Washington dentist, Dentist in Washington, DC

Dental Implants

Dental implants are becoming more popular in dentistry for a number of reasons. Implants are utilized to offer patients a foundation for new restorative teeth where natural teeth are missing or have been extracted. The implant offers the patient the opportunity to regain normal function of the tooth without being forced to resort to a bridge or a denture.

Benefits

- The implant will osseointegrate (bond) with the existing bone.

- The implant will support your teeth firmly and safely.

- Your new implants will be aesthetically pleasing.

- You will no longer have pain when talking or eating.

- The implant will prevent progressive bone atrophy.

Procedure

The tooth structure has two main sections, the root and the crown. The root is the section of the tooth that is below the gumline. A dental implant restores this section of the tooth, serving as an anchor in the jawbone.

The first step of the procedure is surgical placement of the implant. After application of a regular dental anesthetic, the gum tissue is opened and the implant is placed into the jawbone. The tissue is then sutured closed. There is usually not much discomfort with this procedure. The process can take from 1-3 hours.

This implant will be left untreated for a period of 3-6 months. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant (a process called osseointegration). A removable crown may be used during this time to allow for proper chewing and preserve a cosmetic appearance.

The next step in the process is to expose the top of the implant and attach an abutment to the tooth. This is part of the implant that will support the final crown.

Finally, an impression is taken of the implant and a final restoration is crafted. This restoration will be comfortable and cosmetically pleasing. Your completed implant will be fully functional, allowing you to resume normal activities.