Dental implants are known as the gold standard for replacing one or more missing teeth. During dental implant placement, an oral surgeon places a titanium post into the jawbone in place of the missing tooth root. The implant can secure a dental crown, dentures, or bridge to replace missing teeth. Dental implants can also prevent bone deterioration and facial sagging. Dr. Christopher Banks works with oral surgeons to provide dental implants for patients at Dupont Dental in Washington, DC.
The Benefits of Dental Implant Treatment
Whether patients need to replace a single tooth or all of their teeth, implants offer the same benefits:
- Permanence: Dentures, bridges, and other restorative procedures can need additional restorations or replacements over time, but dental implants are a permanent solution that lasts a lifetime with proper care. The high-quality titanium materials and the fact that implants fuse with the jaw bone ensure they are permanent.
- Support: Dental implants prevent the recession of the bone and gums that can occur with other tooth replacement options. With the robust and durable support of the dental implant anchored in your jawbone, you can enjoy normal eating and speaking without worrying about restorations like dentures slipping or bridges suffering damage.
- Natural Look and Function: The titanium implant posts are biocompatible, fusing with the jawbone like a natural tooth root. The posts secure the natural-looking crown, bridge, or dentures and enable normal speaking, biting, and chewing.
- Minimal Maintenance: Caring for dental implants is as easy as caring for natural teeth. Implants can last for many years with routine oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and exams.
Dental Implants in Washington, DC
Dr. Banks works with local oral surgeons to place dental implants, while he can restore the appearance of the teeth with dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. Before implant treatment, Dr. Banks will thoroughly examine the smile. He may also recommend bone grafting if patients have lost enough bone tissue to support the implants. Grafting places healthy bone tissue where it is needed to ensure that the implants stay in the mouth.
During the implant surgery, the oral surgeon places the titanium posts in the jaw bone beneath the gums and places healing posts on the implants. Over three to six months, the implant posts gradually fuse with the bone tissue. This healing process is called osseointegration. Dr. Banks takes impressions of the smile to create the crown, bridge, or denture. He will provide temporary restoration, and then once the implants are fully healed, he attaches the final restoration.
With the implant in place of the lost tooth, you’re less likely to suffer bone loss and maintain the facial structure. Today’s dental implants have a success rate of over 95%, have the strength of natural teeth, require regular oral hygiene for maintenance, and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Restore Missing Teeth Today
If you have one or more missing permanent teeth and need a restoration, dental implants can help renew your smile. Call our office for restorative care today at (202) 946-4720. You can also request a dental appointment with Dr. Banks online.