Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept many dental insurance plans and will help you understand your benefits. We also offer flexible payment options for uninsured patients.

Where are you located?

LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry is located in Alexandria, VA. Visit our contact page for our full address, hours, and directions.

What is integrated dentistry?

Integrated dentistry considers how oral health impacts your overall wellness. We combine preventive care with a holistic, whole-body approach.

Why do I need to visit the dentist if my teeth don't hurt?

Dental issues can develop silently. Routine visits help catch problems early — before pain or costly treatment is needed.

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

Bleeding gums are often an early sign of gum disease. It's important to seek treatment before it progresses.

What is the difference between bonding and veneers?

Bonding uses tooth-colored resin to correct small flaws, while veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front of teeth for a more dramatic change.

Are dental bridges permanent?

Dental bridges are fixed prosthetics and can last many years with proper care, though they may eventually need to be replaced.

What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?

A crown covers a damaged tooth, while a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to surrounding teeth.

What are the common reasons for undergoing full mouth reconstruction?

Patients with severe wear, multiple missing teeth, trauma, or bite issues may benefit from full mouth reconstruction to restore function and appearance.

Will a root canal hurt and how long does it take?

Modern root canals are typically no more uncomfortable than a filling. Most can be completed in one to two visits.

What are the treatment options for TMJ?

TMJ treatment may include oral appliances, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or bite adjustments depending on your condition.

What are the pros and cons of Invisalign?

Invisalign is clear, removable, and more comfortable than traditional braces. However, success requires discipline to wear aligners as prescribed.

Dental Implants and Bone Grafting

Discover Dental Implant Benefits

Dental implants are the tooth replacement that comes closest to natural teeth in form, function, and appearance.

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Dental Implants & Bone Grafting in Alexandria, VA

Q: Are dental implants painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort. We use advanced techniques and anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

Q: What are the steps for getting a dental implant?

The process typically includes a consultation, implant placement, healing time, and finally the placement of a crown or restoration.

As part of our integrated approach to dentistry, Dr. Charissa Chin and our team at LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry expertly replace missing teeth with dental implants. The result is a fully functional, natural-looking smile that allows you to eat the foods you love, speak clearly, and share a confident smile with everyone you meet.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed surgically into the jawbone. The implant post replaces the missing tooth root and provides excellent stability and long-lasting support for replacement teeth. Dental implants are versatile and can replace single or multiple teeth, depending on your needs.

Single or Multiple Tooth Replacement

IF: You Want to Replace a Single Tooth

If you are missing a single tooth, we place one implant in the empty socket. After healing, we top it with a custom, color-matched crown. This process gives you a seamless restoration that blends perfectly with your smile.

IF: You Want to Replace Multiple Teeth

An implant-supported bridge or implant denture may be the perfect solution for addressing multiple missing teeth. Multiple implants support these prosthetics to complete your smile and restore comfortable chewing.

Benefits of Dental Implants

You have options for tooth replacement, so you may wonder why dental implants are so popular. There are numerous reasons, all of which support better oral health.

High Success Rate

Dental implants have a proven track record of success, with a documented survival rate of 95% over 10 years. This reliability makes implants one of the most effective solutions for tooth replacement, providing long-term peace of mind.

Longevity

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last 20 years or even a lifetime. Unlike other dental restorations that may need to be replaced, implants offer a durable, long-lasting solution that stands the test of time.

Preservation of Jawbone Health

Dental implants mimic natural tooth roots, helping to stimulate the jawbone and prevent the bone loss that often follows tooth loss. This preservation is crucial for maintaining facial structure and overall oral health.

Improved Stability and Alignment

Acting as a replacement for tooth roots, implants provide stability to surrounding teeth and prevent shifting. This helps maintain proper tooth alignment, reducing the risk of future dental complications such as bite issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps for getting a dental implant?

If you want to replace one or more missing teeth, dental implants are a modern alternative to bridges and dentures. For many people, implants can be life-transforming, and we are pleased to offer complete implant placement and restoration at our Alexandria, VA, dental office.

Steps for Getting a Dental Implant

Initial consultation — We perform a thorough examination and review of your dental and medical history to determine if you are a good candidate. The dentist will also discuss your treatment options and answer any questions you might have.
Treatment planning — Our dental implant dentist uses modern technology to create a personalized treatment plan, from the placement of your implant to the final restoration.
Implant surgery — After thoroughly numbing the treatment area, we meticulously place your implant in your jawbone. As it heals, it fuses with the bone around it, giving it the stability to support replacement teeth.
Abutment placement — After healing, we attach an abutment to the implant to secure the final restoration.
Restoration placement — The final step is to restore the implant using a dental crown custom-crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.

While this may seem like a daunting process, the LIFE A.I.D. team is here to support you every step of the way to ensure you have a positive experience.

Ready to Get Started with Dental Implants?

If you are ready to see if a dental implant is the right tooth replacement for you, please call our Alexandria, VA, dental office to schedule a consultation appointment.

Are dental implants painful?

Dental implants in Alexandria are not painful. The dental surgery is performed under local anesthesia—meaning you’ll not feel pain. Additionally, we can discuss nitrous oxide if you’re feeling anxious.

Dental Implants: What to Expect

Dental implants are small but durable screws made from titanium. These screws take the place of your lost tooth root and can integrate into bone over time. Integration creates a solid foundation for your replacement tooth (dental crown).

We can consider an implant-supported denture or bridge if you have multiple missing teeth or complete tooth loss. Typically, up to six implants are needed to secure a denture to the jaw.

We always ensure the tooth crown color matches your neighboring teeth.

During your implant placement surgery, we ensure the site is numb. You may experience mild tenderness for a few days following implant surgery, but this does not last and is treatable with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Contact Your Implant Dentist in Alexandria, VA

If you want to learn more about tooth replacement, including dental implants, or if you’re ready to schedule your consultation with the dentist, contact a dental team member today to get started.

Ask us about financing through CareCredit!

We’re pleased to offer an in-house membership plan for the uninsured!

The Steps for Getting a Dental Implant

Getting a dental implant starts with an in-depth initial consultation with Dr. Chin. She will assess your oral health and discuss your goals to ensure dental implants are the right choice.

Guided Dental Implant Surgery

We are committed to the most updated, proven techniques and technology available. Guided dental implant surgery at LIFE A.I.D. ensures your procedure is effective and efficient.

Before your surgery, Dr. Chin uses 3-D cone beam scans to identify the optimal location and position in your jaw to place your implant. She then prepares a custom 3-D surgical guide that facilitates the precise placement of your implant in the predetermined location.

This extra step makes your implant surgery more comfortable and efficient and also helps ensure excellent long-term outcomes.

As part of the natural healing process, the implant fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. After this healing phase, we custom-craft your dental restoration and place it on the implant to complete your smile.

Meet Our Dentist:

Dr. Charissa Chin

Dr. Charissa Chin is a dedicated and passionate dentist based in Alexandria, VA, known for her comprehensive approach to oral health and her commitment to lifelong learning. She holds an Advanced Education in General Dentistry certificate from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, and a General Practice Residency certificate from Berkshire Medical Center, a major affiliate of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The scope of her advanced training have equipped her with increased knowledge and expanded skills to provide excellent care to patients who have multiple medical conditions and ...

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We Offer Dental Bone Grafting

Dental bone grafting is a surgical procedure Dr. Chin performs to replace missing bone in the jaw. She may recommend the procedure to provide a stable foundation for the implant to integrate with the jawbone.

Bone grafting involves taking bone material from your body or from a donor and placing it in the area where bone regeneration is needed. After the graft heals for several months, there will be enough bone mass to successfully place your implant.

Cost and Value of Dental Implants

It’s true that dental implants do cost more initially than other tooth replacements. However, their durability, longevity, and the benefits they offer make them a valuable investment in your oral and overall health. Additionally, dental insurance may cover part of the cost.

Don’t Let Missing Teeth Hold You Back

If you are ready to reclaim your smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chin at LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry in Alexandria, VA. If you are in the surrounding communities, including Franconia, Kingstowne, Springfield, West Springfield, North Springfield, Fairfax, Lincolnia, Annandale, Manassas, and Falls Church we serve you too! We can’t wait to see your smile!

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Dental Implants and Bone Grafting Technology

3-D Cone Beam Imaging (CBCT)

One of the great breakthroughs in modern dental technology is the 3-D cone beam. Also referred to as CBCT, this type of digital scan provides a wealth of information that we cannot obtain with two-dimensional digital x-rays. CBCT is crucial for planning procedures like dental implant placement, tooth extractions, and root canals. These digital scans provide a 3-D image of all your dental anatomy, including underlying bone structure, nerve pathways, and soft tissue. We use CBCT scans to identify bone loss, TMJ irregularities, and infections. Understanding the position of these features and their orientation to each other allows our dentist to plan implant placement with precision and accuracy. Since there is no guesswork, we can place implants efficiently and achieve the best possible outcomes.

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