11400 Rockville Pike #106 North Bethesda, MD 20852
For more than 30 years, dental implants have been used to replace missing natural teeth. A dental implant consists of a post made out of titanium or ceramic that’s inserted into your jaw and allowed to heal. Then, a dental crown is attached to the post, essentially giving you a new tooth.
First, you’ll come in for an exam and x-rays with Dr. Nikkhah to ensure you’re a candidate for tooth replacement. We’ll review your oral health and medical history, discuss your goals for your smile, and evaluate any existing issues such as tooth decay or gum disease.
For most people, there will be two procedures to place the dental implants in Bethesda, MD. The first is the placement of the post, which is done in a surgical procedure. For a few months following this appointment, the actual implant will need to heal and bond with your jaw bone. Patients may receive a temporary restoration during this time.
Then, you’ll receive your final restoration, which is typically a dental crown affixed to the end of your dental implant. The entire process can take several months, although most patients find that the duration of this process doesn’t affect their daily life in North Bethesda.
The best candidates for dental implants are those who still have enough remaining bone in their jaw to support the actual implant. These are people who have not been missing teeth for a significant amount of time.
However, even if you have experienced bone loss in your jaw as the result of years of missing teeth, dental implants are still an option. Dr. Nikkhah can recommend what’s called a bone graft, where bone is built up in your jaw in order to properly support the implant. While this is a separate procedure that will add a few months onto the process, it’s often worth it for patients in Rockville who are invested in restoring their smiles.
You may also qualify for mini dental implants, depending on your jaw bone and the location of your missing teeth. Dr. Nikkhah can let you know more about your options during your consultation with us!
If you’ve been missing your natural teeth and want a replacement that’s functional, sturdy and will last for life, contact Pike District Smiles to learn more about dental implants.