If you have lost a permanent tooth, don’t worry — you’re not alone.

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, almost 70 percent of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost a tooth due to trauma, disease or decay. A quarter of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth by the time they turn 74 years old.

Many of Dr. Kenneth Ingber’s patients who struggle with missing teeth have found great success with dental implants. Implants allow you to eat and speak normally and maintain a beautiful and natural-looking smile. They also have many advantages over alternative treatments such as dentures. Keep reading to find out why getting dental implants in Washington D.C. may be right for you!

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants replace natural teeth that have fallen out of the mouth or been extracted due to disease, decay or another type of damage. Implants have two parts: a metal post that functions as an artificial tooth root, and a prosthetic tooth (crown) that screws onto the top of the post. A third part, called the abutment, connects the two pieces.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are beneficial for a number of reasons:

• They are permanently implanted in the jawbone, and won’t shift or slide around in your mouth like dentures.
• Implants allow you to eat, speak and smile comfortably and naturally.
• Because they are affixed to your jawbone, they keep the bone stimulated and healthy, preventing it from deteriorating due to lack of use.
• By stimulating the jawbone, implants also help to maintain your facial features.
• The artificial teeth are crafted from quality materials and look remarkably similar to your surrounding natural teeth.

The Dental Implant Placement Process

The dental implant placement process is performed in several stages and can take several months, depending on the case.

The first stage involves an oral surgery procedure to place the implant posts (small titanium rods that may resemble screws). A small incision is made in the gums where the implant is to be placed. A small hole is made in the jawbone, and the implant post is placed in it. Then, the incision is closed over the post and the gums are left to heal.

The healing process usually takes several months. During this period of time (referred to as osseointegration), the gums heal around the implant posts to form a strong foundation for the soon-to-be-placed tooth restoration.

After the gums and implant post have healed, the tooth restoration is attached to the top of the post. Implant posts can support a single crown or a fixed bridge. Several implant posts can support a full set of dentures.

Learn More about Dental Implants

Are you interested in learning more about how dental implants can improve your smile? Contact Ingber Dental today. Dr. Kenneth Ingber has worked with dental implants patients from Washington, D.C., the surrounding areas and other parts of the world for almost 30 years. He would be happy to meet with you to talk about your case and explore your options.