Answering Questions About Restorative Dentistry

Are you missing permanent teeth? Do you have tooth damage that is impacting the look and function of your bite? Renew your smile with restorative dental services. Our restorative dentistry treatments help patients replace missing teeth and treat damaged teeth in Newport News, VA. Restorative dental treatments are an important part of dental care to improve the overall appearance and function of the smile.

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FAQs: Restorative Dentistry in Newport News, VA

Read answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more about our restorative dental services:

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants themselves can last a lifetime. While patients may need to replace their dental crowns, dental bridges, or dentures over time, implants stay in the mouth. Patients can ensure that their implants last by keeping up with a good oral hygiene routine. Additionally, patients should stay away from cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products as they can lead to implant failure.

What are the problems with removable dentures?

Traditional, removable dentures can cause problems for many patients. Even though dentures restore the appearance of natural teeth, they have several disadvantages. Dentures lay on top of the gums and often need adhesive to stay in place. However, the denture can still slip around the mouth. Dentures can also irritate the gum tissue. Many patients cannot eat hard or crunchy foods with dentures.

Because of these problems, we recommend implant-supported dentures. Implants secure dentures and support patients’ gum and bone health. An oral surgeon places implant posts in the jaw bone. Once they heal, the implant posts are a stable foundation for a dental restoration like dentures.

Can I get dental implants if I already have a dental bridge or denture?

We encourage patients to visit our office for implants if they already have a dental restoration. Our dentists prefer implants over traditional bridges or dentures because of their stability.

While traditional dental bridges may not be removable, they require support from natural teeth. Patients do not need to cover healthy, natural teeth with crowns to support their restoration.

We will work with you to ensure that you are a good candidate for implant treatment. The best candidates for dental implants have sufficient jaw bone tissue. Healthy bone tissue supports the implant posts. Patients also need to be in good oral health. We can recommend gum disease treatments, extractions, and bone grafting as needed. Our team ensures that patients are healthy before we place the dental implants.

Do you want to restore your smile? Request a dental consultation on our website. You can also call Dr. William Harper for treatment today at 757.414.7227. If you have remaining questions about restorative dentistry, please let us know and we will gladly help.