Tooth Replacement · Washington, DC
Dental Implants in Washington, DC
Specialist-placed implants planned by periodontists who manage the gum and bone foundation that supports long-term success.
Pre-shoot · concept
Direct answer
Dental implants are titanium or zirconia posts placed in the jaw to replace missing teeth. A periodontist plans and places the implant; a restorative dentist often makes the crown that goes on top.
Why it matters: Implants restore the ability to chew, speak, and smile without the bone loss that follows long-term tooth absence. They are designed to last decades with proper maintenance.
Why see a periodontist: Periodontists complete three additional years of surgical training beyond dental school, focused on the gum and bone that supports teeth and implants. The implant is the easy part; the foundation is where specialist judgment matters.
Next step in DC: DC Perio places implants at both the Farragut Square and Eastern Market locations. A consultation reviews candidacy, imaging, and your restorative dentist's plan for the final tooth.
What dental implants actually are
An implant is a small titanium or zirconia post that integrates with your jawbone over a few months, becoming a permanent anchor for a replacement tooth. The visible 'tooth' is the crown — a separate piece that attaches to the implant after healing.
Implants are designed to function like your own teeth. Unlike a bridge, they do not require trimming down the teeth on either side. Unlike a denture, they are fixed in the bone.
Who is a candidate
Most adults with adequate bone and healthy gum tissue are candidates. Patients with bone loss, advanced gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or certain medication histories may need additional planning steps before implant placement is appropriate.
The honest answer for many patients: 'You can be a candidate, but we need to do some preparation work first.' Bone grafting, gum treatment, or medical clearance from your physician can make a previously unsuitable case into a successful one.
Why see a periodontist for your implant
Three reasons specialist training matters here:
1) Bone foundation. A periodontist evaluates whether your jaw has enough bone, can plan grafting if needed, and places the implant in the position the restoration requires — not just where bone happens to exist.
2) Gum tissue. The gum around an implant is different from the gum around a natural tooth. Insufficient attached gum is a setup for peri-implantitis (gum disease around the implant). A periodontist treats this every day.
3) Long-term thinking. Implants can last decades. The surgical decisions you make on day one affect whether year fifteen looks like a success or a problem.
What your consultation looks like
Medical and dental history review, including medications and any imaging your dentist has already taken.
Clinical exam of the area, surrounding teeth, gum tissue, and bite.
3D imaging (CBCT) when implant planning is involved — this lets us see bone volume and the nerve and sinus structures we need to respect.
Discussion of options, timing, sedation, and what your part of the plan looks like before and after surgery.
Coordination with your restorative dentist so the implant position supports the final tooth they will make.
What to expect during recovery
Most patients return to non-strenuous activity the next day. Some swelling and tenderness around the surgical site for several days is typical. We use surgical techniques designed to reduce post-op discomfort and provide medication as appropriate.
Healing of the implant in the bone takes approximately three to six months for most cases. During that period, you may wear a temporary tooth depending on the case.
Risks and tradeoffs to know
No surgical procedure is without risk. Implants have a high long-term success rate when placed in healthy bone with proper case selection, but failure can happen and varies by patient factors including gum disease history, smoking, diabetes control, and bite forces.
Maintenance matters. Implants require professional cleaning and home care the same way teeth do. Implants that develop peri-implantitis are harder to treat than gum disease around natural teeth — prevention is the strategy.
Common questions
Frequently asked about dental implants
- How long do dental implants last?
- Implants are designed to last decades with proper maintenance. Long-term studies show 90-95% survival at 10 years for properly placed implants in healthy bone. Maintenance — both professional cleanings and home care — matters as much as the surgery itself.
- Do dental implants hurt?
- Implant placement is typically performed under local anesthesia, often with additional sedation options if you prefer. Most patients describe post-op discomfort as less than they expected — comparable to a tooth extraction. Severe pain after implant surgery is not typical and should be reported to the office.
- Can I get an implant the same day as my extraction?
- In selected cases, yes — this is called immediate implant placement. Whether it is appropriate depends on the reason for extraction, the bone available, the condition of the surrounding gum, and whether you smoke. Some cases benefit from waiting weeks or months to let the site heal before implant placement.
- Do I need bone grafting before an implant?
- Many patients do — especially if the tooth being replaced has been missing for some time, or was removed because of infection or fracture. Bone grafting is routine in implant practice and can be done at the same surgical visit as the extraction or implant placement in selected cases.
- Does insurance cover dental implants?
- Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of implant treatment; many do not, or cover only the crown. Medical insurance occasionally contributes when the tooth loss is from accident or specific medical conditions. Our team reviews your specific coverage during the consultation.
Ready to talk through your options?
A consultation reviews your specific case and gives you honest options — not a pitch.