Dental implants provide a stable, long-lasting way to replace missing teeth. Whether you have lost one tooth, several teeth, or a complete arch, implants may help restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Dr. John Savukinas has provided dental implant services for 34 years. His clinical experience includes restoring more than 2,500 dental implants, placing more than 300 implants, and completing more than 600 implant-supported or snap-in denture cases.
At our office, each treatment plan is based on your oral health, remaining teeth, bone support, and personal goals. Dr. Savukinas will explain your options and help you determine whether dental implants in Rockville, Maryland, are appropriate for your needs.
Interested in replacing missing teeth?
Call 301-738-1155 or request a dental implant consultation.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Most implants are made from titanium, a biocompatible material that can integrate with the surrounding bone through a healing process called osseointegration.
After the implant has healed and become stable, an abutment connects it to the final dental restoration. Depending on how many teeth are missing, the restoration may be:
- A dental crown for one missing tooth
- An implant-supported bridge for several missing teeth
- An implant-supported denture for an entire arch
- A full-arch restoration supported by multiple implants
The final restoration is designed to complement the size, shape, and appearance of your natural teeth while providing a secure biting surface.
How the Dental Implant Process Works
Dental implant treatment is completed in stages. The exact process and timeline depend on your oral health, bone support, number of missing teeth, and the type of restoration being planned.
Dental Implant Consultation
Dr. Savukinas will examine your teeth, gums, bite, and jawbone. He will also review your medical and dental history and discuss what you hope to accomplish with treatment.
Diagnostic imaging may include digital X-rays or cone beam imaging. These images help evaluate bone structure, nearby teeth, and other anatomical considerations involved in implant planning.
Preparing the Implant Site
Some patients can proceed directly to implant placement. Others may need preliminary treatment to improve the health or structure of the implant site.
Preparatory treatment may include:
- Treatment for active gum disease
- Removal of a damaged or nonrestorable tooth
- Bone grafting when additional bone support is needed
- Management of infection or inflammation
Not every patient requires these procedures. Dr. Savukinas will explain whether any preparation is necessary before implant placement.
Dental Implant Placement
During implant placement, the post is positioned within the jawbone. The area is then allowed to heal as the implant integrates with the surrounding bone.
Dr. Savukinas has 18 years of experience placing dental implants and has completed more than 300 implant placement cases.
Healing and Osseointegration
The healing period often takes several months. This gives the implant time to become stable enough to support the final restoration.
Healing time varies based on the implant location, bone quality, overall health, and whether additional procedures were completed.
Dental Implant Restoration
Once the implant is ready, Dr. Savukinas will attach the abutment and create or place the final restoration. He has 34 years of experience restoring dental implants and has completed more than 2,500 implant restorations.
The restoration is designed to provide comfortable function and a natural-looking appearance.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer several potential advantages for people with missing teeth.
They may help:
- Restore chewing strength and function
- Improve speech affected by missing or unstable teeth
- Provide a secure foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture
- Reduce movement associated with traditional removable dentures
- Support the jawbone in the area of a missing tooth
- Avoid placing support on adjacent teeth in some cases
- Create a natural-looking and complete smile
- Improve confidence during eating, speaking, and social situations
Dental implants are not the right choice for every patient. A complete evaluation is needed to determine whether they are suitable for your oral health and treatment goals.
Dental Implants for One Missing Tooth
A single dental implant can replace one missing tooth without relying on the neighboring teeth for support. After the implant has healed, a custom crown is attached to restore the visible portion of the tooth.
This option may help preserve the structure of adjacent teeth because they do not usually need to be reshaped to support the restoration.
Dental Implants for Multiple Missing Teeth
When several neighboring teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge may be used. Rather than placing one implant for every missing tooth, strategically positioned implants can support a connected restoration.
The number and location of implants needed will depend on the space being restored, available bone, bite forces, and overall treatment plan.
Full-Mouth and Full-Arch Dental Implants
Patients missing most or all of their teeth may benefit from a full-arch implant restoration. Multiple implants are placed to support a fixed or removable set of replacement teeth.
Dr. Savukinas has completed more than 600 implant-supported or snap-in denture cases. His experience includes treatment planning for patients who need greater stability than traditional dentures can provide.
Learn more about:
Implant-Supported and Snap-In Dentures
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and may move during eating or speaking. Implant-supported and snap-in dentures attach to dental implants for greater stability.
Depending on the design, the restoration may be removable by the patient or secured in place. Dr. Savukinas will discuss the available options, maintenance needs, and differences between removable and fixed implant restorations.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Many adults with missing teeth may be considered for implant treatment. Suitable candidates generally need healthy oral tissues, enough bone to support the implant, and the ability to heal properly following surgery.
Factors reviewed during an implant evaluation include:
- The condition of your gums
- The amount and quality of available jawbone
- The location and number of missing teeth
- Your bite and remaining natural teeth
- Your medical history and current medications
- Tobacco use
- Oral hygiene habits
- Your ability to attend follow-up visits
Insufficient bone does not always rule out implant treatment. In some cases, bone grafting may help prepare the site for an implant.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are designed to serve as a long-term tooth replacement. Their longevity depends on several factors, including oral hygiene, gum health, bone support, bite forces, tobacco use, medical conditions, and regular professional care.
The implant post and the visible restoration have different maintenance needs. Although the implant itself cannot develop a cavity, the surrounding gums and bone can still be affected by inflammation or infection.
Consistent home care and routine dental visits are important for protecting the implant and surrounding tissues.
Caring for Dental Implants
Dental implants require ongoing care similar to natural teeth. Brush thoroughly, clean between the teeth and around the implant, and follow the hygiene recommendations provided by our team.
Good implant care includes:
- Brushing at least twice daily
- Cleaning between implants and neighboring teeth
- Using recommended floss, brushes, or other cleaning aids
- Attending regular dental examinations and cleanings
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Reporting discomfort, movement, bleeding, or swelling promptly
- Wearing a protective appliance when recommended for clenching or grinding
Visit our preventive dentistry page to learn more about maintaining your oral health.
Why Choose Dr. Savukinas for Dental Implants?
Dental implant treatment involves more than placing an implant post. Successful planning also requires experience in restorative dentistry, bite function, prosthetics, oral surgery, and long-term maintenance.
Dr. Savukinas has provided dental implant services for 34 years. His implant experience includes:
- More than 2,500 dental implants restored
- More than 300 dental implants placed
- More than 600 implant-supported or snap-in denture cases
- 34 years of dental implant restoration experience
- 18 years of dental implant placement experience
- More than 1,000 hours of continuing education in dental implants
His broader restorative experience includes more than 1,000 dental crowns, 1,000 dental bridges, 500 denture cases, and 500 partial denture cases. This background allows him to consider both the surgical and restorative parts of implant treatment.
Dr. Savukinas is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He also holds a surgical implant MISCH certificate and has served as a faculty member at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry since 1994.
Dental Implant Consultation in Rockville, Maryland
During your consultation, Dr. Savukinas will evaluate your oral health, review diagnostic images, and discuss the number and condition of your missing teeth. He will also explain the procedures that may be involved, the expected timeline, and the type of final restoration being considered.
You will have an opportunity to ask questions about:
- Implant placement
- Healing time
- Bone grafting
- Temporary tooth replacement
- Implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures
- Home care and long-term maintenance
- Financial and scheduling considerations
Considering dental implants in Rockville, MD?
Call 301-738-1155 or contact our office to schedule an evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
What makes someone a good candidate for dental implants?
A candidate generally needs healthy gums, adequate bone support, and the ability to heal following implant placement. Dr. Savukinas will review your oral health, medical history, medications, and diagnostic images to determine whether dental implants are appropriate.
How long does the dental implant process take?
Dental implant treatment often takes several months because the implant needs time to integrate with the jawbone before the final restoration is placed. The timeline varies based on healing, bone support, the number of implants, and whether preliminary procedures are needed.
Are dental implants painful?
Local anesthesia is used during implant placement. Some soreness, swelling, or tenderness may occur afterward. Dr. Savukinas will explain what to expect and provide instructions for managing discomfort during recovery.
Can dental implants replace several missing teeth?
Yes. Dental implants can support a bridge, an implant-supported denture, or a full-arch restoration. The number of implants required depends on the number of missing teeth, available bone, bite forces, and the restoration being planned.
Do I need bone grafting before receiving an implant?
Not every patient needs bone grafting. It may be recommended when the jawbone does not provide enough support for an implant. Diagnostic imaging helps Dr. Savukinas determine whether grafting should be included in your treatment plan.
Can dental implants fail?
Implant complications can occur when the implant does not integrate properly or when infection, inflammation, excessive bite pressure, tobacco use, or other health factors affect the surrounding tissues. Careful planning, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits may reduce these risks.
How do I clean dental implants?
Brush the restoration and clean around the implant every day. Depending on the restoration, our team may recommend floss, an interdental brush, a water flosser, or another cleaning aid. Routine dental examinations and professional cleanings remain important.
What is the difference between an implant and an implant restoration?
The implant is the post positioned in the jawbone. The restoration is the visible crown, bridge, or denture attached to the implant. Both components work together to replace the missing tooth or teeth.
What areas do you serve?
Dr. Savukinas provides dental implants in Rockville, Maryland, and nearby communities, including Gaithersburg, Germantown, North Potomac, and Potomac. Call our office to schedule a personal consultation.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Rockville, Maryland
Dental implants may help restore the appearance, stability, and function of your smile after tooth loss. A consultation is the first step in determining whether implant treatment fits your oral health and long-term goals.