Dental Implants Washington DC, Implant Dentistry Northern VA

Implants

Cases:

One of the greatest advances in modern dental medicine is the DENTAL IMPLANT. Dental implants are specially designed and manufactured titanium fixtures that replace teeth that have been lost. Some of the basic biomechanical principles are similar to implants used elsewhere in the body (e.g., hip, knee, etc.).

Dental Implants Washington DC

Years of research and clinical experience have increased the expected success rate of (endosseus) dental implants by most account to 97% or better. In many cases, dental implants may be superior to the natural teeth they replace in terms of strength and durability. They are easier to clean, have a more natural appearance, and are fast becoming the preferred choice of patients for replacing a missing tooth.
Implants can now commonly be done as a single stage procedure where the whole process is complete in 6 weeks, including final crown.

Implants are now commonly achieved in one visit alleviating the need for a second surgery. A single stage implant goes all the way through the gum at initial placement. In many cases it is safe to place the implant and the crown in the same visit. Dental implant placement is far more simple and predictable than ever before.

photo courtesy of Nobel Implants




The discolored front tooth was dying, which is a highly visible location for a restoration.	With a single office visit, the old tooth was extracted and a new implant was placed, restoring the healthy smile. Click here for a full transition with description.

Patients often ask how painful it is to have an implant placed. Almost all patients report it is far less painful than an extraction or a root canal or even a filling. Many patients even report no pain or discomfort at all. This is because the technique of implant placement has become progressively less invasive.

Implants are typically placed in regions where teeth have been lost and as such there is often little enervation (few nerves) of the area.

How long does it take for the whole procedure? Since one-stage surgery has largely replaced two-stage surgery, in most cases patients go home with a temporary crown on the implant replacing the missing tooth the same day the implant was placed. Permanent crowns usually don’t come until several weeks later after the implant has had a chance to integrate and the gum tissues have matured allowing an accurate impression.

Palatal Implants. DC Smiles is one of only a few practices in the area to utilize the palatal implant from Straumann. The placement of a palatal implant is a virtually painless procedure. After the implant integrates (merges with the bone), it is incorporated into the orthodontic appliance. The implant provides absolute anchorage so that greater forces can be applied cutiing down the time an individual is in braces sometimes as much as half (or more) of the time.

Experience. Dr. Singer has performed hundreds of successful implant surgeries from single tooth replacements to full mouth implant reconstructions.

Dr. Singer is one of the very first clinicians in the region, as well as in the country, to place the ultimate in the evolution of implants: the Nobelpharma Perfect. This is the first marketed implant of a scalloped design. This implant is the only one on the market that perfectly mimics the scalloped shape of a natural tooth to allow the best possible biological basis for natural aesthetics.

	WHAT ARE IMPLANTS? Dental implants are titanium "roots" anchored into the jawbone. The artificial roots are capped with realistic looking crowns, giving the look, feel and function of natural teeth. When are implants recommended? Implants are the dental profession's first choice for tooth replacement. Consider other treatments only when implant related procedures cannot be performed.

	What is the process?

	1. Planning The first step in the treatment sequence is careful planning, which begins with a thorough examination of your individual oral situation. Through X-rays and models of your mouth, your doctor will determine the most suitable treatment plan for your situation.
	2. Implant placement The implant is installed. Sometimes, a temporary tooth is provided that allows you to eat and function like normal almost immediately. The implant will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken.
	3. Attaching the new crown When the healing period is complete, the implant provides a solid foundation for attaching your replacement tooth.

	4. The final result

Who is a candidate? - Any person in good health with adequate bone mass in the jaw. - If you have 1 or more missing tooth. How successful are implants? Clinical studies show that implants have a success rate of more than 95%. Good oral hygiene helps ensure implant success. Will I feel pain? Anesthesia and sedatives will eliminate virtually all discomfort during the procedure. Prescribed medications can alleviate pain following the surgery. Most patients say the discomfort is less than that of having a tooth pulled. How long does it take? The entire process requires 2-9 months (sometimes longer). The length of time depends on how quickly your jawbone grows around the artificial roots. Most patients choose to wear a temporary crown while their bone is growing. When is the ideal time to have implants? Ideally, immediately after tooth is lost. This helps prevent degeneration of bone and tissues. Other candidates are patients who wish to replace a bridge or dentures. Advantages of Implants: Bone Preservation Once a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone gradually dissolves. Implant supported teeth are anchored securely to your jawbone and will preserve the remaining bone while maintaining the integrity of your facial structure. In dentures, shrinkage of the jawbone alters the fit of dentures, resulting in slippage, exposed nerves and gum irritation

This is an implant:


photo courtesy of Nobel Implants	photo courtesy of Nobel Implants

Step By Step Impant Procedure

photo courtesy of Nobel Implants

Address in Washington, DC: 818 18th ST, NW, Suite 747, Washington DC 20006; Phone: 202.912.9200
Address in Alexandria, VA: 809 Cameron Street Alexandria, VA 22314; Phone: 703.299.4614
All photos on this site are actual cases performed by Dr. Singer - no stock photos are used. Copyright 2004.