Dental Implants
Missing teeth can dramatically affect both your overall and oral health. Even losing just one tooth can cause various dental problems such as shifting teeth, gum disease or tooth decay, and increase your risk for developing certain health issues. Missing multiple teeth can cause extensive bone loss, which changes the shape and structure of your face and jaw.
Unfortunately, once a tooth is gone, it is gone forever. The only way to avoid experiencing problems from missing teeth is to replace them. Dental implants are an extremely popular and versatile treatment option used to help replace missing teeth.
At Pike & Valega, DDS, our experienced dental implant dentist, Dr. D. Timothy Pike, can help you explore whether this is a good treatment option for you.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a tiny cylinder-shaped piece of metal that is surgically placed into the jawbone. It is used to fill in the gap caused by missing teeth.
The small metal post acts like a tooth’s natural root. It provides stability and support.
Once the post has been surgically placed, a replacement tooth is created. The replacement tooth, designed using materials such as porcelain or ceramic, looks just like your natural teeth. The replacement tooth is then carefully fixed to the top of the implant.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
A good candidate for dental implants is someone who is in good overall health and has healthy gums. Good bone density is also a requirement. If you don’t happen to have enough bone density to support a dental implant, a procedure known as a bone graft may be needed.
Dr. D. Timothy Pike can discuss whether you are a good candidate for dental implants during your consultation. Other alternative treatment options can be discussed if you aren’t a good candidate.
Guiding You Through Every Step of the Dental Implant Process From Start to Finish
Getting dental implants isn’t something that happens in a single visit. Multiple procedures are often needed. The last thing you want to do is to be sent to different providers all across town to get these procedures done in preparation for your dental implants. That doesn’t happen at Pike & Valega, DDS.
Dr. D. Timothy Pike is an expert in the entire dental implant process from start to finish. With decades of experience in implant dentistry, he has the skills needed to craft customized treatment plans that produce outstanding results. Not only does he oversee the surgical implantation of dental implants, but he also manages the restorative aspect of the process. This makes him a unique specialist that many general dentists cannot match, as he learned to place implants during his residency in 1986-1988 and has been practicing both the surgical and restorative parts ever since.
Schedule a Consultation Today To Discuss Dental Implants
Dental implants can help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule a consultation at Pike & Valega, DDS to see how our exceptional dentistry creates beautiful smiles. We will explore all available treatment options, including dental implants, and help you determine which options will give you the best results.
Contact us directly by phone or by filling out our request an appointment form to schedule a consultation for dental implants. Appointments for consultations can be made at our Poolesville dental office or Rockville dental office.