Dental Implants are a useful treatment option for replacing missing teeth. They have been around for decades and have become the most popular alternative to traditional dentures and dental bridges. A dental implant is a small titanium post we surgically insert into the jawbone below the gum line.
It bonds with the natural bone over time. Dr. Justin Deckard will attach an artificial tooth to the top of the post, anchoring it in your mouth. When you bite down on this anchor tooth, it will look, feel, and function like a normal tooth.
Dental implants are an innovative, long-lasting solution. Dr. Deckard uses them to address the restorative needs of patients missing one or more teeth. They offer patients the most life-like option for restoring their smile. We provide comprehensive dental services to new and existing patients in Washington, DC.
Dental patient before and after getting a dental implant for a single missing tooth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a fantastic option if you’re looking to replace missing teeth. They’re way more natural-looking than dentures or partial dentures, and they’re built to last. Unlike other tooth replacements, implants are secure and won’t slip or move around because they anchor right into your jawbone.
An implant consists of three parts: a titanium post, an abutment, and a dental prosthesis (like a crown, bridge, or denture). Dr. Deckard will help you choose the best type of prosthesis based on how many teeth you’re missing, your oral health, and where the gaps are in your smile.
Dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacement options out there, and for good reason. They give you a natural-looking smile that lasts for years, and they come with a bunch of other benefits too.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- They help you chew and eat like normal
- They stimulate bone growth in your jaw, which keeps it strong and healthy
- They prevent your face from sagging, which can happen when you lose teeth
- They provide a super stable base for crowns, bridges, or dentures
Dr. Deckard handles every step of the dental implant process right here in our Washington, DC, office. He uses advanced technology like the Sirona CBCT to plan your treatment with precision. This state-of-the-art tool gives him a super detailed view of your mouth, so he can create a custom plan that’s perfect for your needs.
If you’re thinking about dental implants, you’re in great hands. They’re a reliable and long-lasting way to restore your smile and get back to feeling like yourself again.
The team at DC precision dentistry goes above and beyond with helping patients to understand their dental needs and guide them through treatments.
Dr. Decker and team have helped me through the dental implant and crown process. What I initially perceived as a complex process the team had made simple and easy and I am more than happy with the results.
Rest assured you are in the best of care when placing your trust and dental health with DC precision dentistry! – Z B
The Dental Implant Process in Washington, D.C.
Getting dental implants is a multi-step process. To prepare for the procedure, we will numb the implant site to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the visit. During the surgery, Dr. Deckard will insert the titanium post into the jawbone. However, you may need a bone graft before implant placement if you don’t have enough bone density to support implants.
During osseointegration, the titanium post fuses with the jawbone to create a stable foundation for the final dental prosthesis. Osseointegration typically takes 3 to 6 months to complete.
After healing, we’ll schedule another visit to attach the abutment to the titanium post. The abutment is the connector between the post and the final prosthesis (most likely a crown). Once we place the abutment, we will attach the final prosthesis to the abutment. The final prosthesis may be a dental crown, denture, or dental bridge depending on your needs:
- Implant-secured dental crowns replace one or more missing teeth.
- All-on-four dentures (implant-supported dentures) replace the top, bottom, or both full arches of missing teeth.
- Implant-secured dental bridges replace several consecutive missing teeth.
Ultimately, you will feel more confident and secure with your new smile. You must properly care for your oral health to ensure your implant lasts. Practice healthy oral hygiene habits and visit our dental office for routine dental care.
Sirona CBCT
We are committed to providing our patients with the highest standard of dental care. With the Sirona CBCT, Dr. Deckard can produce high-quality images of both the soft and hard tissue. Utilizing Sirona CBCT technology gives patients a less invasive, more precise solution for placing dental implants.
Dr. Deckard uses CBCT technology to construct and plan the dental implant procedure. He will assess bone density and quality, plan the entire procedure, and take accurate molds and impressions. This means you won’t have to visit separate specialists and save you money.
The Success Rate of Dental Implants
Patients who are thinking about replacing missing teeth with dental implants have some anxiety and fears. Some worry that the dental implant will fall out of their mouth. An implant will never fall out, but you must take care of it to keep it healthy.
The success rate of dental implants is typically very high. Dental implants have been around for decades and are a common procedure. One of the biggest fears surrounding dental implants is the fear that they will fall out of your mouth. Millions of people have had dental implants, but no data supports claims that they fall out.
A recent study was done on 5,200 patients who got dental implants between June 2008 and April 2015. It found that less than 3% had an implant failure. The results prove that dental implants have a success rate of 95% or higher. With proper care, your implants should last a lifetime and provide solid and natural-looking teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get Dental Implants in One Day?
Most of the time, getting dental implants takes a while to finish. This is because the process of osseointegration, or bone growth around the implant, takes several weeks to fully complete. Your dentist will discuss the expected timeframe between the placement of the dental implants and their restoration.
How Many Dental Implants Can I Get at Once?
Getting a single implant in one day is normal, but the healing can take weeks or even months. Usually, you’ll have to visit many times over a period of weeks or months to finish getting all your dental implants. Some dentists also offer all-on-four dental implants, which can hold dentures in place with just one appointment and the right sedation.
Will my Dental Implants Look Natural?
Yes, your dental implants will look and feel natural in most cases. Your dentist can customize the crowns’ size, shape, and color on top of the implants to match your existing teeth perfectly. You should not be able to tell that they are not your natural teeth. These implants also work like natural teeth, making them an ideal alternative to dental bridges or partial dentures.
Are Dental Implants a Permanent Solution for Tooth Loss?
Yes, dental implants are a reliable and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. They can last a lifetime with proper attention and maintenance. Your dentist can provide detailed instructions on how to best care for them. Regular check-ups and cleanings can keep them looking and functioning properly.
How Painful is Getting an Implant?
Most patients don’t experience significant pain when getting a dental implant. Your dentist will provide you with local anesthetics and sedation to ensure your comfort. Some mild discomfort is possible after the procedure, but you can manage this with over-the-counter pain medications. Your dentist will discuss any potential side effects or complications so you fully understand the process of implantation and restoration.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
Most patients are good candidates for dental implants, but there are a few factors to think about. You need to have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant, and your gums should be free of disease. Conditions like diabetes or smoke heavily can affect the healing process. Your dentist will evaluate your oral and overall health to decide if implants are the right choice for you.
Schedule a Dental Exam for Implants in Washington, DC
No one wants to lose their teeth, but it’s a fact that we will all face some form of tooth loss at some point during our lives. It’s even more likely if you’ve had fillings in your mouth for a long time or if you smoke or drink heavily. When you have missing teeth, there are a few options you can choose from to replace them. One of the most popular is dental implants.
As a restorative dentist, Dr. Deckard is an implant specialist offering complete dental implant services. Discover if dental implants are right for your smile by visiting DC Precision Dentistry. Request an appointment online, or call (202) 851-7554 today. To learn more about our implant services, see: