If you’re looking for an implant dentist in Silver Spring, Dr. Ian Shee at Silver Spring Cosmetic Dentistry replaces missing teeth with dental implants planned around your anatomy, your bite, and your schedule. Our office on Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring, MD, answers your questions about pain, timing, and recovery before treatment begins, so you know what to expect. The goal is to restore comfortable chewing, protect your long-term oral health, and help you eat, speak, and smile without hesitation.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. A small post, usually made of titanium, is placed in the jawbone where the tooth used to be. Over the following months, the bone fuses with the post, creating a stable foundation. A connector piece called an abutment then holds a custom crown or bridge on top.
Because an implant is anchored in bone, it doesn’t rest on your gums or rely on neighboring teeth for support. It looks, feels, and functions much like a natural tooth. It also stimulates the jawbone, which helps limit the bone loss that often follows tooth loss.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Many adults with one or more missing teeth are good candidates. The best results usually come when you have:
- Healthy gums or gum disease that has already been treated
- Enough jawbone to support an implant, or the option to rebuild it with a bone graft
- Overall health that supports normal healing
Some conditions and habits, such as smoking, can slow healing. That’s why Dr. Shee reviews your medical and dental history before recommending treatment. If your gums need attention first, our gum disease treatments help create a healthier foundation for your implant.
How Dr. Shee Plans Your Implant Treatment
Every implant plan starts with your unique anatomy and goals. Dr. Shee completed a General Residency in Hackensack, New Jersey, where he treated patients with complex medical and dental needs. He has also completed continuing education in dental implants. Before recommending anything, he reviews your dental history and images, then outlines options that balance longevity with convenience.
You’ll receive a step-by-step plan covering what happens before, during, and after placement, including your anesthesia choices and post-op care. Dr. Shee plans for three things: bone support, soft-tissue health, and a final restoration that fits your face and bite. If you need a bone graft, he’ll explain why and how it can improve your long-term results. If a periodontist or oral surgeon would lead to a better outcome, our team coordinates the referral so your appointments fit your schedule.
Every recommendation comes with a clear reason. We don’t overpromise. You get realistic options and honest timelines.
Technology That Makes Implant Planning More Predictable
Our dental technology helps Dr. Shee diagnose accurately, plan precisely, and show you what he sees.
- Digital X-rays capture fast, low-exposure images of the teeth and roots around the implant site.
- Panoramic X-rays show your entire jaw in a single image, helping us evaluate the bone and surrounding structures.
- An intraoral camera puts images of your own teeth on screen while we explain your options.
- An intraoral scanner creates precise digital impressions, so your final crown fits your bite without messy impression trays.
These tools don’t change your goals. They help us plan with fewer surprises, so treatment moves forward smoothly.
The Dental Implant Process, Step by Step
Knowing what’s coming makes treatment far less stressful. Here’s the typical sequence:
- Consultation and exam. Dr. Shee examines your mouth, reviews your medical history, and discusses your goals.
- Imaging and digital planning. X-rays and digital scans help map the ideal position for your implant.
- Implant placement. Dr. Shee places the post in the jawbone, with anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
- Healing and follow-up. Over the next several months, the bone fuses with the implant. Follow-up visits confirm that healing is on track.
- Final restoration. Once the implant is stable, we attach a custom dental crown or bridge.
We set clear expectations at every milestone, including when you can return to work and what to eat while you heal. If you need a temporary tooth while your tooth heals, we’ll discuss practical options that fit your life.
What to Expect From Our Team
Patients tell us they value how clearly we answer their questions. Our team explains every visit in plain language and schedules follow-ups without hassle. Team members also speak Spanish, Hindi, and Bengali. Appointments start as early as 7:40 a.m., Monday through Thursday, which makes it easier for parents and working professionals to fit care into a busy week. Our clean, modern office follows careful infection-control practices, so you can focus on your treatment and your recovery.
Paying for Dental Implants in Silver Spring
Dental implants are an investment in your long-term health, and we offer several payment options. We accept CareCredit and Sunbit, credit and debit cards, and checks. Financing options like CareCredit and Sunbit let many families spread the cost into manageable payments. Patients without insurance can also ask about our in-house dental discount plan.
Dental Implant FAQs
Do dental implants hurt?
Dr. Shee places implants with anesthesia, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Mild soreness and swelling for a few days afterward are common and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Dr. Shee reviews your comfort options and aftercare instructions before treatment.
How long does the dental implant process take?
Most cases take several months from implant placement to final crown, because the bone needs time to fuse with the implant. That healing period commonly lasts about three to six months, and a bone graft can extend it. You’ll receive a personalized timeline at your consultation.
How long do dental implants last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, the implant post can last for decades. The crown may eventually need to be replaced due to normal wear.
Will I need a bone graft?
Not always. After a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area can shrink over time. If there isn’t enough bone to support an implant, a bone graft rebuilds it first. Your X-rays and exam will show whether you need one.
Can implants replace more than one tooth?
Yes. A single implant can support one crown, and implants can also support a bridge that replaces several consecutive teeth.
Schedule Your Implant Consultation in Silver Spring
If missing teeth have made meals or conversations harder, now is the time to find out what dental implants can do for you. Dr. Shee will review your options and give you a clear, personalized plan. Call our new patient line at (301) 298-3691 or our main line at (301) 565-4555, or book your implant consultation online. You’ll find us at 8726 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910, in the heart of downtown Silver Spring.
