At Slate Dental, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality care in a comfortable and friendly environment. This includes dental implants to restore missing teeth. Dental implants are considered the “gold standard” of tooth replacement because they replace both the visible crown of the tooth and the lost tooth root below the gum line. This gives back the ability to eat and speak with natural function and confidence. Our office also provides additional restorative dentistry treatments to new and existing patients in the Washington, D.C., area.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that an oral surgeon or periodontist places into your jawbone where a tooth is missing. This post acts like a natural tooth root, providing a strong foundation for a replacement tooth called a dental crown. Once the implant has bonded with your jawbone, Dr. Slate will place a custom-made crown on top, restoring your smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have many benefits, making them a popular choice for replacing missing teeth.
- Natural Look and Feel: Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth. The custom-made crown will match the color and shape of your existing teeth. As a result, it will blend seamlessly into your smile.
- Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last many years, often a lifetime. They are a long-term solution that is worth the investment.
- Improved Oral Health: Dental implants help maintain the structure of your jawbone and prevent bone loss that can occur when teeth are missing. This helps keep your face looking natural and prevents the shifting of nearby teeth.
- Comfort and Convenience: Unlike dentures, dental implants permanently stay in your mouth. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about them slipping or needing special adhesives. You can eat, speak, and smile confidently.
- Better Function: Dental implants restore full chewing power, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without worry. They also improve your speech, making it easier to talk clearly.
- Preserve Natural Teeth: Dental implants don’t require altering nearby teeth, as some other tooth replacement options do. This means we leave your natural teeth untouched, promoting better overall oral health.
The Dental Implant Process
Getting a dental implant involves several steps to ensure the best results:
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Consultation: During your first visit, Dr. Slate will evaluate your oral health and discuss your options. He will take X-rays to determine if your jawbone is healthy enough for an implant.
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Implant Placement: If you’re a good candidate for a dental implant, the next step is for a periodontist to place the titanium post into your jawbone. This procedure is done under local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable. We will consult a local oral surgeon for this step.
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Healing Period: After placing the implant, it will take a few months for it to bond with your jawbone. This process is called osseointegration. Many patients opt to not replace the missing tooth while the implant is osseointegrating. We will sometimes place a temporary crown in the anterior if it is visible, but more commonly, we will utilize an Essix retainer to fill the space temporarily.
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Crown Placement: Once the implant has fully bonded with your jawbone, Dr. Slate will attach a custom-made crown to the implant. This crown will look and function like your natural teeth, completing your smile.