How can we help you?
At McLean Dental Loft, we understand that visiting a new dental practice can raise questions, and we're here to ensure you feel fully informed and at ease every step of the way. Whether you're curious about our services, wondering what to expect on your first visit, or looking for more information about insurance and scheduling, we've compiled answers to some of our most commonly asked questions below.
Dr. Ardalan Sanati, Dr. Shohreh Shahrem, and our entire team are committed to transparency and open communication, because an informed patient is a confident one. If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, please reach out to us directly. We're happy to answer your questions.
Browse through our FAQs below, and discover why McLean Dental Loft is McLean's premier destination for modern, patient-centered dental care.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are among the most durable and natural-feeling tooth-replacement options available. With the right care, they can last a lifetime. While implants themselves cannot develop cavities, the surrounding gum tissue and bone still require consistent attention to keep your implant healthy and stable for years to come.
Caring for Your Dental Implant
Here is what we recommend for day-to-day implant care:
- Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid whitening toothpaste, since it can be abrasive. Brush gently around the area where the implant meets the gumline, as plaque can accumulate there just as it would around a natural tooth.
- Floss daily or use a water flosser to clean the spaces around and beneath the implant crown. Keeping this area free of debris is essential for preventing gum inflammation and infection.
- Avoid excessive force. While implants are highly resilient, habits such as eating ice, biting your fingernails, or using your teeth as tools can place stress on the implant crown and surrounding structures.
- Wear a nightguard if recommended. If you grind or clench your teeth during sleep, a custom nightguard can protect your implant from the excessive pressure that can compromise its longevity over time.
- Avoid smoking. Tobacco use is one of the leading risk factors for implant failure, as it impairs healing and reduces blood flow to the gum tissue and bone that support your implant.
Schedule Routine Visits with Your McLean Dentist
Beyond your at-home routine, regular professional care is just as important:
- Attend your routine dental cleanings and checkups. Our team will monitor the health of your implant, check for signs of bone loss or gum disease, and professionally clean hard-to-reach areas at home.
- Let us know right away if you notice any discomfort, looseness, swelling, or changes around your implant. Catching potential issues early is the best way to protect your long-term results.
With the right habits and ongoing care from our team at McLean Dental Loft, your dental implant can serve you beautifully for decades to come. If you have any questions about your implant or your oral hygiene routine, we're always happy to help.
Dental implants are the most durable tooth replacement option available. With proper care, an implant can last 20 years or more, with many patients keeping them for the rest of their lives!
Note that while implants are incredibly durable, the dental crowns attached to them will need to be replaced at some point, typically after 10 to 15 years of normal wear.
What Affects Implant Longevity?
While the titanium implant post itself is highly durable, its lifespan depends on several factors:
- Your oral hygiene habits, including daily brushing and flossing
- Regular dental checkups to monitor the implant and surrounding gum tissue
- Whether you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism)
- The health and density of the supporting bone
- The precision of the dentist who places and restores the implant
Caring for Your Dental Implant
Dental implants don't get cavities, but the gum tissue and bone around them can still be affected by poor hygiene. Peri-implantitis, a gum infection around an implant, is one of the leading causes of implant failure and is largely preventable with consistent home care and professional cleanings.
Is a Dental Implant Right for You?
If you're considering a dental implant in McLean, schedule a consultation at McLean Dental Loft to find out if you're a good candidate.
Dr. Ardalan Sanati and Dr. Shohreh Shahram will evaluate your bone density, gum health, and overall oral health before recommending dental implants, helping ensure your investment lasts as long as possible!