Restorative Dentistry · Washington DC
Titanium implants fuse with your jawbone to give you a permanent replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like the real thing.
The Science
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone. Over three to six months, the bone grows around the post in a process called osseointegration. making the implant as stable as a natural tooth root.
Once healed, a custom crown is placed on top. The result is a permanent, fully functional tooth that preserves your jawbone and requires no special care beyond regular brushing and flossing.
95%
long-term success rate
Life
-long with proper care
Your Options
One implant post topped with a custom porcelain crown replaces a single missing tooth. Adjacent teeth are untouched. unlike a bridge that requires grinding down neighboring teeth.
When several teeth are missing in different areas, individual implants restore each one independently. Each tooth stands alone. no shared support structures that could compromise stability.
Two implants anchor a bridge that spans a gap of three or more consecutive missing teeth. A more conservative option than placing an implant under every missing tooth, while still preserving bone.
Replace an entire arch of teeth using just four strategically placed implants. A fixed, non-removable prosthesis attaches to the implants. giving you a complete set of teeth that never come out.
The Procedure
Cone-beam CT scan and full examination assess bone volume, gum health, and the position of adjacent structures. A precise surgical plan is created before any procedure begins.
Under local anesthesia (sedation available), the titanium post is placed into the jawbone. Most patients describe minimal discomfort. comparable to a tooth extraction.
Over 3 to 6 months, your jawbone fuses with the titanium surface. A temporary crown may be placed during this healing phase so you're never without a tooth.
A custom porcelain crown is attached to the implant. Color, shape, and size are matched to your surrounding teeth. You leave with a permanent, natural-looking result.
FAQ
The procedure is done under local anesthesia and sedation is available. Most patients report that the surgery is less painful than they expected. similar to a tooth extraction. Post-operative soreness is managed with over-the-counter pain relievers in most cases.
With proper care, the titanium implant post itself can last a lifetime. The crown on top typically lasts 15 to 25 years before needing replacement due to normal wear. Regular checkups and good oral hygiene are the main factors in implant longevity.
Most healthy adults with adequate bone volume are candidates. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, active periodontal disease, or heavy smoking have higher failure rates and need to address those conditions first. Bone grafting can create the necessary foundation in patients with bone loss. Dr. Ardekani will evaluate you thoroughly before recommending treatment.
Implants require the same care as natural teeth. brush twice daily, floss daily, and see us for regular cleanings. An interdental brush can help clean around the implant base. Your hygienist will demonstrate the ideal technique at your first post-implant appointment.
Patient Stories
“I had a failing tooth that needed extraction and an implant. The team walked me through every stage. The implant feels exactly like a real tooth. I forget it is even there.”
Robert K.
Single Tooth Implant
“The procedure was far easier than I expected. Minimal discomfort, clear aftercare instructions, and the result is stunning. My confidence eating in public is back.”
Yvonne B.
Dental Implant
“After years of dentures, implants changed everything. The All-on-4 process at DC Pearls was thorough and I can eat anything I want again.”
Franklin D.
Full Arch · All-on-4
Take the First Step
Schedule a consultation and we'll evaluate your bone, discuss your options, and walk you through exactly what the process looks like for your specific case.