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Are you avoiding certain foods, hiding your smile in photos, or struggling with a denture that never feels secure? Over time, a missing tooth can lead to jawbone loss, shifting teeth, and an uneven bite that affects how you eat and speak. Sunshine Smiles Dental Care offers dental implants to Bethesda, MD residents looking for a permanent, natural-looking solution, and our office is just a short drive away.
Why Bethesda Patients Choose Dental Implants to Replace Missing Teeth
Dental implants are widely considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. Each implant is a small, screw-like artificial tooth root, usually made of titanium, that is surgically placed into the jawbone.
Titanium is biocompatible, which means it bonds naturally with bone. That bond creates a strong, stable foundation for a custom restoration that looks, feels, and functions like a healthy natural tooth.
Compared with other tooth replacement options, dental implants:
- Act like natural tooth roots to help prevent jawbone loss
- Preserve the healthy teeth on either side of the gap
- Restore chewing ability and help improve speech
- Help balance your bite
- Require the same care as natural teeth
- Offer greater durability than traditional dental bridges and dentures
Implant Restoration Options for One or Several Missing Teeth
No two smiles are alike, so your treatment plan is built around the number and location of missing teeth. Our dentists offer three types of implant restorations:
- Single tooth implants: Ideal when one tooth has been lost to decay or injury. An aesthetic crown is placed on a single implant to restore health and function.
- Implant-supported bridges: Designed to replace two or more adjacent teeth, with the bridge anchored to crowns placed on implants on each side of the gap.
- Overdentures: Also called implant-supported dentures, these are secured by four to eight strategically placed implants for patients with multiple missing or severely damaged teeth.
What to Expect During the Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant process typically takes six to eight months to complete. Most of that time is spent healing, which is essential for long-term stability.
- Consultation and 3D imaging: We evaluate your oral health and jawbone density using X-rays or CBCT 3D imaging to plan ideal implant placement.
- Preparatory treatment, if needed: This may include removing a severely damaged tooth, ridge preservation, a bone graft to rebuild lost bone, or a sinus lift for upper jaw implants.
- Implant placement: Once you are ready, one or more implants are placed. The implant then fuses with the jaw through osseointegration, a process that can take several months.
- Custom restoration: After healing, we capture 3D digital impressions and create your crown using our computer-aided in-house milling unit or 3D printer.
- Final restoration: Your crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implants to complete your smile.
Experienced Implant Dentists Serving Bethesda Families
Dr. Mike Horng earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University and holds a master's degree in chemical engineering from Johns Hopkins University. He stays current on the latest research to offer precise, gentle, and conservative treatment. He speaks fluent English and Mandarin Chinese.
Dr. Roberto Aleman attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine on a Merit Scholarship and Dean Grant. He is known for integrating cutting-edge technology and for an empathetic approach that keeps visits stress-free. He communicates fluently in English and Spanish.
Dental Implant Cost, Payment Options, and Insurance
The cost of dental implants depends on several factors, including how many teeth are being replaced, the type of restoration, and whether you need a bone graft or sinus lift. Because every plan is personalized, an accurate estimate starts with a consultation.
While implants are an investment, they are a long-term solution that can be more cost-effective over time than restorations needing frequent replacement. Call our team to review your treatment plan, ask how your dental insurance may apply, and discuss available payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Book Your Dental Implants Consultation Near Bethesda, MD Today!
Every month a gap goes untreated, the jawbone beneath it can continue to shrink, which may make future treatment more complex. Replacing missing teeth sooner helps protect your bone, your bite, and your confidence.
Dr. Horng and Dr. Aleman are ready to create dental implants customized to your smile using advanced technology and high-quality materials. Call Sunshine Smiles Dental Care at (301) 565-8889 or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation.