While it can make almost any dental procedure painless, no amount of anesthesia can numb a strong imagination. Anesthesia is a necessary part of dental implanting. Yet when some people think about what goes into getting dental implants, their imagination can disregard the anesthesia and paint truly horrific pictures in their minds. So how can you shake off the nerves and put those scary thoughts to rest? Well, one of the best ways to find out what dental implants feel like during and after treatment if to hear from people who’ve been through it.  The Implant Process Having his decaying teeth pulled was more of an issue than having his implants placed, wrote Jim Thornton in a piece for AARP The Magazine. He went on to share a slice of his dental implant procedure. “A supervised resident numbs my jaw with lidocaine, cuts and peels back the gums, then drills four holes into the mandible,” Thornton said. “She uses what machinists call a tap to slowly cut threads ...

If you’re looking for a periodontist in Fairfax, VA who places dental implants, Dr. Withers wants you to have the important answers to basic questions at your fingertips. That way, you can be better prepared to ask about your specific case when you come in for a consultation. Here are answers to some of the most common questions patients have about these unique prosthetics.

One of the most popular restorations at J. Alexander Withers, DDS, MS Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is dental implants. They are ideal for replacing missing teeth because they are inserted directly into the jawbone, like your regular teeth.

Dental anxiety is a very real condition that many people suffer from. It explains a lot of people’s aversion to visiting the periodontist.

The holidays are here, and for many people, it is the most wonderful time of year that is filled with joy and charity. It also often means lots of gatherings with friends and family...

If you have a misalignment in your bit that causes your teeth to simply not fit together quite right, it can be a little uncomfortable when you rest your jaw. Luckily, there is an easy way for your periodontist to correct this...

Losing teeth is a major life change, whether you have a long time to prepare yourself for it or not. You’ve got to adjust to a new reality and new health concerns as you go through the process, and you’re also going to need to plan your tooth replacement strategy carefully.

While a dentist can treat gums, teeth and other parts of the mouth, there are times when you should see a specialist who better understands gum disease and how to treat it.

If the first thoughts that run through your mind when it is time for you to make a dental appointment involve discomfort, fear and panic, you might be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Dr. J. Alexander Withers understands the importance of good dental care and how dental anxiety keeps some people from getting it. Dental anxiety is a real condition that many people suffer from. Regardless of how immobilizing yours may be, we do have sedation options that can make each experience in our dental office more relaxing and comfortable. We offer three types of sedation for our patients: Local anesthetics are commonly used for minimally invasive dental procedures. Many individuals choose this option because it allows them to drive to and from their appointments without impairment. Dr. Withers injects a numbing medication into the mouth. During the procedure, patients remain awake. Afterward, it can take several hours for the effects of the anesthetics to wear off. Nitrous Oxide is a ...

When a tooth is lost, damaged, or extracted a replacement must be prepared. Traditional crowns can take time to prepare, so a new and faster option was developed. Teeth in a day reduces the wait time for replacement teeth by bringing advanced fabrication technology directly to the patient.