Dental Implants in Clarksburg

What are my options after losing teeth?

If you suffer from tooth loss, dental implants can restore your smile and confidence by enhancing your functionality and overall oral health. Known as one of the most secure and long-lasting tooth replacement options available, dental implants can seamlessly blend in with the rest of your teeth so you can start smiling again.

Did you know…

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Unlike your natural teeth, dental implants can't get cavities.

Ready to schedule a consultation?

Call (240) 308-8588 today!

How it works: The dental implant placement and restoration process

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An Honest Conversation

Your dentist will first sit down with you to determine if dental implants best suit your unique needs. After examining your mouth, administering X-rays, and checking your jaw health, your dentist will decide if one or more dental implants will provide the proper tooth restoration required for your smile. At this time, you and your dentist can discuss other restorative dentistry alternatives that may be a better fit for you.

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Your Oral Surgery Treatment

Once you’ve been approved for treatment, your dentist will schedule your oral surgery appointment and provide a surgical plan. During the surgery, your dentist will open your gum tissue slightly to securely place a dental implant in the jaw. Your dentist will complete the procedure by cleaning the area and adding sutures to begin the healing process.

Healing & Osseointegration

Your gums will begin to heal once your implants have been placed. Most patients heal completely from surgery within 1-2 weeks. In a process called “osseointegration,” the dental implant will take between 3-6 months to permanently bond with your jaw bone.

Crafting the Prosthetic

To ensure proper healing and bonding occurs, you’ll want to visit our office for a few follow-up appointments after your surgery. Your dentist will examine your jaw and gums and take impressions of your implant and teeth. These impressions will be sent over to a lab, who will craft a custom prosthetic, dental crown or arch of teeth.

Applying the Restoration

After the lab has completed your prosthetic and your mouth has fully healed, you’ll visit our office for your final appointment. During the visit, your dentist will complete the procedure by permanently placing the restoration to your dental implant.

Maintenance & Aftercare

Keep your mouth and dental implant healthy by brushing and flossing regularly. Don’t forget to see your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam.

Dental Implant Options

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Single Tooth Implants

As the most-frequently used dental implant, single-tooth implants are made up of two main parts. The dental implant, or post, is a titanium rod with a screw-like shape. A dental crown is the restoration that is usually applied to the single implant.

To place a single dental implant, the post is bonded permanently into your gum and jaw. As the gum heals, a dental crown is created, which is eventually attached to the post by an “abutment.” This dental crown reinstates the shape, function, and appearance of your natural tooth. Unlike a partial denture, single-tooth implants are extremely durable and never move or shift.

Full-Arch Implants

If you are missing all or most of your natural teeth, and are looking for a secure, durable alternative to traditional dentures, full-arch implants may be the best option for you. By placing a series of 4-6 dental implants per arch into your mouth, you can enjoy the look and function of a new smile that can last a lifetime.

These dental implants act as artificial roots that allow a set of removable implant-supported overdentures or fixed dental bridges to permanently bond to the gumline and restore your smile. Full-arch implants look and feel much more natural, and will never shift or move when you eat or speak, unlike dentures.

Mini Implants

Similar to standard dental implants, mini implants are about half of the size of a traditional implant. They can be used to restore one tooth or several missing teeth, but mini implants are most commonly used to support a set of dentures in the lower jaw.

Due to their small size, the placement process is not as invasive as traditional implants. Plus, mini implants can usually still be applied in your jaw even if it has been weakened by bone resorption after tooth loss.

Did you know…

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Unlike dentures which require replacements, dental implants can potentially last a lifetime.

Interested in dental implants?

Call (240) 308-8588 to book an appointment

Have questions about implant dentistry?

Find Answers Here.

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How are dental implants made?

Dental implants are composed of two unique parts: one screw-shaped titanium “post”, and the restorative component, which is usually a dental crown and abutment. A wide selection of pre-selected post sizes are available to ensure each patient gets an implant that suits their needs. The restoration, on the other hand, is a custom-made appliance. Once your dentist secures your dental implant, they will administer impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab.

The lab will create a long-lasting, resilient dental implant restoration. Most are crafted out of porcelain or another high-quality, durable material. Once the restoration is complete, the lab will send it back to our office, and your dentist will complete the procedure by securely attaching your dental implant in place.

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How long do dental implants last?

When properly placed and maintained with care, dental implants can last up to 30 years or more. It’s very common for patients to keep their implants for the rest of their lives.

The dental implant restoration, on the other hand, may not last this long. Restorations such as dental crowns or overdentures are exposed to regular wear and tear from chewing, biting, and more. Over the years, the restoration may need to be replaced a few times to keep your smile healthy and functional.

Can dental implants get infected?

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Dental implants can become infected, but it is a very rare complication. Known as “peri-implantitis,” a dental implant infection usually only occurs if the implant is not kept clean or cared for after surgery.

To avoid peri-implantitis and maintain a healthy implant, follow your dentist’s instructions while recovering, and be sure to brush and floss regularly after your implant has healed.

Will dental implants stop bone loss?

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Yes. When your jaw is no longer stimulated by the natural pressure of chewing and biting, bone loss will occur. Losing a tooth stops this process, causing the jaw bone to weaken.

When the dental implant post is bonded directly into the jaw bone, it acts as an artificial tooth root and transmits the force of chewing and biting through the root and into your jaw bone, keeping it healthy and strong.

Can dental implants be done in one day?

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There are a few types of dental implants that can be done in one day. The restoration your dentist provides is a temporary appliance to keep your tooth healthy and functional until you have fully healed from your dental implant placement surgery. With your restoration, you can speak and eat normally throughout the healing process.

Your dentist will schedule a series of follow up appointments to track your healing process and take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will help the lab create your custom-made restoration, which will be a more permanent, durable, and natural-looking prosthetic than your temporaries.

what preparation is needed for implants?

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Extractions - If the dental implant is replacing a damaged or decayed tooth, we will first need to perform a tooth extraction. Most teeth will require a basic extraction unless you have a tooth that has broken off at the gum line and requires surgical extraction. 

For a basic extraction, we will administer local anesthesia and then use a dental elevator to rock the tooth back and forth to sever the ligaments holding it in place in the socket. Once the tooth is very loose, forceps are then used to remove the tooth. 

A surgical extraction involves the same extraction process but we will first need to make an incision into the gums to access the tooth. We may also need to cut some additional bone and soft tissue to get better access. The tooth is usually sectioned (cut into smaller fragments) in surgical extractions.

Dental implants can sometimes be placed immediately after extraction if you have adequate jaw bone structure and depending on the position of the tooth. In other cases, you may need to wait for the extraction site to completely heal which can take about 10 weeks.

Bone Grafting - During your consultation, we will take x-rays to determine if you have sufficient jaw bone density to support dental implants. If not, you will likely need a bone grafting procedure to restore the jaw bone. 

A bone graft involves transferring bone from one area of the body or synthetic materials and placing it in the jaw to restore and regenerate bone. An incision is made into your gums and the graft is placed with a temporary adhesive.

Over time, this adhesive will dissolve and the graft will fuse with the jaw bone. We will close the incision with a suture. Once you have healed from the procedure, which can take about 3 months, the bone graft will have completely bonded with the previously existing bone.

what options do I have for restoring my implants?

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Dental Crowns - Traditional dental implants utilize a dental crown to replace a single tooth. A titanium post is implanted into the jaw bone and once osseointegration has been completed, we attach an abutment. 

Finally, we send impressions of your tooth to a dental lab that creates a dental crown matching the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. By the time this process is complete, you have a full tooth restoration, from the crown down to the root.

Dental Bridges - All-on-four combines dental implants with a fixed dental bridge to replace an entire arch of teeth. The bridge is supported by just four dental implants - two in the rear and two in the front of the jaw. 

The rear dental implants are placed at a 45-degree angle, which provides enough stability to support an entire arch of teeth with so few implants. The bridge is cemented into place so you do not need to remove it.

Dentures - Implant-supported dentures, much like the all-on-four procedure, restore an entire arch or both arches of teeth. However, instead of placing a fixed bridge, a series of implants support a removable denture, also known as an overdenture. 

Removable dentures make it simple to thoroughly clean the artificial teeth and they snap back onto your dental implants. The implants hold them securely in place so they don’t shift or move when you speak or eat, unlike traditional dentures.

Read What Our Patients Are Saying

Read More Reviews

Kazmi

5 star reviews

"Dr. Zaidi is extremely meticulous and a perfectionist! I was anxious about my implant. Dr. Zaidi first explained it to me very thoroughly she was very patient with me. She was very gentle and since she is equipped with latest equipment and technology it gave me the peace of mind that I was getting the best treatment. My procedure went so smooth I didn’t even suffer post treatment pain or swelling. she is fun and friendly too!"

Brady Wilson

5 star reviews

"The best dental care I have ever experienced! I am always anxious when at the dentist and I find it hard to relax. Dr. Zaidi did a wonderful job in making me feel at ease and comfortable. She explained everything she was doing and came up with a game plan for me. The entire office is beautiful and very up-to-date with modern equipment. The room I was in even had a TV! Highly recommend for all your dental needs!"

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5 star reviews

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5 star reviews

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Did you know…

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Dental implants are made of titanium, which is one of the strongest and most durable metals.

Ready for your next dental appointment?

Call (240) 308-8588 to schedule today

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