Dental Implants in Silver Spring

What are my options after losing teeth?

Dental implants are becoming one of the most comfortable and popular treatments to replace missing teeth. They offer a more comfortable, natural-feeling, and natural-looking solution to missing teeth than some other types of dental solutions

Before you can get dental implants, you must qualify as an ideal candidate for the procedure. Generally speaking, you should be in good physical health and possess sufficient bone structure for the titanium root to be implanted into the bone

How Long Does the Process Take?
The entire dental implant procedure takes between three and six months. After the titanium root is implanted, a healing cap is placed over the implant while the bone and supporting tissue heal and fuse to the titanium implant. After three to six months of bone integration, the implant is ready to receive a permanent crown.

What are Tooth Implants?
The most common way to utilize dental implants is to replace an individual missing tooth as a single implant. Dental implants can also replace several missing teeth as anchors on an implant-retained bridge. Implants can also but used to support dentures so that they are held firmly in place and won't move or slip when talking or eating.

Dental implants are made up of three parts:
(1) A Titanium "root" which is surgically placed into the bone
(2) A Titanium abutment or post which anchors into the titanium root and also anchors the crown. This is the connector between the implant crown and the implant "root"
(3) A Porcelain/Ceramic crown which is made of durable, esthetic, tooth-colored porcelain which looks like and feels like your own natural tooth

No metal can be seen in the mouth with dental implants. They feel like real teeth and function like real teeth as well.

dental implant illustration

Did you know…

mouth icon

Dental implants are very common with over 3 million Americans having at least one implant. 

Ready to schedule a consult?

(301) 384-6000

How it works: The dental implant placement and restoration process

dentist icon

Consultation

At your consultation, your dentist will determine if dental implants are right for you. Your doctor will examine your mouth, take a 3D CBCT X-ray scan, and determine if your jaw is strong and healthy enough to support one or more dental implants. You and your dentist can also explore other restorative dentistry options at this time. 

dentist chair icon

IMplant placement

After you’ve been approved for treatment, your dentist will create a surgical plan for your dental implant, and schedule your oral surgery appointment. At this appointment, your dentist will create a small opening in your gum tissue, place a dental implant secure in the jaw, then clean the area and suture it shut to encourage proper healing.

Our implant placement involves using a guided surgical stent which utilizes data from the 3D CBCT scan to precisely place the implant in the most ideal biological position possible.

Healing Icon

Healing & bone integration

Once your implant has been placed, healing will begin. It takes 1-2 weeks to heal completely from surgery, but it will take between 3-6 months for your dental implant to integrate permanently with your bone and surround tissues in a process called “osseointegration”. During this phase, you will have a healing cap or an esthetic temporary restoration to support the healing implant site.

Prosthetic Icon

Creating the Prosthetic

After 3-6 months of bone integration, you are ready to be fitted for the permanent implant crown. This involves taking impressions of your implant and teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental lab, where dental crown, dental bridge, or implant-supported denture will be made to fit your implant precisely.

Restoration Icon

Placing the Restoration

Once your implant crown is fabricated, you’ll come back for a final appointment at our office. At this appointment, your dentist will permanently bond your restoration to your dental implant, completing the procedure. 

Maintenance Icon

Maintenance & Aftercare

Dental implants require the same amount of care as your natural teeth. To keep your mouth and implant healthy, ensure you brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and comprehensive exam. 

Dental Implant Options

View our services

Single Tooth Implants

Single-tooth implants are the most frequently-used type of dental implant, and they have two main parts. The dental implant, or post, is a screw-shaped rod of titanium. The restoration for a single implant is usually a dental crown. 

For the placement of a single dental implant, the post is permanently placed into your gum and jaw and allowed to heal. During healing, a dental crown is manufactured and will eventually be attached to the post with an “abutment.” This dental crown restores the shape, appearance, and function of your natural tooth. Single-tooth implants are extremely durable and long lasting, and they never move or shift, unlike a partial denture.

Implant Restorations

Implant restorations are the prosthetic teeth that are attached to dental implants. They are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking smile.

There are different types of implant restorations depending on the number of missing teeth and the patient's specific needs. For a single missing tooth, a dental crown is used. The crown is attached to the implant, creating a strong and durable replacement for the natural tooth.

In cases where multiple teeth are missing, implant-supported bridges or dentures may be recommended. Implant-supported bridges are used when there are natural teeth on either side of the gap, while implant-supported dentures are used when a full arch of teeth needs to be replaced. These restorations are secured to the implants, providing stability and preventing any movement or slippage.

Implant restorations offer several advantages over traditional dentures or bridges. They provide a more natural appearance, improved chewing ability, and better speech. Additionally, they help maintain the health and integrity of the jawbone by stimulating bone growth, preventing bone loss that can occur with missing teeth.

Implant Maintenance

Implant maintenance is an essential part of ensuring the long-term success and longevity of dental implants. Proper care and regular dental visits are crucial in maintaining the health of both the implants and the surrounding oral tissues.

After the implant placement procedure, the dentist will provide specific instructions on how to care for the implants during the healing phase. This may include avoiding certain foods, practicing good oral hygiene, and using prescribed mouth rinses or antibiotics.

Once the implants have healed and the restorations are in place, it is important to maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also necessary to monitor the implants' condition and ensure optimal oral health.

In some cases, additional implant maintenance procedures may be required. This can include professional cleanings around the implants, adjustments or replacements of the restorations, or addressing any potential issues such as gum disease or bite problems.

By following proper implant maintenance practices and seeking regular dental care, patients can enjoy the benefits of dental implants for many years to come.

Implant Placements

Implant placements are a dental procedure used to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. These implants act as artificial tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

During the implant placement procedure, the dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. Then, they will carefully drill a hole into the bone and place the implant securely. Over time, the implant will fuse with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a strong and durable bond.

Implant placements are typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. The healing process can take several months, allowing the implant to fully integrate with the jawbone. Once the implant has healed, a dental restoration can be attached to complete the smile and restore functionality.

Did you know…

tooth icon

About 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and nearly 40 million Americans have lost all their teeth.

Interested in dental implants?

(301) 384-6000

Have questions about implant dentistry? Find answers here. 

arrow icon

How are dental implants made?

A dental implant is made of two parts: a small, screw-shaped piece of titanium called the post, and the restoration, which is usually a dental crown and abutment. Posts are manufactured in a variety of pre-selected sizes to ensure each patient gets the right implant for their needs. In contrast, the restoration is completely custom-made. After your dentist places your dental implant, they will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab. 

There, a technician will create a long-lasting, durable dental implant restoration out of porcelain or another high-quality material. This restoration will be sent back to our office, and it will be attached to your dental implant, completing your implant procedure.


arrow icon

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants typically last up to 30 years or more with proper placement and care. In fact, it’s very common for patients to keep their implants for the rest of their lives. 

However, the dental implant restoration, such as a dental crown or set of overdentures, usually will not last this long. Your restoration is exposed to regular wear and tear from chewing, biting, and more, and may need to be replaced a few times over the years. 

Can dental implants get infected?

arrow icon

It is possible for dental implants to become infected. This is known as “peri-implantitis.” However, this is a very rare complication, and it typically only occurs if the implant is not cared for and kept clean after surgery. 

You can avoid peri-implantitis by following your dentist’s instructions while recovering, and by brushing and flossing regularly after your implant has healed. 


Will dental implants stop bone loss?

arrow icon

Yes. Bone loss occurs when your jaw bone is no longer stimulated by the natural pressure of chewing and biting. Your tooth transmits this force through the root and into your jaw bone, which keeps your jaw bone healthy.

When you lose a tooth, this process stops, and the jaw bone tends to weaken. Since the post of the dental implant is placed directly into the jaw bone and acts as a tooth root, it restimulates your jaw bone by transmitting the force of chewing and biting once again.


Can dental implants be done in one day?

arrow icon

Some types of dental implant systems can be done in one day. The restoration is usually temporary until you have fully healed from your dental implant placement surgery. This solution allows you to speak and eat normally, however, the restoration is temporary. 
As your mouth heals, you’ll attend appointments at your doctor’s office where impressions will be taken. These impressions will guide the manufacturing of your restoration. This permanent restoration will be a more durable, long-lasting, and natural-looking prosthetic than your temporaries.


How long does the dental implant process take, from start to finish?

arrow icon

The dental implant process typically involves several stages and can vary from patient to patient. On average, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to complete, depending on your specific situation.

First, there's the initial consultation and evaluation with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine if you're a good candidate for dental implants. After that, the implant placement surgery is scheduled, where a small titanium post is surgically inserted into your jawbone.

Then, a healing period is needed to allow the implant to fuse with your jawbone, a process called osseointegration. This can take several months but is crucial for the implant's stability.

Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment is attached to the implant, and finally, a custom-made dental crown or prosthesis is placed on top. Throughout this process, your dentist will guide you and ensure that you're comfortable at every step. Remember, the timeframes can vary, so your dental team will provide a more precise timeline tailored to your case during your consultation.


Are dental implants a permanent solution for missing teeth?

arrow icon

Dental implants are often considered a long-lasting and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. While they may not be entirely "permanent" in the sense that nothing in dentistry lasts forever, they can endure for many years and even a lifetime with proper care.

The success and longevity of dental implants depend on factors such as your oral hygiene routine, regular dental check-ups, and lifestyle choices. It's essential to brush and floss daily, visit your dentist for routine maintenance, and avoid habits like smoking, which can negatively impact implant health.

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants have an excellent track record for providing stable, functional, and natural-looking tooth replacements that can significantly enhance your quality of life. Your dentist will provide guidance on how to care for your dental implants to ensure they serve you well for years to come.


Did you know…

tooth icon

Dental implants are the only restorative option that preserves and stimulates your natural bone structure.

Ready for your next dental appointment?

(301) 384-6000