Get a Confident Smile with Dental Implants at Clifton Dental Care

Missing a tooth can affect your confidence, eating habits, and oral health. At Clifton Dental Care, we offer dental implants—a long-lasting, natural-looking solution to restore your smile. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Deborah Chung, uses advanced techniques to make the process seamless and stress-free. Call us at (703) 818-0007 to schedule your consultation.

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What Are Dental Implants and How Do They Work?

Dental implants are usually recommended for replacing missing teeth. They consist of a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. Once healed, a custom-made crown is attached, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth. Implants are versatile and suitable for single-tooth replacement, multiple teeth, or even securing dentures.

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Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

Ideal candidates are adults in good general health with:

• Healthy gums free of periodontal disease.
• Sufficient jawbone density to support the implant (bone grafting may be an option if bone is limited).
• Commitment to maintaining oral hygiene and attending follow-up visits.

Implants may not be suitable for heavy smokers, those with uncontrolled chronic conditions like diabetes, or patients undergoing certain medical treatments. At Clifton Dental Care, we conduct a thorough evaluation, including X-rays and a health history review, to determine if implants are right for you. Our team explains every step, ensuring you feel confident and informed.

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Why Dental Implants

Unlike bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth, or dentures, which can slip, implants are fixed in place, offering stability and comfort. They also preserve jawbone health by stimulating bone growth, preventing the bone loss that often follows tooth extraction. With proper care, implants can last 15–30 years or even a lifetime, making them a worthwhile investment in your oral health.

• Natural Look and Feel: Custom crowns are crafted to blend seamlessly with your teeth, restoring your smile’s appearance. The implant’s secure fit feels like a natural tooth, not a foreign object.
• Stability: Implants are anchored in the jawbone, eliminating the slipping or clicking common with dentures. You can speak, laugh, and eat confidently, enjoying foods like apples or steak without worry.
• Jawbone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure. Dentures and bridges don’t offer this benefit, often leading to a sunken appearance over time.
• Low Maintenance: Care for implants like natural teeth—brush twice daily, floss, and attend regular checkups. Unlike dentures, there’s no need for adhesives or nightly removal.
• Long-Term Value: While the initial cost may be higher than dentures, implants’ durability makes them cost-effective. Studies show a 95–98% success rate over 10+ years with proper care.

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The Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step

The dental implant process happens in a few simple steps. It may take a few months, but it’s worth it for a long-lasting result.

• Consultation and Planning: We begin with a comprehensive exam, including digital X-rays and 3D imaging, to assess your oral health and bone structure. Dr. Chung discusses your goals and creates a personalized treatment plan. If bone grafting is needed, we’ll explain this option.
• Implant Placement: Under local anesthesia (with sedation options for your comfort), the titanium post is surgically placed in the jawbone. The procedure takes about 1–2 hours per implant. A temporary crown or restoration may be provided during healing.
• Healing and Osseointegration: Over 3–6 months, the implant fuses with the jawbone in an osseointegration process, ensuring a strong foundation. You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor progress.
• Crown Placement: Once healed, a custom-crafted crown, designed to match your natural teeth in color and shape, is attached to the implant. The result is a secure, natural-looking tooth that functions like your own.

We use minimally invasive techniques and offer sedation for anxious patients. Our team is with you every step, answering questions and ensuring a smooth experience.

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Healing Time and What to Expect After Getting Implants

After getting your implant, you’ll need some time to heal. This helps your jaw bond with the implant. It might take a few months, but don’t worry; it’s all part of the process.

What to Expect

• You could feel some pain or swelling, it’s normal
• You’ll want to avoid eating hard foods while you’re healing
• We’ll check in with follow-up visits to make sure everything’s looking good

Everyone heals at their own pace, but with some care, you’ll be smiling big again soon!

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Meet Our Team

Dr. Deborah Chung, D.D.S.

Dr. Deborah Chung is from Richmond, Virginia. She went to Virginia Commonwealth University and did great in Biology and Chemistry. After that, she went to the VCU School of Dentistry to become a dentist. She didn’t stop there! Dr. Chung trained more at Penn State University Hospital to learn how to fix teeth and do surgeries. She loves learning new things to stay up-to-date. Dr. Chung works hard to give her patients the best care. She is clear, fair, and honest with everyone she treats. Dr. Chung is also part of several dental groups. You will love how she cares for you!

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Payment and Insurance Options

Clifton Dental Care provides dental care for families in the Clifton area. We know that money matters are different for everyone. Our team will help you find a payment plan that works for you. We accept checks, cash, and credit. You can also use financing options.

We accept many types of dental insurance. Just give us a call at (703) 818-0007 to check if we accept yours. If your insurance doesn’t cover everything, don’t worry! We’ll still help. Your health is our top priority. Our prices are fair, and we want to make it easy for you to get the care you need. Call us today!