Dental Implants in Washington, DC

The process of placing dental implants often takes several months to complete, as once the dental implant is placed in the gums, it needs time to “take root” through osseointegration, in which the bone fuses to the implant. The entire process is broken down into phases: consultation and imaging, bone grafting (if necessary), implant insertion, osseointegration, and, finally, crown placement.

The first step is a consultation with one of our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who will discuss treatment options and what you can expect throughout the process. They may review your dental history with you and briefly examine your teeth before moving on to the next steps.

A key part of our process is high-definition, accurate dental imaging of your teeth and jaw using 3D cone beam CT scanning. Our team uses these images to view the entire jaw, including the underlying bone, to best plan the procedure and assess whether you need additional services, such as bone grafting. Additionally, these images are used to take digital impressions of your mouth, eliminating the need for physical molds that can be time-consuming and messy. These images take only a few seconds to acquire and are essential components of the process.

After discussing your current condition and showing you the dental implant plan, our team will schedule the next steps.

Some patients who have had missing teeth for many years or have lower bone density may require a preparatory step before the dental implant process. Bone grafting is a common prerequisite for dental implants, as it prepares the jawbone for implant integration. The process involves placing bone graft material into the area where a future implant will be placed and allowing the new bone to grow or graft in that location.

Once the bone graft is placed, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months for the bone to mature.

Using the images already taken and the computer-assisted technology, X-Guide®, your surgeon will place the implant. This technology allows your surgeon to see the entirety of your mouth and jawline, enabling them to see more than traditional surgery and reducing trauma to the gums and surrounding tissues. Additionally, using X-Guide® means the procedure requires smaller incisions and more accurate placement.

The entire placement procedure varies depending on the number of implants, but X-Guide® cuts surgical time in half compared to traditional free-hand methods.

Once the implants are placed, you’ll need to wait another 3 to 6 months for the bone to graft onto the implant. This process ensures the implant post is firmly secured in the jawbone, providing a strong foundation for your new tooth.

Lastly, a crown or artificial tooth is placed on the abutment by your restorative dentist. If the abutment was not inserted at the time of the implant, it is placed before the crown in a separate appointment. The crown is created specifically for your mouth and the necessary spacing, resulting in a natural-looking, functional smile.