Dental implants are one of the most preferred ways of replacing missing teeth. They are effective, long-lasting, and can bring back a beautiful smile easily.
If you’ve found yourself hiding your smile because you don’t want someone seeing your less-than-perfect smile, it’s safe to say you want to learn more about dental implants from us, especially if you’re in the DC area.
So you think you need dental implants?
Your jaw and gums react to the loss of even one adult tooth. Whether you lost a tooth due to injury, periodontal disease, decay, or aging, a lost tooth can cause more than just a gap in your smile, such as further tooth loss or even bone loss in the jawbone. Because of this, we recommend quickly replacing the the missing tooth or teeth with dental implants. The process is simple these days, painless and can all be handled by Dr. Norkiewicz.
Types of Dental Implants
Many people shy away from seeking a solution for their missing teeth because they think they will have to get dentures or bridges. Fortunately, dental implants are available and a much better option. L’Enfant Plaza Dental Arts offers the best dental implants in DC, including:
- Snap On Dentures
- All On 4
- Dental Implants with Tooth Removal
- Implant Bridges
- Single Tooth Implant
Our dental implant procedures in Washington DC takes care of all your needs when it comes to replacing missing teeth. We extract, implant, and bone graft if needed. The process of receiving dental implants includes having an artificial tooth put in the place of the missing natural one. This artificial tooth is inserted into the gums and jaw. The root of the artificial tooth is similar to a screw you see when building something out of wood. An abutment is added to the implant to keep the crown in place. The next step is adding the false tooth to it, which completes the process of having a beautiful natural-looking smile.
Thanks to advancing technology, losing an adult tooth no longer means your only options are bridges or dentures. Dental implants allow you to replace teeth by affixing them to your mouth, giving you the confidence of new teeth and healthy gums without the worry of loose or ill-fitting dentures. The process is simple and about 95% of our patients prefer to replace their missing teeth with implants. If you have a bad tooth or teeth, the affected tooth can be removed and an implant placed during the same procedure requiring just one surgical procedure. After a few short months of healing the permanent tooth can be fabricated by our dental laboratory.
Our experienced implant dentists perform single, multi-tooth, and “all-on-4” implants, leaving you with nothing but a great smile. At L’Enfant Plaza Dental Arts, we use HIOSSEN implants – also known as the “second permanent tooth” – for two-step tooth replacement. The replacement tooth takes only a few short months and the tooth should last you for your lifetime with routine dental care.
The Benefits of Replacing Teeth
Implants are highly beneficial when compared to other options for replacing missing teeth.
- They are stronger, so they are long-lasting.
- Implants reduce bone loss because they promote proper bite alignment.
- The tooth used in the implant is more natural-looking.
- No special care is needed with dental implants. You take care of them just like regular teeth.
- After receiving the dental implant, you’ll adjust quickly to it when eating and talking.
- They are much more comfortable than dentures and bridges.
What to Expect When Getting Dental Implants
The process of getting a dental implant starts with setting up a consultation with our dentist to assess whether you’re a candidate. The assessment involves having X-rays done and other diagnostic testing, such as lab work.
Once it has been determined you are healthy enough for dental implants, the dentist will remove the damaged tooth if needed.
The next step is to prepare the bone and jaw for the dental implant(s), and this may include having bone grafting. Once this process is over and the jaw is healed, the implant(s) is placed in your jaw. You’ll go home to heal, which could take a few weeks.
After the healing process, you’ll come back to the dental office to have the abutment placed on the implement. This is what holds the crown in place. For some select patients. This can be done when the implant is placed. A mold will be made of your mouth to have the crown built. Once the crown is ready, you’ll come back to the dental office once more to have them properly placed and adjusted. Read our page about the dental implant procedure.
The Team In Washington DC
When you come to Lenfant Plaza Dental Arts our doctors will evaluate your current situation and develop a treatment plan specifically for you. Everybody is different and every case is different. Some patients need bone grafts and some patients need bad teeth extracted. But there is no need to worry because we have seen it all and do not judge. Our job is to help you get your chewing back, your smile back and your life back!
Life After the Dental Implants Procedure
Patients often experience mild discomfort following their procedure:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Bruising
All of these effects are mild and temporary. Eating soft foods and managing pain with over-the-counter medications usually help during recovery.
If there are any severe effects from the oral surgery, you should contact the dentist immediately.
How to Care for Dental Implants
Dental implants are just like natural teeth. You take care of them the same way. This means you should brush, floss, and use mouthwash every day at least two times a day. You should also visit your dentist every 6 months. This will be when the dentist will make sure the dental implants are in good condition and perform a dental cleaning.
Just like natural teeth, you should avoid bad habits that can affect the integrity and longevity of your dental implants. This includes avoid tobacco, sodas, and teas, so they don’t stain. Limiting biting or chewing hard items such as hard candies and ice is recommended for keeping dental implants from cracking or chipping.
Dr. Dennis Norkiewicz has been helping patients for more than 25 years with dental implants in the Washington DC area. Since he understands seeking a solution for missing teeth can be stressful, he has taken steps to ensure his patients are as comfortable as possible throughout the process. His pain-free dentistry approach offers patients with anxieties over dental procedures a way to care for their dental health without worry. Contact L’Enfant Plaza Dental Arts today to schedule an appointment.
The Process
The process for tooth implants includes several steps, but each is necessary to ensure the stability and health of your mouth and the new implant.
The dental implants procedure is easy. First, we prepare you for the implant placement by extracting any problematic teeth and assessing your needs for any bone grafts. We then surgically place the new “tooth root,” a special titanium implant or metal post that integrates naturally with your jaw, a process called osseointegration. Once the root is healed and the healing process is over, a brand-new crown or artificial tooth is placed on top of the implant, attached to the implant with a small screw, giving you the permanent tooth replacement you deserve.
Sometimes a bone graft is needed to fill in gaps in the bone. Most of the time we can collect your bone shavings with a special suction and use autogenous bone. Implant surgery is very easy and our patients are fine to go right back to work and continue with their day. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry recommends taking just Advil after implant surgery. The procedure takes one hour or less. Pain is minimal. Read about if dental implants are painful.
Why Is It Important to Replace Missing Teeth?
When you lose an adult tooth or your natural teeth, your remaining teeth can shift out of alignment. The surfaces of your other teeth around the open space also are exposed to decay and wear, leaving you more likely to lose more teeth in the future.
Beneath the surface of your gums, the tooth roots of the teeth not only gave stability to the tooth, but also interacted with your jaw and gum tissue. When you lose an adult tooth, the blood supply received by the jaw from those nerves is lost and can have a negative effect on your mouth. The tissue and bone in your jaw can shrink and recede, changing your face’s appearance and weakening your jaw. Your other teeth may then be susceptible to gum disease or periodontal disease. That is why we recommend the types of implants that we do.
Additionally, missing teeth can make it difficult to use dentures, you may have issues chewing and your diet may suffer, and you may develop difficulty speaking clearly.
By replacing lost teeth with single tooth implants, you are protecting your remaining teeth from shifting and further damage, and preserve the normal function of your jaw and gums. The long term success rate is well over 95% and the tooth can last up to 50 years if well cared for and you maintain good oral health.
Implants are at risk for peri implant diseases, however they cannot break or get cavities or ever need a root canal. You must continue to brush and floss daily and visit the dentist every six months for regular dental care as recommended by the American Academy of Periodontology.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
This answer depends greatly on a number of factors: How many teeth need to be replaced? Which teeth need to be replaced? What size will the implant be? What type of crown will go on top?
On average, implants range from $2,000 to $5,000 per tooth. Usually dental insurance companies will pay for up to 50% of the cost. If multiple teeth are missing in close proximity, then the overall per-tooth cost decreases. For example, in an all-on-4 case, only four implants are needed to hold the entire arch of teeth.
To determine the full scale of your dental needs, we offer free consultations and X-rays for new patients. Our skilled oral surgeons will look over your dental needs and make recommendations based on what will be best for your individual situation. For the best implants in Washington DC visit us!
Implant dentistry is not for everyone. Some patients are not candidates for implants, which is why we offer free consultations. Proper care is needed to care for your artificial teeth which is why we recommend dental visits every 6 months.
How Do I Get Started with Dental Implants?
Before getting dental implants, you need to have all your other general dental needs addressed. Cleanings, exams, and traditional preventative care is essential to making sure your mouth is healthy enough to fully support the implants. One of our dentists assesses your unique implant needs, giving you a custom price quote to get your smile in great shape. If you’re ready to make the leap into dental implants, give us a call today! We’d love to help you rebuild your smile! 202-488-8300
