If you’re looking to replace missing teeth, Dr. Joseph Catanzano offers dental implants right here in our Washington, DC, dental office. Dental implants are a reliable solution that works and feels like natural teeth. An implant is a titanium post that a surgeon places your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth.
The implant becomes a sturdy base for a new tooth after it bonds with the bone. Implants can restore your smile and confidence whether you’re missing one tooth, a few, or even a full arch.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants have three main parts:
- The Implant Post: This titanium post is surgically placed in your jawbone and sits there permanently. It’ll fuse with the bone in about 3 to 6 months.
- The Abutment: This piece connects the post to the replacement tooth or restoration. The abutment can hold a crown, denture, or bridge.
- The Restoration: This could be a dental crown, bridge, or fixed denture. These restorations are custom-made to match your natural teeth.
Why Choose Dental Implants in Washington, DC?
Protect Your Jaw and Oral Health
One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is how they protect your jawbone. When you lose a tooth, the bone in that area begins to shrink because the root isn’t stimulating it anymore. Implants take the place of the tooth root and keep stimulating the bone.
Without implants, bone loss can make your other teeth shift out of place and create more issues. It can also result in sagging facial muscles that make you look older. Dental implants prevent these problems and more. We’ll help you maintain a strong jaw and a youthful appearance.
Replacing missing teeth with implants also lowers your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Gaps in your smile make it harder to keep your teeth clean and can put uneven pressure on your bite. An uneven bite increases the chances of cracked teeth and even TMJ disorders.
Natural Look and Feel
Dental implants look, feel, and work just like your natural teeth. You’ll get back almost all your bite strength because the implant replaces the tooth root. You’ll enjoy all your favorite foods without worry too. Unlike dentures that limit your diet, implants let you eat anything you want without restrictions.
Your final restoration is custom-made to match your smile. Dr. Catanzano will make sure it blends seamlessly with your other teeth in color, size, and shape. Most people won’t even know you have an implant.
Easy Maintenance
Taking care of implants is simple. You just brush, floss, and visit the dentist like you normally would. You won’t need special adhesives or extra cleaning steps like with dentures. Just use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to keep everything in great shape.
Dental patient before and after replacing a front tooth with a dental implant.
Dental Implant Treatment
Dr. Catanzano works closely with a local specialist to surgically place the implant. The specialist will place the implant post into your jawbone. This post acts like the root of a tooth. It usually takes about three to six months for the implant to heal and fuse with your bone.
In some cases, we can place a dental crown right away. Other times, we use a temporary crown while your implant heals. Dr. Catanzano will attach the final restoration once you fully heal. He can attach a crown, bridge, or denture to the implant post.
Your new teeth will look and work just like your natural ones. You can brush, floss, and care for them as usual. Regular checkups will keep everything in great shape for the long haul.
Bone Grafting
Don’t worry if you’ve been told you’re not a good candidate for dental implants. Bone grafting can help you qualify. Implants need a strong base, and that comes from having healthy bone tissue. But if you’ve been missing teeth for a while, you might not have enough bone to support the implant.
A bone graft can restore the bone you need for an implant, bridge, or denture. Sometimes, we even do bone grafts after tooth extractions to keep your jawbone strong and healthy. The specific type of graft depends on how much bone you lost and your overall needs.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
We’ll make sure the area is numb during the procedure, so you won’t feel pain. Afterward, it’s normal to have some soreness for a few days, but give us a call if it lasts longer. Most patients manage with over-the-counter pain relievers and say it’s worth it for the long-term benefits. We’ll also provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you heal comfortably and quickly.
How Long do Implants Last?
With good care, dental implants can last 20 years or more. Brushing, flossing, and keeping up with your dental cleanings will make a difference in how long they last. Just like natural teeth, implants need proper maintenance to stay in great shape. Avoiding habits like smoking and chewing hard objects can also extend their lifespan.
Can I Get Implants Right After a Tooth Extraction?
In some cases, we can place the implant right after your tooth extraction, even during the same visit. This is possible with advanced techniques like All-on-4. However, it depends on things like the health of your jawbone and gums.
Other times, we’ll need to let your gums heal for a few months before placing the implant. You shouldn’t wait too long though because missing teeth can cause problems like shifting teeth or bone loss. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your needs and let you know which option works for you.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
It depends on your health and the condition of your gums and bone. You’re likely a good fit if you’re generally healthy and have enough bone to support the implants. The best way to see if you qualify is to visit your dentist.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
It’s a bit of a journey, but worth it for many patients with lost teeth. On average it can take about 8 to 12 months. First, the implant post is placed in your jaw. Then, we wait three to six months for it to heal and fuse with the bone. After that, we add the abutment and your custom restoration.
Will My Dental Insurance Cover Implants?
Insurance plans vary, so it’s best to check with your provider. Most plans will cover part of the restoration, like a crown or denture, but they often don’t cover the implant surgery itself. Reviewing your plan can give you a clearer idea of what’s included.
Our team can help you understand your benefits and explore financing options to make implants more affordable. We’re here to support you every step of the way
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Get long-lasting dental implants at Foxhall Smiles. Restore your smile with our durable solutions for missing teeth. Call our Washington, DC, dental office at 202-315-2188 today. You can also request an appointment online anytime.