Implant Dentistry

If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.

Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.

Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.

Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.

Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.

It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.

Dental implants are biocompatible posts, typically made of titanium or similar materials, that are surgically placed into the jaw to replace the root portion of a missing tooth. A prosthetic restoration such as a crown, bridge, or denture is then attached to the implant to restore the visible tooth structure and chewing function. Because implants replace the entire tooth architecture rather than only the crown, they provide a stable foundation for everyday use and help preserve natural oral mechanics.

After placement the implant integrates with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, which creates a secure connection that transmits normal chewing forces into the jaw. This integration helps maintain bone volume and supports the soft tissues, resulting in an outcome that can feel and perform similarly to a natural tooth. Modern restorative materials and shade-matching techniques make the final prosthesis blend with adjacent teeth for an aesthetic result.

Most healthy adults with sufficient jawbone and good periodontal health are potential candidates for dental implants, but each case requires a careful clinical assessment. Factors that influence candidacy include the amount and quality of bone at the planned site, the health of the gums, systemic medical conditions, and habits such as smoking. A comprehensive exam with digital imaging helps the dental team evaluate these variables and recommend the safest, most predictable path forward.

Certain medical conditions and uncontrolled periodontal disease may require management before implant surgery to improve the chance of long-term success. Lifestyle factors such as tobacco use and uncontrolled diabetes can increase complication risk, and addressing these issues ahead of treatment improves outcomes. The treatment plan is individualized so that implants are offered when the biological environment is optimized for integration and healing.

Implant placement is typically an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, and sedation options are available for additional comfort when needed. During the surgical visit the implant is positioned in the prepared site and may be covered with a healing cap or fitted with a temporary restoration depending on the case and primary stability. Surgical technique and precise three-dimensional placement are important to protect adjacent structures and to create the best conditions for later prosthetic work.

Following placement the body requires time to integrate the implant with the bone, a process that commonly takes several weeks to a few months depending on individual healing. Routine follow-up visits monitor tissue health and integration progress, and once the implant is stable the restorative phase begins with impressions or digital scans and fabrication of the final prosthesis. Careful coordination between surgical and restorative phases helps deliver predictable function and appearance.

One of the key benefits of dental implants is their ability to preserve jawbone by restoring the stimulus that a natural tooth root provides, which helps maintain bone volume and facial contours over time. By preventing bone resorption, implants support the stability of neighboring teeth and help maintain proper bite relationships, reducing the likelihood of drift and occlusal imbalance. This structural preservation can also lessen the chance of needing more extensive reconstructive procedures later in life.

Beyond bone health, implant restorations restore efficient chewing and clear speech, which contributes to overall oral function and patient confidence. With appropriate hygiene and routine dental care, implant-supported restorations can remain healthy for many years, making them a durable option for replacing single teeth, multiple teeth, or full arches. Ongoing maintenance and periodic professional evaluation are essential to identify and manage potential issues early.

Implant therapy can be tailored to a variety of needs, from replacing a single missing tooth with one implant and a crown to restoring multiple teeth with implant-supported bridges. For patients missing an entire arch, strategically placed implants can support a fixed full-arch prosthesis that functions much like natural teeth, while implant-retained overdentures provide increased retention and comfort for those who prefer a removable option. The versatility of implants allows clinicians to select solutions that best match the patient’s functional requirements and aesthetic goals.

Treatment selection depends on factors such as the number of missing teeth, bone availability, patient preferences, and long-term maintenance considerations. Detailed planning with digital imaging and sometimes dental models ensures the chosen option will provide proper support, occlusion, and esthetics. Chadha & Co Dental customizes each plan to balance durability, appearance, and the patient’s lifestyle.

Bone grafting is considered when the jaw lacks adequate volume or density to support an implant safely and predictably, which can occur after long-standing tooth loss, infection, or trauma. Grafting materials range from the patient’s own bone to processed allografts and xenografts, and the chosen material and technique depend on the degree of deficiency and the clinical goals. In many cases grafting can be performed at the time of extraction, before implant placement, or concurrently with implant surgery to rebuild the foundation.

Sinus augmentation is a specialized grafting procedure used in the upper posterior jaw when the sinus floor is too close to the planned implant site. With careful planning and modern techniques, sinus lifts and grafts can create sufficient vertical height to allow stable implant placement. These procedures typically require additional healing time, and the dental team will explain the expected timeline and follow-up needed to ensure predictable results.

Once the implant has integrated, the restorative phase begins with impressions or digital scans to capture the exact position of the implant and the surrounding soft tissues. The dental team will select appropriate abutments and design the crown, bridge, or denture to achieve proper occlusion, emergence profile, and shade match with adjacent teeth. Careful laboratory communication and trial fittings ensure the prosthesis supports comfortable function and a natural appearance.

At final delivery the restoration is secured and minor adjustments are made to achieve balanced bite forces and comfortable chewing. The clinician will review home-care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the implant and prosthetic components. With attentive care, the restoration should provide long-term performance and blend seamlessly with the rest of the smile.

Maintaining dental implants requires the same daily attention as natural teeth: thorough brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss, interdental brushes, or other recommended tools. Patients should use techniques that clean around implant abutments and under prostheses effectively, and the dental team can recommend specific products and methods based on the restoration type. Avoiding hard or excessively sticky foods and refraining from using teeth as tools helps protect both implants and restorations.

Regular professional care is also critical; routine examinations and cleanings allow clinicians to check the health of peri-implant tissues, assess occlusion, and inspect prosthetic components for wear. Patients with bruxism, periodontal history, or other risk factors may be advised to use a night guard or undergo more frequent monitoring. Consistent hygiene and timely maintenance are key to preserving implant health for many years.

Dental implants are a well-established and generally safe treatment with high long-term success rates when placed and restored correctly, but like all surgical procedures they carry some risks. Possible complications include infection at the surgical site, inadequate integration (failure to osseointegrate), sinus or nerve involvement in rare cases, and mechanical issues with the prosthetic components. Many of these risks can be minimized through careful planning, sterile technique, and managing underlying health or lifestyle factors that affect healing.

If a complication does occur, there are established protocols for diagnosis and management, which may include antibiotics, local care, revision surgery, or replacement of prosthetic parts. Selection of an experienced surgical and restorative team and adherence to follow-up recommendations significantly reduce the likelihood of serious problems. Open communication with your clinician about medical history, medications, and habits helps create the safest treatment pathway.

Determining whether an implant is the best option begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes a dental exam, periodontal assessment, and digital imaging to review bone volume and anatomical considerations. The office of Chadha & Co Dental will discuss your functional needs, aesthetic goals, and any medical factors that influence treatment choices to create a tailored plan. A thorough consultation helps set realistic expectations and outlines the sequence of care, including any preparatory procedures that may be needed.

If implants are recommended, the team will explain surgical and restorative steps, likely timelines, and the follow-up required to support long-term success. Patients are encouraged to ask questions about alternatives and to review the merits of single-tooth, multiple-tooth, or full-arch solutions in the context of their overall oral health. Beginning with careful diagnosis and personalized planning ensures the selected approach aligns with both short-term needs and long-term oral wellness at our North Bethesda office.