Dental Implant FAQ in Virginia Beach, VA

Dental Implant Basics

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small, screw-shaped post — usually made of biocompatible titanium — that a surgeon places into your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth.

Over time, the bone fuses to the implant in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable anchor. 

A custom crown, bridge, or denture is then attached to that anchor, giving you a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural one.

Every implant has three parts working together: the implant post that lives in the bone, the abutment that connects the post to your new tooth, and the restoration (the crown, bridge, or denture) that you actually see and chew with.

Why choose dental implants over dentures or a bridge?

Unlike removable dentures, implants stay firmly in place — no adhesives, no slipping, and no removing them at night. Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant doesn’t require grinding down the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. 

Because the implant post stimulates your jawbone the way a natural tooth root does, it also helps prevent the bone loss and “sunken” facial appearance that often follows tooth loss.

For most patients in Virginia Beach who want the most durable, natural-feeling, and low-maintenance option, implants are the gold standard. To find out whether they’re right for your situation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Vendetti.

Do dental implants look and feel natural?

Yes. Because the implant is anchored in bone and topped with a custom-shaded crown, it blends with your surrounding teeth and lets you bite, chew, and speak with full confidence. Most patients tell us that after healing, they forget which tooth is the implant.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth are candidates for dental implants. The best candidates have:

• Healthy gums (or gum disease that’s under control)
• Enough jawbone to support an implant — or a willingness to have bone rebuilt with grafting
• Good general health and habits that support healing

The only way to know for certain is a professional evaluation with 3D imaging. At Virginia Surgical Arts, Dr. Vendetti reviews your medical history, examines your bone and gum health, and builds a treatment plan around your specific needs.

Can I get implants if I have bone loss in my jaw?

Often, yes. When a tooth has been missing for a while, the jawbone in that area naturally shrinks (atrophies). In the past this ruled some people out, but today we can rebuild bone where it’s needed through bone grafting. This restores enough width and height to place an implant of the proper size, and it helps restore both function and facial appearance. Many patients who were told elsewhere that they “don’t have enough bone” turn out to be excellent candidates once grafting is part of the plan.

Is there an age limit for dental implants?

There’s no upper age limit — many of our Virginia Beach patients receive implants in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. What matters is your health and the quality of your jawbone, not the number on your birth certificate. The main age consideration is on the younger end: implants are typically placed only after the jaw has finished growing, usually in the late teens or early twenties.

Can I get implants if I smoke or have diabetes?

You still may be a candidate, but these factors can slow healing and affect success rates. Well-controlled diabetes generally does not prevent implant treatment, and quitting or reducing smoking before and after surgery meaningfully improves outcomes. Dr. Vendetti will talk through your specific health picture during your consultation and design a plan that gives your implant the best chance to last.

The Dental Implant Procedure

What happens during dental implant surgery?

Dental implant surgery usually unfolds in a few stages:

1. Consultation and planning: A thorough exam and 3D scan let Dr. Vendetti map out exactly where your implant will go.
2. Implant placement: The titanium post is gently placed into the jawbone. Any needed bone grafting may happen at this stage or beforehand.
3. Healing (osseointegration): Over several weeks to a few months, your bone fuses to the implant.
4. Restoration: Once the implant is secure, your custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached.

Some patients qualify for faster timelines, and Dr. Vendetti will tell you which approach fits your case.

What is guided implant surgery?

Guided dental implant surgery uses advanced 3D imaging and digital planning to place implants with exceptional precision. The implant position is mapped virtually before surgery, so placement is more accurate, more comfortable, and often faster to heal. This technology helps deliver predictable, long-lasting results — one of the many reasons patients across Hampton Roads choose Virginia Surgical Arts.

Can I get teeth in a day?

In many cases, yes. With modern implant techniques, some patients can leave with a full set of functional teeth in a single day — often called Teeth in a Day or a same-day smile. This is especially life-changing for patients replacing a full arch of teeth or transitioning away from dentures. Whether you qualify depends on your bone and overall health, which Dr. Vendetti can assess during your visit.

Does getting a dental implant hurt?

The procedure itself is virtually painless because the area is fully numbed, and sedation options are available for patients who feel anxious. Most people are surprised at how comfortable implant surgery is — many report that it’s easier than a tooth extraction. Mild soreness afterward is normal and typically managed with over-the-counter medication.

I’m nervous about surgery. What are my sedation options?

You’re not alone — dental anxiety is common, and it should never stand between you and the care you need. Virginia Surgical Arts offers sedation dentistry to make your experience calm and comfortable, ranging from lighter relaxation to deeper sedation depending on your needs and the procedure. As a fully accredited ambulatory surgical center led by a surgeon with both a dental and medical degree, our practice is equipped to keep you safe and at ease throughout.

Recovery and Aftercare

How long does it take to recover from dental implant surgery?

Most patients return to normal daily activities within a day or two of implant placement.

Any swelling or minor discomfort usually fades within a week.

The longer part of the timeline is osseointegration — the several weeks to a few months during which the implant fully fuses with your bone before the final restoration is placed.

Dr. Vendetti will give you a personalized timeline at your consultation.

What can I eat after getting dental implants?

For the first several days, stick to soft, cool foods and avoid chewing directly on the surgical site. Most patients gradually work back to a normal diet as healing progresses. Once your implant is fully integrated and restored, you can eat virtually anything you like — one of the biggest advantages implants have over dentures.

How do I take care of my dental implants?

Implants are wonderfully low-maintenance. You brush and floss them just like natural teeth, and you keep up with routine dental cleanings and checkups. Because the crown can’t get a cavity, care is really about protecting the gum and bone around the implant. With good habits, your implant can last for decades.

Cost, Value, and Financing

How much do dental implants cost in Virginia Beach?

The cost of a dental implant varies based on how many teeth you’re replacing, whether you need bone grafting or extractions, the type of restoration, and your overall treatment plan. Because every mouth is different, the most accurate way to get a price is a personalized consultation and exam.

Rather than comparing sticker prices alone, it helps to weigh long-term value: implants are a one-time investment that can last decades, while dentures and bridges often need repairs or replacement over the years. During your visit, our team will give you a clear, itemized estimate — no guesswork. Request an appointment to get your personalized quote.

Does insurance cover dental implants?

Coverage varies widely by plan. Some dental insurance policies contribute toward the implant, the crown, or related procedures like extractions and grafting, while others offer little to no coverage. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and explore financing options so cost is less of a barrier to the smile you want.

Are dental implants worth it?

For most patients, yes. Implants restore full chewing power, protect your jawbone, preserve your facial structure, and don’t require the ongoing hassle of removable appliances. They’re designed to be a permanent, one-and-done solution — which is why so many Virginia Beach patients say they only wish they’d done it sooner.

Longevity and Success

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The titanium post is designed to be permanent, and dental implants have one of the highest success rates of any surgical procedure — well above 95% in healthy patients. The crown on top may eventually show wear after many years and can be replaced without disturbing the implant itself.

What could cause a dental implant to fail?

Implant failure is uncommon, but the main risks are poor oral hygiene, untreated gum disease, heavy smoking, and uncontrolled health conditions. Choosing an experienced, board-trained oral surgeon and following your aftercare instructions dramatically reduces these risks. Dr. Vendetti’s 20 years of implant experience and use of guided, 3D-planned surgery are part of why our outcomes are so consistent.

Why Choose Virginia Surgical Arts for Dental Implants?

Do you serve areas outside Virginia Beach?

Yes. While our office is in Virginia Beach, we proudly welcome patients from across Hampton Roads, including Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, and the surrounding communities. Our team also makes every effort to offer more flexible scheduling than other oral surgery practices in the area — so getting in for your consultation is easy.

How soon can I be seen?

Often very soon. We pride ourselves on availability, and getting started is simple. The first step is a consultation where Dr. Vendetti evaluates your smile and answers every question in plain language.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

Dental implants can give you back the comfort, confidence, and freedom of natural teeth — and the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be eating, smiling, and speaking without a second thought. Dr. Vendetti and the team at Virginia Surgical Arts & Dental Implant Center are ready to help patients throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads.

Request an Appointment Online or call our Virginia Beach office today to schedule your dental implant consultation.