Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew comfortably, speak clearly and smile with confidence. Dental implants in Rockville, Maryland, provide a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth with restorations designed to look, feel and function like natural teeth. Whether you need to replace one tooth, several teeth or stabilize a denture, implant dentistry offers options tailored to your oral health and restorative needs.
At John Savukinas, DDS, Dr. John Savukinas has 34 years of implant restoration experience, with more than 2,500 dental implants restored and over 300 implants placed. He evaluates your teeth, gums, jawbone and bite to develop an individualized treatment plan. Call 301-738-1155 or contact our office to schedule a dental implant consultation.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small post surgically placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over time, the implant integrates with the surrounding bone, creating a stable foundation for a replacement tooth. An abutment connects the implant to a custom dental restoration, such as a crown, bridge or implant-supported denture.
Unlike removable tooth replacements, dental implants provide support directly from the jawbone. Depending on your needs, they can replace individual teeth, support multiple replacement teeth or provide additional stability for dentures.
Dental Implant Options for Missing Teeth
Dental implants can address different types of tooth loss. The recommended treatment depends on how many teeth are missing, the condition of the surrounding teeth and bone, and your long-term goals.
Single-Tooth Dental Implants
A single dental implant can replace one missing tooth without relying on neighboring teeth for support. After the implant integrates with the jawbone, a custom dental crown is attached to restore the tooth’s appearance and function. This approach may help preserve adjacent healthy teeth because they generally do not need to be reshaped to support the restoration.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
When several neighboring teeth are missing, dental implants may support a connected bridge. Rather than replacing every missing tooth with a separate implant, strategically positioned implants can support multiple replacement teeth. The number and location of implants depend on your available bone, bite forces and restorative needs.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Dental implants can also stabilize removable or fixed dentures, reducing the movement that some patients experience with conventional dentures. Dr. Savukinas has completed more than 600 implant-supported or snap-in denture cases and can explain whether this approach may be appropriate for you.
Full-Mouth Dental Implants
Patients missing most or all of their teeth may benefit from full-mouth dental implants or All-on-X dental implants. These treatments use multiple implants to support a complete arch of replacement teeth. The appropriate configuration depends on jaw anatomy, bone support and the type of restoration needed.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several advantages for patients seeking a stable and natural-looking tooth replacement. Because they are supported by the jawbone, they can restore function without relying entirely on neighboring teeth or gum tissue.
Potential benefits include:
- Improved chewing function and stability
- Natural-looking replacement teeth
- Support for the jawbone following tooth loss
- Reduced movement compared with some removable dentures
- Replacement of missing teeth without altering adjacent healthy teeth in selected cases
- Long-term support for crowns, bridges and dentures
Dental implants are not appropriate for everyone. Dr. Savukinas will evaluate your oral health, available bone and treatment goals to determine whether implants or another tooth replacement option would be most suitable.
What to Expect During the Dental Implant Process
Dental implant treatment involves several stages, from the initial consultation through placement of the final restoration. The process varies depending on the number of implants needed, the condition of your jawbone and whether preliminary treatment is required.
Consultation and Treatment Planning
Dr. Savukinas begins with a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, bite and jawbone. Diagnostic imaging, including digital X-rays or cone beam imaging, may be used to evaluate bone support and plan implant placement. He will also review your medical history and discuss your restorative goals.
Preparing for Implant Placement
Some patients can proceed directly to implant placement, while others may need preliminary treatment. This could involve removing a damaged tooth, treating gum disease or completing bone grafting when additional bone support is needed. Dr. Savukinas will explain any recommended procedures before treatment begins.
Dental Implant Placement
During the surgical appointment, the implant post is positioned in the jawbone according to the treatment plan. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, and postoperative instructions are provided to support healing. Dr. Savukinas has 18 years of implant placement experience and has completed more than 300 implant placement cases.
Healing and Osseointegration
After placement, the implant gradually integrates with the surrounding jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Healing often takes several months, depending on the implant location, bone quality and individual health factors. Dr. Savukinas will monitor your progress before proceeding with the final restoration.
Placing Your Dental Implant Restoration
Once the implant is ready, an abutment and custom restoration are attached to complete your replacement tooth or teeth. Dr. Savukinas will evaluate the restoration’s appearance, fit and bite to help ensure comfortable function. His extensive implant restoration experience includes more than 2,500 completed cases.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Many adults with missing teeth may be candidates for dental implant treatment. However, successful placement depends on healthy supporting tissues, sufficient jawbone and the ability to heal properly following surgery.
During your consultation, Dr. Savukinas will evaluate:
- The number and location of missing teeth
- Gum health and the presence of periodontal disease
- Available jawbone and bone quality
- Your bite and remaining natural teeth
- Medical history and current medications
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Oral hygiene and long-term maintenance needs
Insufficient jawbone does not automatically rule out dental implants. In some cases, bone grafting can help create a more suitable foundation for placement. A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine which options are appropriate.
Dental Implants vs. Bridges and Dentures
Dental implants, traditional bridges and removable dentures can all replace missing teeth, but they provide support in different ways. A traditional bridge typically relies on neighboring teeth, while conventional dentures rest on the gums. Dental implants use posts anchored in the jawbone to support the replacement teeth.
For some patients, implants may preserve adjacent tooth structure and provide greater stability. However, bridges and dentures remain effective options depending on the condition of the mouth, available bone, treatment preferences and financial considerations. Dr. Savukinas will discuss the benefits and limitations of each approach during your consultation.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dental implants varies according to the number of teeth being replaced, the number of implants required and the type of final restoration. Additional procedures, such as tooth extractions or bone grafting, can also affect the overall treatment cost.
After evaluating your oral health and diagnostic images, Dr. Savukinas will explain your recommended treatment plan and associated costs. Our team can also discuss available financial options to help you understand your payment choices.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are designed to provide long-term support for replacement teeth, but their lifespan varies based on oral hygiene, gum health, bone support, bite forces and overall health. Although an implant cannot develop a cavity, the surrounding gums and bone can still be affected by inflammation or infection.
Daily brushing, cleaning around the implant and attending regular dental examinations help maintain healthy supporting tissues. The attached crown, bridge or denture may eventually require repair or replacement due to normal wear or changes in the mouth.
Experienced Dental Implant Care With Dr. Savukinas
Dental implant treatment requires careful coordination between surgical placement and restorative planning. Implant position, bone support, bite alignment and the design of the replacement teeth all contribute to the treatment’s long-term function.
Dr. Savukinas has provided dental implant services for 34 years. His experience includes more than 2,500 dental implants restored, over 300 implants placed and more than 600 implant-supported or snap-in denture cases. He also has extensive experience with dental crowns, bridges, dentures and comprehensive restorative treatment.
He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Savukinas also holds a surgical implant MISCH certificate and has served as a faculty member at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry since 1994.
FAQ About Dental Implants
What makes someone a good candidate for dental implants?
Good candidates generally have healthy gums, adequate bone support and the ability to heal following implant placement. Your medical history, medications, oral hygiene and bite also influence treatment planning. Dr. Savukinas will evaluate these factors before recommending dental implants.
How long does the dental implant process take?
Dental implant treatment often takes several months because the implant needs time to integrate with the surrounding jawbone. The timeline varies depending on healing, bone quality, the number of implants and whether preliminary procedures such as extractions or grafting are necessary.
Are dental implants painful?
Local anesthesia is used during dental implant placement to help keep you comfortable. Some swelling, soreness or tenderness may occur afterward. Dr. Savukinas will explain what to expect during recovery and provide instructions for managing discomfort and supporting proper healing.
Can dental implants replace multiple missing teeth?
Yes. Dental implants can support bridges, implant-supported dentures and full-arch restorations for patients missing several or all their teeth. The number of implants needed depends on available bone, bite forces, the size of the missing-tooth area and the planned restoration.
Do I need bone grafting before getting dental implants?
Not every patient requires bone grafting. It may be recommended when the jawbone does not provide sufficient support for an implant. Diagnostic imaging allows Dr. Savukinas to evaluate the available bone and determine whether grafting or another treatment approach may be necessary.
Can dental implants fail?
Dental implant complications can occur if an implant does not integrate properly or if infection, inflammation or excessive bite forces affect the surrounding tissues. Good oral hygiene, appropriate treatment planning and regular professional care can help reduce the risk of complications.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Rockville, MD
Whether you need to replace a single tooth, several teeth or stabilize a denture, dental implants may provide an effective long-term solution. At John Savukinas, DDS, Dr. Savukinas combines extensive implant restoration experience with individualized treatment planning to help patients restore their oral health and function.
Call 301-738-1155 or schedule your consultation online to learn more about dental implants in Rockville, MD.