Surgical
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement. They are an excellent option for individuals who have lost a tooth/teeth due to disease, injury, or other reasons. A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it acts as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant integrates with the bone, it provides a strong, stable foundation for a custom crown, bridge, or denture. Because the implant fuses with the bone, it mimics the function of a natural tooth and helps maintain the health of the jaw.
At District Dental Surgery, we have experienced periodontists that will help you gain back your natural smile with a quality dental implant.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone in order to act as an anchor for a replacement tooth. The implant is designed to provide a strong and secure foundation for all sorts of prosthetics and restorations; this may include crowns, bridges, or full-arch prosthetics. The placement of the implant is a relatively simple procedure that can be completed in-office with little discomfort throughout recovery.
The entire dental implant is composed of three parts:
- Implant Post: the small titanium screw that is placed into your jawbone and acts as the root of your new tooth.
- Abutment: the “connector” that attaches to the implant post and sits just above the gumline. It holds the replacement tooth securely in place.
- Crown (Restoration): the visible part of the implant, your new tooth! Custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.
What is the Purpose of a Dental Implant?
The purpose is to restore both function and appearance after tooth loss. Implants allow patients to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and smile confidently, without worrying about loose or removable appliances. Beyond aesthetics, implants also preserve oral health by preventing bone loss and keeping neighboring teeth stable. They are designed to be a long-term, natural-looking replacement that feels and functions like real teeth.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Anyone who has lost a tooth or teeth is a candidate for dental implants. The ideal candidates have healthy gums and adequate bone support, and good oral hygiene habits. Things like mismanaged diabetes, smoking, gum disease, and other uncontrolled medical conditions may affect the ability of the implant to fuse to the bone. Our dentists and periodontists will work with you to ensure your gums and bones are healthy enough to receive the implant.
If the bone where the implant is to be placed has already receded, a bone graft may be performed to provide the volume needed for implant placement.
Types of Implants in District Dental Surgery
1
Single tooth replacement
2
Multiple tooth replacement
3
Total teeth replacement
What to Expect During & After The Procedure:
Step 1. Consultation & Treatment Planning
- We take 3D scans and X-rays to evaluate your bone and design your personalized plan. We coordinate with your restorative dentist to ensure seamless treatment from start to finish.
Step 2: Implant Placement Procedure
- The procedure usually takes less than two hours. We will make small incisions in the gums and place the implant into the jawbone. We place our implants fully guided, allowing us to precisely position the implant in the ideal location for the permanent crown, where the bone is optimal. Once the implant is in place, the gums will be sutured, and in some cases, a temporary dental prosthesis may be attached. We then send the progress report to your restorative dentist.
- Your comfort is our priority. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which means the treatment area will be completely numb. You won’t feel pain during the procedure, and most patients report little to no discomfort throughout. For added comfort, we also offer laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and Xanax if you’re feeling anxious or prefer a more relaxed experience.
Step 3: Healing & Osseointegration
- Immediately after the procedure, you can expect to experience some mild swelling and bruising. These side effects are completely normal and will resolve within a few days. It’s important to take it easy for the first few days. Eat a soft diet for the first few weeks, NO hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. We’ll provide you with detailed post-op instructions.
- Over the next 3–6 months, the implant integrates with your bone (osseointegration), and we monitor healing. If desired, your restorative dentist may provide a temporary crown during this phase.
Step 4: Final Prosthetic
- Once the implant has healed and fused to the jawbone, your restorative dentist designs and places the permanent crown. The crown is custom-made to match your natural teeth for a seamless result.
Can Dental Implants Replace Multiple Teeth?
Absolutely! No matter your situation, there’s a dental implant solution that can help you chew, smile, and speak with confidence again. Dental implants are one of the most reliable and natural-looking ways to replace missing teeth — whether you’re missing one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch.
- Single Dental Implant — replaces one missing tooth with a natural-looking result that blends seamlessly with your smile.
- Implant Bridge — replaces several missing teeth in a row using only two implants for support.
- Full-Arch Dental Implants — replaces a full set of missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw with four implants for a fixed, stable restoration that looks and feels like your own teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants:
A local anesthetic is used to numb the implant site, so you should not feel any pain during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience some soreness or discomfort, but this can be managed with over-the-counter medications. Our team will provide you with detailed information about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
With proper care and maintenance, your dental implant can last for a lifetime. The final restoration may need to be replaced after many years due to normal wear and tear.
Yes, dentures and bridges are both options. Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth with an artificial tooth and are cemented to the natural teeth that remain. A denture is a removable appliance that replaces all or some of your missing teeth. Both options offer a more affordable way to replace your teeth, but they don’t provide the stability and convenience that dental implants offer.
Cost is always a factor to consider when planning any procedure. While the cost of dental implants may seem high, they are an excellent long-term investment in your smile and overall oral health. We accept financing and can arrange payment plans to make the cost more manageable for our patients. We will provide a detailed estimate of your cost during your consultation; at that time, we will also discuss your options for financing.
Yes, dental implants can absolutely replace multiple teeth.
- If several teeth are missing in different spots, each space can be restored with its own implant and crown. This works well when the gaps are spread out.
- If multiple teeth in a row are missing, instead of placing one implant per tooth, we can place two (or more) implants to support a bridge. For example, two implants could hold a 3–4 tooth bridge. This reduces the number of implants needed while still giving strong, stable replacement teeth.
- When most or all teeth are missing, a few implants (often 4–6 per jaw) can anchor a full arch of teeth. These dentures can be permanently attached or removable.
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District Dental Surgery Locations
Washington, DC
(Formerly Known as District Perio)
1828 L St NW Suite 860 Washington, DC 20036
