Missing teeth affect more than just your smile. They can change how you chew, speak, and feel about yourself. If you are considering a permanent solution, dental implants are widely recognized as the gold standard for tooth replacement. But how do you know if they are right for you?
At Centreville Dental Wellness Center, we help patients in Centreville, Manassas, and Chantilly navigate this life-changing decision every day. Our team, led by Dr. Rena Vakay—consistently voted among the Top Dentists in the Washington, D.C. area by Washingtonian Magazine and Northern Virginia Magazine—and Dr. Jason Abel, a graduate of the prestigious Misch Implant Institute and Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), brings elite expertise to your care.
Here is a checklist to help you determine if you are a prime candidate for dental implants.
A potentially good dental implant candidate typically has healthy gums, sufficient jawbone density, good oral hygiene habits, and is committed to maintaining long-term dental health
1. Healthy Gums and Oral Tissue
The foundation of a successful implant is healthy gum tissue. Periodontal (gum) disease is a leading cause of tooth loss and can jeopardize an implant’s stability. Before we can place an implant, we must ensure your gums are free of infection. If you have gum disease, it doesn’t mean implants are impossible; it simply means we need to treat the condition first to create a healthy environment for your new tooth.
2. Adequate Bone Density
Implants work by fusing with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a sturdy anchor for the replacement tooth, mimicking a natural root. For this to happen, you need sufficient jawbone density. When teeth are missing for a long time, the bone can deteriorate.
If your bone density is low, you might still be a candidate. Dr. Abel’s advanced training allows us to assess whether procedures like bone grafting can rebuild the necessary structure to support an implant.
3. Good Overall Health
Dental implant surgery is a minor surgical procedure, so your general health matters. Conditions that affect healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can impact the success rate of the implant. Additionally, habits like smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. During your consultation, we will review your medical history to ensure surgery is safe for you.
4. Commitment to Oral Hygiene
An implant looks and functions like a real tooth, but it still requires care. Long-term success depends on your commitment to brushing, flossing, and attending regular dental checkups. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis, an inflammation that can cause the implant to loosen. A candidate for success is someone ready to maintain a consistent cleaning routine.
The Dental Implant Process at Centreville Dental Wellness Center
One of the biggest advantages of choosing our practice is convenience and continuity of care. Many dental offices refer patients to outside specialists for the surgical portion of the implant process.
Here at Centreville Dental Wellness Center, we perform the entire dental implant procedure all in our office.
From the initial CBCT scan to the surgical placement of the implant and the final restoration of the crown, you stay with the team you know and trust. Dr. Vakay and Dr. Abel collaborate closely to ensure every step is seamless. We use advanced technology to plan the placement precisely, ensuring a comfortable experience and a beautiful, natural-looking result.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If you check most of the boxes on this list, you are likely an excellent candidate for dental implants. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation. Let us help you regain your confidence and your bite.
Contact Centreville Dental Wellness Center today to book your appointment.
CONTACT CENTREVILLE DENTAL WELLNESS CENTER
703-815-0775
LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
14245F CENTREVILLE SQ
CENTREVILLE, VIRGINIA
20121
