Replacing Missing Teeth, Williamsburg VA
Your teeth affect your whole body. When they’re healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, or be damaged or lost. You may also experience headaches and/or jaw pain.
Who would want their appearance and health to deteriorate? That’s the natural consequence of missing teeth – the jaw literally melts away. Generally, people will lose 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes. The great news? Implants act just like your natural teeth. They safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health and appearance. Your dentist and the implant surgeon will provide you with options so that you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.
Tooth Replacement Options
You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions.
A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures. Age is not a factor. However, smoking, diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy to the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether they will accommodate implants. Detailed x-rays may also be required to determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge.
Flipper
A fragile, temporary and inexpensive solution is a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer, often called a “flipper”.
Metal Partial
A less fragile option is a removable partial denture cast in metal and plastic. It is held in place by wire clips. A removable partial denture can be removed and reinserted when required by the patient.
Denture
The most common solution, for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws are complete dentures. Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
What Are Dental Implants?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.
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Surgical Advances
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Kiely is able to place single stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of 3-4 months of healing time before final teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. Dr. Kiely performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your
Coastal Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Implants, Inc.
Patient Review
excellent all around
- John E
Patient Review
I have not had my procedure done yet but so far all seems to be working well.
- Cheryl B
Patient Review
The object of my visit was an implant consult. I felt they explained my options so that I understood them. They encouraged any questions i might have and explained the different financial options that could happen depending on my needs. Very satisfied with my visit.
- Bonnieq S
Patient Review
Personable and extremely experienced doctor and staff.
- Stephen K
Patient Review
Friendly staff makes one feel very comfortable and at ease.
- FRANCIS A
Patient Review
Definitely would recommend this office and doctor for your oral surgery, implants, extractions. Doctor is so knowledgeable, experienced, and the whole office just put me at ease. Highly recommend, easy and pleasant experience. Thank you.
- Lynne W
Patient Review
a freindly and professional atmosphere.
- Derick B
Patient Review
All professionals at their jobs who create an atmosphere of care and compassion.
- Mark W
Patient Review
It was a good experience particularly for someone who is afraid of dentists.
- Maru T
Patient Review
A friendly staff and comfortable environment
- Roger L
Patient Review
Doctor Kiely is excellent. He deserves 6 stars. Professional, explains everything clearly and is a perfectionist. The atmosphere is very welcoming and kind. Highly recommend.
- Anonymous
Patient Review
very professional
- Nancy W
Patient Review
Great experience overall. Staff is friendly and competent. Doc goes out of his way to explain everything and provide options.
- John D
Patient Review
By far the best dental office I have ever been involved with. Everyone, from the dentist, to each member of the staff, appears to honestly care about my progress in the lengthy journey from extraction through to the final implant. Appointments are made very quickly and easily; with the staff doing as much as they can to accommodate my wishes and needs, Even better than the rest, everyone appears to truly enjoy their job. The entire staff is usually smiling with occasional puns or jokes.
- Deborah D
Patient Review
Very courteous and knowledgeable of their's job.
- Nathaniel B
Patient Review
The doctor clearly explained what is involved.
- Carolyn H
Patient Review
Dr. Kiely is an outstanding Dentist
- Maureen S
Patient Review
The doctor was very knowledgeable and informed me about my procedure in a very clear and professional manner. Excellent office.
- Jennifer o
Patient Review
I felt very comfortable in the physical environment and was very impressed with the staff cordiality and with Dr. Kiely's professional yet personal interaction. My options were clearly stated and the insurance information was provided immediately as was the schedule for the procedure.
- Colleen W
Patient Review
Very prompt. Staff was very courteous and explained all treatment options. Dr. Kiely explained the procedure in understandable terminology without being condescending. Answered all of my questions. His staff seems phenomenal; polite, courteous and professional. I like the process with each staff member doing a great job. Very impressive.
- Bob H
Patient Review
As good as it could be for something that you don't want to do
- Elizabeth C
Patient Review
Looking forward to completing the project with this team
- Thomas R
Patient Review
Very pleased with the dentist. He patiently answered all my questions.
- Martha G
Patient Review
Everyone was so professional and courteous. I was put at ease at the moment I walked into the office.
- Sharon P
Patient Review
Efficient dental operation, well staffed, happy and courteous. I have trust in the oral surgeon to perform my surgery and implant.
- Walter O
Patient Review
Dr. Kiely and his staff are simply the best! They are very professional, very patient-oriented, extremely cognizant of patient comfort, and everyone in the practice is very approachable. The entire eight-month implant process was one of the easiest and non-stressful processes I've ever encountered. I would definitely recommend Dr. Kiely and his staff to others as one of the most outstanding practices in the Hampton Roads region.
- Judy M
Patient Review
Great visit. In and out in 25 minutes. Everything was done well and right on time.
- Dennis Stanzione
Patient Review
Put me at ease and will start process in a few weeks
- Mark L
Patient Review
Pleasant atmosphere and employees. Efficient doctor.
- Leonard T
Patient Review
Very satisfactory visit!
- Ann W