Dental Implants in Falls Church, VA - Precision Surgical Care

The Benefits of Choosing Merrifield Oral Surgery for Your Implants

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the specialists trained specifically for implant placement surgery. Our team brings board certification, advanced surgical training, and precision technology together to give you the best possible foundation for your new tooth.

Board-Certified Surgeons with Advanced Implant Training

All three of our surgeons hold board certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Each has completed residency training at an academic medical center and brings specific expertise in implant surgery and complex bone grafting cases. That level of training matters when your jawbone, nerves, and surrounding teeth all need to be carefully considered.

3D/CBCT Imaging and Guided Placement for Greater Precision

Before any implant is placed, we take a 3D cone beam CT scan of your jaw. This gives us a detailed, three-dimensional picture of your bone volume, nerve locations, and anatomy, far more information than a traditional X-ray provides. We use that data to plan exactly where the implant will go. Guided placement means the surgical steps follow a precise, pre-planned path, which helps protect surrounding structures and supports more predictable healing.

Sedation Options That Keep You Comfortable Throughout

Feeling nervous about surgery is completely normal. Our Sedation and Anesthesia options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, so you can choose the level of comfort that feels right for you. Most patients tell us they were surprised by how manageable the experience was.

What Happens When a Missing Tooth Goes Untreated

It is easy to put off addressing a missing tooth, especially when it is not visible. But waiting tends to make treatment more complex over time.

Consequences of Waiting

When a tooth root is gone, the bone in that area begins to resorb, meaning the body gradually reabsorbs it because it is no longer needed. As bone volume decreases:

• Adjacent teeth can shift toward the open space, changing your bite
• The opposing tooth may drift out of alignment
• Bone loss can spread, making future implant placement harder
• A bone graft may become necessary before an implant can be placed

Patients who act earlier typically have more bone to work with, simpler treatment plans, and shorter overall timelines.

Your Dental Implant Process, Step by Step

Every implant case is different, but the overall process follows a predictable sequence. Knowing what to expect helps make the whole experience feel less uncertain.

Consultation and 3D Imaging

Your first visit includes a thorough exam and a 3D CBCT scan. We review your medical history, assess your bone, and talk through your goals. By the end of the consultation, you will have a clear picture of what your treatment plan looks like and why.

Implant Placement

On the day of surgery, the implant post is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia, with sedation available if you prefer. The procedure itself is typically shorter than patients expect. Most people go home the same day and recover comfortably at home.

Healing and Osseointegration

Over the following weeks and months, the titanium post bonds with your jawbone. This integration process is what gives the implant its stability. Your surgeon will monitor your healing and let you know when you are ready for the next step.

Final Restoration

Once the implant is fully integrated, your dentist places the custom crown. At that point, the process is complete and your new tooth is ready to function normally.

Do You Need Bone Grafting Before an Implant?

Not every patient needs a bone graft, but it is a common part of implant planning when bone volume is low. If a tooth has been missing for a while, or was lost due to gum disease or trauma, the surrounding bone may have already started to shrink. A bone graft rebuilds that volume so the implant has a solid foundation to anchor into.

We perform bone grafting in-house, so patients who need both procedures are cared for by the same surgical team throughout the process. Our surgeons have specific expertise in advanced grafting techniques, which is a meaningful advantage for more complex cases.