Washington D.C. dentists and expert dental implant providers, Dr. Azin Ghesmati and Dr. Andrew C. Cobb understand the embarrassment and anxiety that often comes with losing your teeth. Chevy Chase Digital Dentistry offers a wide range of options for replacing missing teeth including dental implants and dentures. For many patients, dental implants provide the best long-term results for both esthetic and health reasons.
Our dentists will perform a full evaluation of the teeth, gums, and supporting bone structure to determine if you are an ideal candidate for dental implants. Typically, an ideal candidate will have an adequate amount of bone structure, which is used to support one or more dental implants.
There are other forms of treatment that allow patients with an inadequate amount of bone structure to receive the dental implant procedure. Dr. Ghesmati, Dr. Cobb, and our dental care team work with you on an individual basis to assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate solution.
Drs. Ghesmati and Cobb, expert dental implantologists, provide several options for tooth replacement if you are missing multiple teeth. Dental implants provide long-term and highly effective results for patients missing more than one tooth. We can replace missing teeth using several dental implants to replace individual teeth.
With the use of a bridge, we can replace consecutive missing teeth. Or we can provide implant dentures if you are missing a whole row of teeth. Affordable dental implants offer a permanent solution for missing teeth with a success rate of over 95%
There are many reasons to replace all your missing teeth and the longer you wait to do so, the worse your oral health issues may get. These reasons include:
Traditional dentures can feel like they cause more problems than they solve. For example, coming loose at inconvenient times, reducing self-confidence, and making certain foods off-limits.
Not only can missing teeth be a serious detriment to a patient’s self-confidence, but it can also take a toll on physical health. Missing teeth can lead to difficulty eating, jawbone degeneration, misalignment, and overcrowding.
Dental implants are by far the best comprehensive solution for missing teeth. Dr. Azin Ghesmati and Dr. Andrew Cobb are implantology experts, able to restore anything from a single tooth to a full set of missing teeth. Our implants are so cosmetically and functionally realistic that most patients cannot discern between the implants and their natural teeth.
The type of dental implants procedure you receive will depend on the number and location of your missing teeth; as well as your overall oral health. First Dr. Ghesmati or Dr. Cobb will meet with you during a consultation at our Washington, D.C. dental office. There, we will perform a thorough dental health exam to see which dental implant procedure is right for you.
We can use single dental implants to replace one to multiple non-consecutive teeth. Usually, we place the implant and cap it with a dental crown. Our dentist can use dental implants to replace teeth that are congenitally missing. We can also replace lost teeth from accidents, tooth decay, gum disease, or other reasons.
Our dentist will recommend a dental bridge to replace several missing teeth. We secure a dental bridge using prepared adjacent teeth. With the use of dental implants, we can permanently secure a dental bridge in place, which helps to preserve the healthy adjacent teeth. Furthermore, implant-secured bridges provide more structural support for the jaw and bite and need less maintenance.
Dr. Ghesmati and Dr. Cobb also offer implant-supported dentures for a permanent and secure result when replacing all of the upper or lower teeth. Known as “All-on-four”, we can support implant dentures with as few as four dental implants. This type of restoration has a very high success rate and level of patient satisfaction. Traditional removable dentures require special daily and thorough cleanings.
Dentures do not support the structure of the jaw bone and patients may experience gradual bone loss and deterioration of the structure of the jaw. Implant-supported dentures also help to maintain the bone structure in the face.
While there is a greater investment initially, implant-supported dentures provide superior long-term benefits. Denture implants also allow patients to enjoy a diet without restriction.
A dental implant is a titanium post that Dr. Ghesmati or Dr. Cobb will surgically place into the jawbone beneath the gum line. This titanium post will act as the tooth root providing a strong foundation for the replacement tooth. Then, the implanted post will be used to attach a restoration whether it is a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture.
We recommend dental implants for missing teeth over removable appliances because they last longer and have a more natural-looking result. Dental implants also offer long-term benefits for dental health when compared to dentures as well as dental bridges.
Dr. Ghesmati and Dr. Cobb offer options for replacing missing teeth using dentures, partials, and implant dentures. Dentures are custom-made artificial teeth that replace missing teeth and some of the gum tissue. They are not permanent, meaning that you can remove them and put them back in.
Full dentures will replace a whole row of missing teeth. Partial dentures can replace gaps of missing teeth. They are made in a dental lab with impressions of your mouth. Dentures take some time to adjust to and require a lot of care. Patients will also need to replace or adjust them over time.
Dentures cost significantly less than dental implants upfront, especially if you are replacing multiple missing teeth. This cost can add up depending on the wear and tear. Dental implants cost more but are a permanent solution. If you take care of them properly, they will last forever.
Another thing to consider is dental insurance will typically cover between 15% and 50% of dentures depending on your dental plan. Since dental implants are a cosmetic procedure, dental insurance will not cover them, leaving you to pay the full cost of dental implants. You must check with your dental insurance provider to see if they cover a portion of the implant crown, bridge, or denture.
A face without teeth will appear sunken and can add years to your appearance. Both dentures and dental implants will help keep the natural shape of your face and lower jaw area. With dentures, you may need to apply a gooey adhesive every time you wear them to hold them in your mouth.
With a dental implant, you won’t need to do this extra step because implants are permanent and are maintained just like real teeth. Also, dentures may be a bit uncomfortable because they may cover a large portion of your mouth with plastic depending on the type of dentures you need. They may feel weird in your mouth and take some time to adjust to because they are bulky.
Dentures will deliver about a 30-40% of normal chewing function. Dental implants will deliver 100% of normal chewing function. The constant worry that your teeth may fall out while eating is not an issue with dental implants. Oftentimes, dentures may slip around or may not fit correctly leaving you with the worry of having them falling out.
If you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth, that void can cause bone loss and deterioration in your jawbone. In this case, Drs. Ghesmati and Cobb will recommend affordable dental implants over dentures because they are the only option for missing teeth that stimulates your jaw bone, which helps stimulate bone growth and reduce facial sagging after tooth loss.
Implants can encourage the regrowth of jawbone that has deteriorated due to missing teeth. However, in order to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants, we must first evaluate the health of your teeth, gums, and bone.
If you already have substantial bone loss in your jaw, you may not have enough of a foundation to support dental implants. In this situation, we may recommend another surgical option, such as a bone graft, to restore bone in your jaw.
In dentistry, a bone graft is a material filling applied to an area of the jaw in which the original bone structure is severely lacking. The graft contains a mix of minerals and biological or synthetic ingredients that are combined and fine-tuned to stimulate the growth of new bone tissue, thereby strengthening the jaw and increasing support for implant placement.
While Drs. Ghesmati and Cobb are largely occupied with saving and improving existing teeth through various treatments, it is sometimes necessary to remove a tooth that presents with especially significant damage, is causing problems systemically, or is impacted (such as may occur with wisdom teeth). The surgical extraction of a tooth is a common dental procedure, one which our experienced dentists are well qualified to perform.
If you're having problems with a tooth or your are considering implants, be sure to talk to us during your next visit about what the process will entail. Implants are full tooth replacements, extending into the bone of the jaw for firm support and excellent function, and they require the extraction of a tooth before the implant, abutment, and final dental crown are placed.
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. If cared for properly, a dental implant can last a lifetime. However, it is still important to visit our Washington, D.C. office bi-annually for a routine dental health exam.
Dental implants are a long-term investment in your overall well-being and oral health and may help to prevent the need for further advanced dental care. Our dental implants in Washington, D.C. offer a permanent solution for missing teeth and often require no future maintenance costs. No other solution for missing teeth will compare to the benefits of dental implants.
Each patient’s dental insurance is unique and coverage will vary depending on the plan. Not many dental insurance plans will cover dental implants. Some insurance plans will partially cover the dental fabrication such as the crown or the denture.
Dr. Ghesmati and Dr. Cobb strive to provide the highest level of dental care possible in a manner that is accessible and affordable for patients. While we do not participate with any dental insurance networks, our staff will take care of any billing and documentation so that you can receive reimbursement. However, you are responsible for the cost of dental implants.
We accepts many payment options including cash, check, and credit card. We also offer financing options for qualified patients and payment schedules for complete treatment plans.
Dental implants are for people who are missing one tooth or who are missing several or all their teeth. Dental implants are for patients who are healthy overall and have healthy bone structure whether they are young or old. Our dentist will perform a comprehensive exam to make sure that you qualify for dental implants.
We offer comprehensive and individual treatment planning for dental implants at Chevy Chase Digital Dentistry. During your treatment planning, we will provide 3D and intraoral images to build an accurate picture of your oral health. Dr. Ghesmati and Dr. Cobb will review both your dental and medical history to determine your potential risks and for recurrent decay and periodontal disease.
Depending on your oral health and unique needs, we may work with a local oral surgeon for the surgical placement of the implant to ensure the best results. Once ready, we will fabricate your final dental prosthetic and secure it to the implant post in the comfort of our Chevy Chase dental office.
The exact time it takes for a patients mouth to heal will vary from patient to patient. Typically the mouth will heal over the implant within 3-6 months. It is key to allow the jaw bone to completely heal and fuse with the dental implant before permanently attaching your final dental prosthetic. This step will ensure that you have the best and longest-lasting results.
If you are missing one tooth, our dentists will recommend a dental crown that is secured to a dental implant. This will provide patients with a permanent solution that is natural-looking. Patients will be able to maintain a normal oral hygiene routine and eat and speak with confidence.
If you are missing several or all of your teeth, we may recommend a dental bridge secured by dental implants or dentures secured by dental implants. A dental bridge is often used to replace several consecutively missing teeth.
Dentures can be secured using strategically placed dental implants if you are missing a full set of teeth. Both options provide a patient with more structural support for the jaw and bite and require less maintenance.