You probably already know that a missing tooth can impact your appearance. But a lost tooth includes a lost root, which over time can weaken your jawbone. Our dentists will be happy to see you for an appointment to see if you are a candidate for dental implant placement in Silver Spring, Maryland. Call Smile Loft Dental at Hillandale at 301-445-5821 to schedule a visit with Dr. Kashyap Patel or Dr. Priya Patel.
The first stage of your implant treatment is the dental implant placement. This involves the surgical placement of the implant post into your jawbone. The implant post is a small screw, usually made of titanium or another biocompatible material, which works to replace your tooth root. Once placed, it will function just like your original tooth root to stimulate your supporting jawbone and provide a stable foundation for your teeth and implant restoration. We will provide detailed post-op instructions to help you heal following this procedure.
A period of healing will follow your implant placement procedure. During this healing period, the implant post will integrate with your jawbone to ensure a stable, long-term result for your treatment. This process is known as “osseointegration.” Our dentist silver spring will be able to work with you to create and place your implant restoration following this healing period.
If you have lost supporting bone tissue prior to receiving an implant, you may need a bone grafting treatment before you can have an implant placed. Likewise, any pre-existing conditions, such as tooth decay or gum disease, will need to be treated before you can receive an implant.
For more information about dental implant placement and to schedule your consultation with our dentists, contact our office today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants are biocompatible titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once integrated, they provide a strong foundation for a crown or other restoration that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Most healthy adults who have sufficient jawbone and good oral health are candidates. If you have bone loss or untreated gum disease, additional treatments like bone grafting may be needed first.
The surgical placement involves inserting a small implant post into your jawbone under local anesthesia. This post acts like a tooth root and will integrate with your bone as it heals.
During the procedure, local anesthesia is used, so you should feel minimal discomfort. After surgery, any soreness is usually manageable with recommended pain relief and proper aftercare.
After placement, your implant must bond with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, which typically takes several months. Once healed, your dentist will place the final restoration.
Some patients may need preparatory treatments like bone grafts if there isn’t enough bone to support the implant. Also, active gum disease must be treated before implant placement.