Dental Implants in Bethesda, MD & Washington D.C.
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
- Click for full post-op instructions
- 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.
What Can I Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?
A Complete Periodontal Recovery Diet Guide:
Eating the right foods post-operatively is just as important as the procedure itself, because what you eat after surgery plays a big role in how well and how quickly you heal. After surgery, your tissue is delicate and actively healing. The wrong foods can cause irritation, introduce bacteria, or physically disrupt the surgical site. Following a structured diet helps reduce discomfort, prevent complications, and support the best possible outcome.
For a complete list of recommended foods and everything to avoid during recovery, click to download our detailed diet guide.
Day 1
Immediately After Surgery/Day 1:
Keep It Cold and Soft. Right after surgery, your mouth will be tender, and cold foods can help soothe the area and reduce swelling. Stick to things like:
- Smoothies (no straws)
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Milkshakes
- Drink plenty of ice water!
Days 2-3
Days 2-3 After Surgery:
Stick to soft, cool, and non-irritating foods.
- Ice cream and sorbet (no nuts or chewy mix-ins)
- Smoothies (no seeds or chunks)
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt (plain or smooth, no granola or fruit chunks)
- Oatmeal
- Protein shakes
- Broths and blended soups (lukewarm or cold)
- Pudding and custards
- Gelatin (Jell-O)
Tip: If you can, use the opposite side of your mouth when eating. Use a spoon instead of a straw to avoid suction pressure.
Days 4-7
Days 4-7 After Surgery:
You may begin to slowly incorporate more variety, but keep the foods soft.
- Soft pasta, such as mac and cheese or buttered noodles
- Cooked, soft vegetables (steamed carrots, zucchini, squash, sweet potatoes)
- Soft fruits (bananas, canned fruits, avocado)
- Tender cooked meats (ground turkey/beef/chicken, shredded chicken)
- Tofu
- Beans and lentils
- Soft fish (white fish and salmon)
- Pancakes and soft waffles
- Cottage cheese and soft cheeses
Week 1-4
1-4 Weeks After Surgery
As healing progresses, you can slowly return to a more normal diet, while continuing to be cautious and still avoiding anything too hard or sharp.
- Most cooked vegetables and fruits
- Soft grains, pasta, and rice
- Lean meats and poultry
- Soft sandwiches (no crust or toasted bread)
- Turkey, egg salad, tuna
- Muffins or banana bread
- Soft tortillas
Foods to Avoid Until Fully Healed
What to AVOID Until Fully Healed:
- Crunchy, Sharp, or Pointy Foods: Chips, Pretzels, Popcorn, Crackers, Granola, Nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts)
- Foods with Seeds or Small Grains: Chia, sesame, poppy seeds, Quinoa, Seeded breads, Berries with small seeds (strawberries, raspberries)
- Sticky Foods: Caramels, Taffy, Gummy candy, Fruit snacks
- Tough & Chewy Foods: Steak, Beef jerky, Chewy protein bars, Dried fruit (raisins, mango, apricots)
- Hard or Crusty Breads: Baguettes, Bagels, Toasted bread
- Raw, Hard, or Fibrous Foods: Raw vegetables (carrots, celery, broccoli), Hard fruits (apples, pears)
- Spicy Foods: Hot sauce, Chili, Spicy curries
- Acidic Foods & Drinks: Citrus (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit), Tomato-based sauces, Vinegar and vinaigrettes
- Hot Foods & Drinks: Hot coffee or tea, Hot Soups
- Habits to Avoid:
- Drinking through a straw
- Chewing on the surgical side
- Smoking
- Alcohol
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.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime.
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.
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Dental Implant + Bone Grafting
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