Dental Implants in Chevy Chase, MD
Dental implants can provide you with prosthetic teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural ones!
Confidently Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants
Have you been hiding your smile because of missing teeth? You’re not alone. Tooth loss affects millions, but modern dentistry offers a permanent, natural-looking solution right here in Chevy Chase. Dental implants represent the gold standard in tooth replacement, seamlessly restoring both function and aesthetics. At Smiles of Chevy Chase, we don’t just place implants; we rebuild confidence and renew oral health with personalized, compassionate care.
Ready to reclaim a complete, beautiful smile? Schedule your personalized dental implant consultation by calling our Chevy Chase dental office at (301) 652-2939. We proudly welcome new and returning patients from Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, and throughout Montgomery County, MD. Our practice is conveniently located at 5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 810, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.
Why Choose Smiles of Chevy Chase for Your Dental Implant Journey?
Choosing the right dentist in Chevy Chase for your dental implant placement is crucial for long-term success and a positive dental experience. At Smiles of Chevy Chase, Dr. Despina Markogiannakis and her dental team blend advanced expertise with genuine compassion.
- Expertise You Can Trust: Dr. Markogiannakis is a highly skilled dentist with training in implant dentistry, restorative, and cosmetic procedures. She provides comprehensive care, from single tooth replacement options to complex full-arch solutions. Our practice is equipped with state-of-the-art advanced technology, including digital X-rays, for precise planning and optimal outcomes.
- A Focus on Your Comfort: We understand dental visits can cause anxiety. That’s why patient comfort is our top priority. We offer advanced sedation dentistry options, including oral-conscious sedation and nitrous oxide, to ensure a stress-free experience. Many patients appreciate “The Wand,” a computer-assisted anesthetic delivery system that maximizes comfort during treatment.
- Your Personalized Path to a New Smile: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Markogiannakis takes the time to understand your unique dental needs and smile goals, crafting a personalized treatment plan tailored just for you. We believe in transparent communication, discussing all dental implant options and dental implant cost with flexible financing plans available.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a sophisticated tooth replacement option designed to mimic your natural teeth from root to crown. It involves the surgical placement of a small, biocompatible titanium implant post into your jawbone. This post acts as an artificial root, providing a stable foundation for a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture.
The true magic lies in a process called osseointegration, where the implant naturally fuses with your jawbone over time. This creates an incredibly strong and durable bond, preventing jawbone loss and offering a solution that can last a lifetime with proper care. Whether you need to replace one tooth or several, implant dentistry provides a functional and aesthetic result that feels and behaves like your own teeth.
What to Expect During The Dental Implant Procedure in Our Chevy Chase Office
Understanding the implant process can ease your mind. Here’s what you can expect when you choose our dental office for your new smile:
- Initial Consultation and Planning: Your journey begins with a thorough dental implant consultation. Dr. Markogiannakis will examine your oral health, assess your jawbone density using digital X-rays, and discuss your goals. This is when we create your personalized treatment plan.
- Preparatory Procedures (If Needed): For optimal results, some patients may require preparatory treatments like tooth extraction, a bone graft to address bone loss, or treatment for gum disease to ensure healthy gums. These steps build the necessary foundation.
- Implant Placement Surgery: On the day of surgery, the treatment area is numbed. With your chosen sedation dentistry option, you’ll be relaxed and comfortable. Dr. Markogiannakis will place the titanium implant into your jawbone with precision. A healing cap is placed, and the area is allowed to heal as osseointegration occurs.
- Healing and Abutment Placement: Over the next few months, the implant fuses with your bone. You’ll be on a soft diet initially. Once healed, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant post.
- Your Final Restoration: Finally, your custom-made dental crown, dental bridge, or denture is securely attached. We meticulously adjust it for a perfect fit, bite, and natural appearance. You’ll leave with a fully restored, functional new smile.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants in Chevy Chase?
Most patients with missing teeth are excellent candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates have:
- Good general and oral health.
- Adequate bone density to support an implant (or are willing to undergo a bone graft).
- Healthy gums free from periodontal disease.
- A commitment to maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
During your consultation, Dr. Markogiannakis will conduct a detailed assessment to determine if you are a good candidate. Factors like tobacco use or uncontrolled chronic illnesses may require management before proceeding. We’re committed to finding the right solution for every patient’s unique situation.
The Life-Changing Benefits of Dental Implants
Choosing dental implants in Chevy Chase, MD, offers profound advantages over other tooth replacement options:
- Preserves Jawbone and Facial Structure: Prevents further bone loss, maintaining your natural facial structure.
- Unmatched Functionality: Restores near-normal chewing force, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions. Improves speech clarity.
- Aesthetic and Confidence Boost: Looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth, dramatically enhancing your smile and self-esteem.
- Promotes Oral Health: Prevents surrounding teeth from shifting and makes oral hygiene easier, protecting your long-term dental health.
- Durability and Convenience: With proper care, implants can last decades. They are permanently fixed, eliminating the hassle of adhesives required for traditional dentures.
- Improved Overall Well-being: A complete smile contributes to better nutrition, social confidence, and quality of life.
Types of Dental Implants
Please note that we may not offer every type of dental implant mentioned below. To discuss the specific dental implant options available at Smiles of Chevy Chase, please call our dental office at 301-652-0656.
Endosteal Dental Implants
The most common type of dental implant is endosteal, which involves the post being inserted directly into the bone. This option is suitable for patients with sufficient bone structure for support. A variety of dental implant treatments are available today, though the specific options vary by dental office.
Single-Tooth Dental Implants
A single-tooth dental implant offers a permanent solution for a missing or damaged tooth, replacing it entirely from root to crown. This treatment involves surgically placing a titanium implant into the jawbone, which acts as a sturdy foundation. A custom-made prosthetic, most often a dental crown, is then attached to this foundation to serve as the visible replacement tooth.
All-On-Four Implants
The All-on-4 dental implant technique offers a less invasive, one-day procedure for full-arch tooth replacement. This option is suitable for the upper or lower jaw and involves securing a complete arch of prosthetic teeth to just four dental implants. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with lower bone density because it allows for a full arch restoration using fewer implant posts.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges offer an excellent solution for replacing several missing teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, this option involves anchoring an artificial tooth root or bridge to the jawbone using dental implants. The bridge itself typically consists of two or more connected artificial teeth that attach to the implant abutments. The required number of implant posts will depend on the total size of the bridge.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures offer a more secure and stable alternative to traditional removable dentures. These appliances are anchored to the mouth and jaw using dental implants, eliminating the need for messy adhesives. A key advantage is improved oral health, as they stimulate the jawbone.
Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants offer a less invasive alternative to traditional implants. They are typically used for single tooth replacement or to stabilize loose dentures, offering benefits like a shorter healing process and lower cost. However, they are smaller and may not be appropriate for patients with insufficient bone density.
Immediate-Load Dental Implants (Same-Day Implants)
Same-day dental implants, also called immediate-load implants, are completed in a single visit. This procedure allows patients to receive both the implant and the prosthetic tooth at the same time. As a result, patients leave the dental office with a completely functional replacement tooth after just one appointment.
Zygomatic Dental Implants
Patients with insufficient jawbone density for traditional endosteal implants can have lost teeth restored using zygomatic dental implants. However, these implants are less commonly used today and are not offered by our Chevy Chase dentist, despite still being a viable option in some cases.
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
Subperiosteal dental implants are placed beneath the gum tissue, resting directly on the jawbone. Due to modern technological progress in implant dentistry, these types of implants are now rarely used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire dental implant process take near me?
The timeline varies. From consultation to final crown, it typically takes three to six months. This allows for proper healing and osseointegration. More complex cases may take longer. We provide a clear timeline during your consultation.
What is the cost of dental implants, and do you offer financing?
The dental implant cost depends on your personalized treatment plan. Factors include the number of implants and any needed preparatory procedures. We believe this life-changing investment should be accessible and offer flexible financing options to help manage the cost.
Who is qualified to place my dental implant in Chevy Chase?
Dr. Despina Markogiannakis is a highly skilled general dentist with advanced training and extensive experience in implant dentistry. She is fully qualified to plan and perform your implant procedure with precision. For extremely complex cases, we collaborate with trusted local specialists.
How do I care for my new dental implants?
Care for them like your natural teeth! Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups and cleanings at our office are essential for long-term success. We will give you specific instructions for maintaining your oral health.
Your New Smile Awaits in Chevy Chase
Don’t let tooth loss dictate your life. Dental implants can restore not just your smile but also your ability to eat, speak, and laugh with complete confidence. If you’re searching for the best dentist for dental implants near you in Chevy Chase, Bethesda, or Rockville, MD, look no further.
Take the first step toward a brighter, healthier future. Contact our dental office on Wisconsin Avenue at (301) 652-2939 to schedule your dental implant consultation at Smiles of Chevy Chase today. Let us provide you with excellent dental care and guide you to the smile you deserve.