Northern VA Implant Center

Dr. Lawrence Singer is one of the first clinicians in the region, as well as in the country, to place the ultimate in the evolution of implants: the Nobel Perfect. This is the first marketed implant of a scalloped design and the only implant that perfectly mimics the scalloped shape of a natural tooth.

We have the standard of care in delivering a better patient

experience in the diagnosis, treatment and overall delivery of care.  i-CAT next gen cone beam 3-D dental imaging and software has revolutionized how much more accurate and faster implant surgery can be. The i-CAT Cone Beam 3-D Imaging System produces immediate three-dimensional images of the patient's oral anatomy typically in under 30 seconds. The 3-D Data is used for implant planning, third molar extractions, impactions, TMJ analysis, supernumeraries, airway assessments, panoramics and cephalometrics (ortho). The 3-D imaging allows Dr. Singer to "virtually" place dental implants. The 3-D images take all the guessing out of the procedure resulting in better success rates for patients since Dr. Singer is better equipped to identify the ideal locations for placing the implants. The restoration(s) can be prepared in advance allowing Dr. Singer to plan treatment taking into account the anatomical scene as well as the esthetic outcome.

Gum disease, trauma, advanced age and decay are all reasons for tooth loss.  Lost teeth need to be replaced for various reasons including function and aesthetics.  Dental implants have become a contemporary alternative to bridges and dentures since they are a long term solution, secure and look just like natural teeth.  Dental implants, as do natural teeth, also prevent the loss of bone tissue and preserve the health of the surrounding teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are permanent fixtures that replace both the tooth and the root.  First, your decayed, diseased tooth is removed.  Then a titanium tooth root is implanted into a drilled hole in your jaw bone. In a relatively short amount of time, the bone attaches to the root, securing it in place. Then a custom-made porcelain crown is attached to the titanium root, creating a permanent tooth. Today, implants can be permanently placed the same day as your tooth is extracted. 

Since the 1960s, the technology and methods used to create dental implants has progressed remarkably making them one of the most popular ways of restoring lost teeth It started very conservatively by using a few implants to support a denture, transforming it into a fixed part of the oral cavity. As the technology progressed and developed, new option for replacing teeth in different areas of the oral cavity became available.  Due to the advancements in ceramic materials, it is now possible to use a variety of ceramic materials in areas where esthetics is a concern.

Currently, one of the greatest advantages of dental implants is the ability to insert the crown/denture the same day that the implant is placed. It provides instant gratification to the patient, increasing quality of life immediately. This benefit is possible because the surfaces of the implants have been modified to promote fixation of the implant to the bone.

How does it work?

The use of new technology, 3D imaging technology, allows Dr. Singer to be exposed to procedures that are state-of-the-art in the field. The main feature of this technology is the planning and identification of the optimal area for placing the implants. There is no guesswork involved. The restoration can be prepared beforehand allowing Dr. Singer to plan for the implants taking into account the anatomical scene as well as the esthetic outcome.

When Dr. Singer views the converted CT in the software program, it provides him and the patient the possibility to study the bone in all different angles, as if they were holding it in their own hands. In addition, it also allows for minimally invasive surgery (flapless) and fabrication of temporary denture/teeth before the surgical procedure. Because there are no sutures involved in the surgery there is a decrease in the risk of inflammation. This advantageous to the patient because because less swelling, bruising and pain occur. For Dr. Singer, all this means more planning time and as a result, the patient’s time spent in the dental chair is tremendously reduced.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

• Less bone loss – as your body renews bone naturally, including the bone around the root of a tooth bone, loss does not occur – unless a tooth is lost.
• Improved function – dental implants function just like your own natural teeth once they are fully integrated into the jawbone. 
• Optimal aesthetics – a dental implant will be undetectable against your natural teeth, when done correctly, unlike dentures and bridges.

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