secured dental restorations also enjoy the security and confidence of a secure and well fit dental restoration that will not slip. All-On-Four implants will provide a lifetime of confidence and healthy smiles. Because the implants are surgically implanted into the jaw, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. Four implants are strategically placed along the jaw bone and temporary restorations are attached to allow the implants to heal. Temporary restorations are attached to allow you to return to normal activities, and then you’ll come back for your final restorations. Schedule A Dental Exam Today Dr. Jefferies offers complimentary dental implant consultations in our CITY office. This provides the opportunity for you to learn more about how dental implants can solve your dental problems and restore your smile. To schedule your appointment, request an appointment online or call (703) 570-1152 today.
Are Dental Implants Right For Me?
Are you missing one or more teeth? If the answer is yes, then it may be time to start exploring some of our tooth replacement options. Missing teeth can have a negative impact on your dental health and your social life. Many say the smile is one of the first features other people notice. When your smile is unsightly, it can affect the way others interact with you. In terms of dental health, even when you lose one tooth, it can cause a domino effect of oral health issues. As a result of tooth loss, you can experience bone density loss, gum disease, oral infection, and additional tooth loss. Not only is replacing lost teeth an essential part of restoring your smile, but it is also an important part of improving your oral health. One of the most common solutions for missing teeth is dental implants. Implants are small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jaw bone. A dental implant is designed to replace the tooth root and support a prosthetic tooth. The type of restoration you will receive will depend on the number and location of missing teeth. Herndon, VA dentist Dr. Jefferies and our team can work with you to determine if dental implants are right for you. Candidacy For Dental Implants To determine if dental implants are the right solution for you, it is imperative that you undergo an implant consultation. During your consultation, we can asses the overall condition of your dental health and recommend the best treatment options for you. While dental implants can be an excellent option for many patients, they are not ideal for everyone. If any of the following conditions apply, you may want to speak with our team to explore other tooth replacement options. Poor gum health: Ideally, patients with periodontal disease are not the best candidates for the implant procedure. It is important to have strong, healthy gums to help support the implant post. Existing medical conditions: It is ideal to be in overall good health to receive the implant procedures. Of course, this will vary from patient to patient. We can work with you to explore your treatment options. Smoking and tobacco use: Smoking can negatively impact the results of the implant procure. Be sure to speak with your doctor about ways to quit. Bone loss: Having an adequate amount of healthy bone structure only adds the chances of a successful dental implant procedure. If you don’t have a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure, we may recommend bone grafting to help increase your chance of a successful implant procedure. Schedule An Implant Consultation If you would like to learn more about dental implants in Herndon, VA, visit Dr. Jefferies for a consultation. Our dental care team can work with you to find the best solution for your missing teeth. If you would like to schedule an appointment, contact us or request an appointment online.