Dental Implants in Lanham, MD

Explore Your Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can affect your comfort, confidence and ability to enjoy meals. At Blissful Dental, Dr. Brenda E. Howard helps adults understand their tooth replacement options, including dental implants in Lanham, Maryland. Your consultation considers the health of your mouth, the teeth you need to replace and your goals for treatment.

Call 301-552-2662 to schedule an evaluation and discuss a personalized plan.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a support placed in the jawbone to replace the function of a missing tooth root. A connector, called an abutment, links the implant to the replacement tooth. Depending on the number and location of missing teeth, implants may support a crown, bridge or denture.

The implant and the visible restoration are separate parts of the treatment. Planning both together helps establish the position, appearance and function of the replacement teeth.

Why Consider Dental Implants?

For suitable patients, implant-supported teeth can offer:

  • Support for chewing: An integrated implant provides an anchor for a replacement tooth.
  • A natural-looking smile: The visible restoration is designed to complement surrounding teeth.
  • An alternative to a tooth-supported bridge: Some implant plans avoid preparing neighboring teeth for crowns.
  • Options for different patterns of tooth loss: Treatment may replace a single tooth or support a larger restoration.

Dental implants are designed for long-term tooth replacement. Their lifespan depends on your oral health, healing, daily care and regular dental visits. The crown, bridge or denture attached to an implant may need maintenance or replacement over time.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Your evaluation includes your teeth, gums, available bone and bite. Medical history, medications, tobacco use and previous dental treatment also matter. Active gum disease or other oral health problems may need attention before an implant plan can proceed.

Dr. Brenda E. Howard may recommend imaging to gather information about the proposed site. Our office has cone beam 3D imaging available when clinically appropriate. Additional evaluation or referral may be needed to determine whether surgical treatment or bone grafting is suitable.

Not everyone needs an implant. A traditional bridge or removable partial denture may be an appropriate alternative. You will have an opportunity to discuss the advantages, limitations and costs of the options relevant to your mouth.

What Does the Implant Process Involve?

Consultation and Coordinated Planning

Dr. Brenda E. Howard reviews your needs and explains the proposed replacement. Your plan identifies the services involved and any referrals required. Before proceeding, ask who will perform each stage, where appointments will take place and how care will be coordinated.

Placement and Healing

Implant placement is a surgical procedure. The treating surgical provider will explain anesthesia, recovery, risks and aftercare. Healing often takes several months, and the schedule varies with the site, your health and any additional procedures.

Completing the Restoration

Once the implant is ready to support a tooth, records are used to create the planned restoration. Fit, bite and appearance are checked before the replacement is secured. Your dental team will explain how to clean it and when to return for monitoring.

Experience and Thoughtful Recommendations

Dr. Brenda E. Howard has been in private practice since 1985. Her continuing education includes studies at the Pankey Institute and Stanley Institute, as well as extensive implant coursework. She provides comprehensive adult dentistry and takes a personal role in helping patients understand their options.

When a case would benefit from another provider’s care, she makes an appropriate referral. Her goal is a treatment plan that reflects your needs and supports your long-term oral health.

Protecting Your Investment in Your Smile

Implants need consistent care. Follow your dental team’s cleaning instructions and keep recommended follow-up visits. Professional monitoring checks the gums, supporting structures and restoration. Call promptly if you notice a loose replacement tooth, persistent discomfort, swelling or bleeding around an implant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental implants last?

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Implants are designed for long-term use, but a lifetime result cannot be guaranteed. Oral health, healing, daily cleaning and follow-up care affect their longevity. The attached restoration may also need repair or replacement.

How long does treatment take?

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Treatment commonly involves several stages over a period of months. Extractions, grafting, healing and the type of restoration can affect the schedule. Your providers will explain the anticipated timeline.

Does Dr. Brenda E. Howard perform every stage?

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Your consultation will clarify which services are appropriate in our office and whether referral to another provider is needed. We will explain the plan before treatment begins.

What does implant treatment cost?

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Cost depends on the number of implants, the replacement teeth and any additional treatment. Request an individualized estimate that explains the stages involved, along with available financial options.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Lanham, Maryland

Discuss a plan for replacing missing teeth with an experienced dentist who considers your overall oral health. Call 301-552-2662 or contact Blissful Dental to schedule your consultation.