Dental Implants in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, MD

Are you ready to replace those lost teeth? Dental implants can provide you with prosthetic teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural ones! You don't have to worry about the slipping and sliding that often accompany dentures when it comes to using dental implants as your restoration option.

To learn more about dental implants in the Washington, D.C., area, contact our top-rated dentist today by calling 301-652-0656 and scheduling an appointment.

Dental implants can replace a missing tooth or teeth with an implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture. You may want to consider a dental implant if you currently have a regular dental restoration but are unhappy with the look and feel, or if you think an implant would be more suitable for you. Implants can be cleaned, like your natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing. During your dental implant consultation, Dr. Markogiannakis will assess the health of your gums and jawbone in order to determine if a dental implant is the right option. If needed, a gum or bone graft may be completed before the implant is placed to ensure you have a strong enough foundation to support the post. You may not be a candidate for dental implants if you are pregnant, use tobacco products, or are currently being treated for an oral condition, like gum disease.

Before the dental implant is placed, you may need to have damaged teeth extracted, gum grafts, or bone grafts. Once your mouth is ready for the dental implant, the treatment area will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Sedation can be given to you as well to help you feel more comfortable during the procedure. Dr. Markogiannakis will make an incision in your gum and place the titanium post in the jawbone. The incision will be closed with part of the post visible above the gumline. This process will be repeated if multiple posts are required for your situation. As the implant integrates with the bone and gum over the next few months, a temporary crown or cover will be used to protect the post. Once Dr. Markogiannakis has determined that the dental implant is strong enough, the restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) will be attached to the post and adjusted for a good fit.

You may have some temporary swelling in your gums and face, as well as bruising, discomfort, and some minor bleeding following your dental implant surgery. Dr. Markogiannakis will let you know what's to be expected, and she will tell you if or when it is pertinent to contact our office. She may also prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to aid with the healing process. Once your implants have healed and your custom restoration has been attached, you should follow a good home oral care routine, like brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. You should continue to schedule an annual exam and bi-annual cleanings at Smiles of Chevy Chase so that Dr. Markogiannakis can assess your oral health. She will let you know if your implants or restorations need to be adjusted or replaced.

Depending on your dental insurance and specific coverage, some of the cost of your dental implant and restoration may be covered. Our office will contact your insurance to determine your benefits and calculate your costs. During your consultation with Dr. Markogiannakis, she can help estimate your costs and tell you about payment methods accepted by our office, including medical financing.

Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that involves the surgical placement of small metal posts into the jawbone to support a natural-looking prosthetic. Their design mimics the look and function of natural teeth, providing individuals with a fully restored, beautiful smile. Dr. Markogiannakis can use them to restore one or several missing teeth.

A dental implant is made of a biocompatible material, commonly titanium, allowing it to fuse with the jawbone over time naturally. This process, known as osseointegration, creates a strong foundation for the custom prosthetic. It also allows patients to achieve a natural-looking smile that can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene care.

A dental implant consists of the following three components:

1. Implant Body: The main part of the implant that’s usually made of titanium or a titanium alloy. It’s surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for the rest of the implant.
2. Abutment: The part that protrudes above the gum line and provides a connection point for the prosthetic tooth. It’s typically made of titanium or a similar material.
3. Artificial Tooth: The visible restoration that replaces the tooth. It’s most often a dental crown that can be made of porcelain, ceramic, or acrylic resin.

Dental implants in Chevy Chase, MD, can offer patients the following benefits:

• Improved aesthetic appearance 
• Enhance confidence
• A durable, long-lasting tooth replacement 
• Improved speaking ability
• A better eating experience
• Improved oral health
• Preservation of the jawbone
• Easy maintenance 
• Cost-effective solution
• Prevents shifting of surrounding teeth
• No food restrictions 
• Better quality of life

At Smiles of Chevy Chase, we don't offer every type of dental implant listed below. Contact our dental office at 301-652-0656 to explore our treatment options.

 

Endosteal Dental Implants

 

The most common type of dental implant is endosteal. With endosteal dental implants, the post gets inserted directly into the bone and is used for those who have enough bone structure to support it.

There are various dental implant treatments available today. However, each dental office offers different options.

 

Single-Tooth Dental Implants

 

Single-tooth dental implants completely replace one lost tooth from root to crown. It involves the placement of a titanium implant into the jawbone that serves as the foundation for a custom-made prosthetic single-tooth replacement itself. Most patients receive a dental crown as the visible portion of their implant treatment. A single-tooth replacement with a dental implant provides patients with a permanent solution for missing or damaged teeth.

 

All-On-Four Implants

 

All-on-four dental implants are full-arch replacement options. It involves placing four dental implants in the upper or lower jawbone and securing a full arch of prosthetic replacement teeth to them. The All-on-four technique is less invasive and can be completed in one day. All-on-four implants are a good option for those who have lower bone density, as they allow for the restoration of a full arch of teeth while using fewer implant posts.

 

Implant-Supported Bridges

 

Implant-supported bridges are excellent options for replacing multiple teeth. A traditional dental bridge or artificial tooth root is anchored to the jaw using dental implants. The bridge is typically made up of two or more artificial teeth that are connected and attached to the implant abutments. The number of posts needed will vary depending on the size of the bridge.

 

Implant-Supported Dentures

 

Implant-supported dentures are removable appliances anchored to the mouth and jaw using dental implants. They provide a more secure fit and eliminate messy adhesives that removable dentures typically need. Implant-supported dentures are also a more stable option than traditional dentures and can improve overall oral health by providing stimulation to the jawbone.

 

Mini Dental Implants

 

Mini dental implants are a smaller version of traditional implants. They’re a less invasive implant surgery option typically used to replace a single tooth or stabilize a loose denture. They shorten the healing process and have a lower cost. However, they may not be suitable for patients who don't have adequate bone density.

 

Immediate-Load “Same Day” Dental Implants

 

Immediate-load dental implants, also known as same-day implants, are done in one appointment. With immediate-load implants, dentists place the implant and prosthetic tooth in the mouth at the same time, allowing the patient to leave the dental office with a fully functional replacement tooth after just one dental implant procedure.

 

Zygomatic Dental Implants 

 

Zygomatic dental implants can restore lost teeth for patients who don’t have enough jawbone density to support a traditional endosteal implant. While zygomatic implants are still in use, they’re less common today and aren’t used by our Chevy Chase dentist.

 

Subperiosteal Dental Implants

 

Subperiosteal dental implants sit on top of the jawbone but under the gum tissue. Subperiosteal implants are rarely used because of modern technological advancements in the field of implant dentistry.

For those receiving standard dental implants, dental implant surgery involves a multi-step process to replace missing teeth with artificial tooth roots and prosthetic crowns. Our Chevy Chase dentist will assess your oral health and create a personalized treatment plan. During the surgical phase, a small titanium implant is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for the replacement tooth. 

Over several months, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once the implant has firmly integrated, an abutment is attached to it, and a custom-made crown is placed on top, restoring the appearance and function of a natural tooth. 

You’ll want to consider your individual dental needs and smile goals when determining the best dental implant treatment. Factors such as the number of missing teeth, the condition of your jawbone, and your budget all play a role in determining the best option. When weighing your options, you should also evaluate the dental implant benefits and costs. Your dentist or oral surgeon can help you evaluate your options and make a recommendation.

If you’re wondering where to start, contact our dentist in Washington, D.C., today for an appointment by calling 301-652-0656.

Does a missing tooth need to be replaced?

 

Yes, a missing tooth needs to be replaced as soon as possible. By not reversing tooth loss, you may experience:

• Shifting of the surrounding teeth: When you experience tooth loss, the surrounding teeth may shift to fill the gap. Shifting teeth can lead to misalignment and bite problems.
• Bone loss: The jawbone needs stimulation from the roots of the teeth to maintain its density. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone may shrink, leading to bone loss.
• Increased risk of periodontal disease: Missing teeth can create space for bacteria to accumulate, increasing your risk of gum disease.
• Difficulty speaking and eating: Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly and chew food properly.

 

Who is qualified to place a dental implant?

 

A few different types of dental professionals can place dental implants, including:

• An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: Dental professionals who have completed additional training and education in the surgical placement of dental implants. They have the most extensive training and experience in implant placement and are often considered the most qualified to place them.
• A Periodontist: Specializes in the treatment of periodontal disease and placing dental implants. They have completed additional training in implant placement and have a good understanding of the underlying bone and tissue structure.
• A Prosthodontist: Specializes in the replacement of missing teeth and the restoration of natural teeth. They’re also qualified to place dental implants.
• A General Dentist: They've completed training in implant placement and are qualified to place them.

 

How long do dental implants last?

 

On average, dental implants can last for between 20 years and a lifetime. To increase the long-term success of your dental implant, maintain excellent at-home dental care and schedule regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings.

 

Schedule Your Dental Implant Solutions Consultation with Dr. Markogiannakis

 

Ready to find out if dental implants are exactly what your smile needs? For those in Chevy Chase, Bethesda, or the nearby areas, contact our implant dentist today at 301-652-0656 to schedule a consultation and see how we can improve your oral health with a customized treatment plan.

If you're not a good candidate for a dental implant, we also offer other restorative dentistry options, such as dentures or dental bridges.