Results Driven by Precision and Planning
Our results speak for themselves. Every case in our practice is thoroughly documented, from initial diagnostic imaging through final restoration delivery and ongoing follow-up. The patient stories presented here represent a cross-section of cases managed at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, ranging from single implant restorations to complex multi-implant rehabilitation. Many of these cases involve Bethesda-area patients who sought our team's expertise for their implant restoration needs.
These are real patients with real outcomes, not stock photography or generic testimonials. Each story demonstrates the individualized approach that characterizes Elite Prosthetic Dentistry. Treatment plans, surgical techniques, and restoration designs are customized to each patient's unique anatomy and functional goals.
The success of these cases reflects not only our lead clinician's technical expertise, but also our team's commitment to comprehensive case planning, precise surgical execution, meticulous restoration design, and ongoing patient care.
Corina: From Tooth Extraction to Complete Smile Restoration
Extraction, Bone Grafting, and Implant-Supported Crowns - Bethesda Resident
The Challenge
Corina, a Bethesda resident, presented with failing teeth in her upper front region. Years of decay and periodontal disease had compromised the structural integrity of her existing teeth. A traditional bridge or denture would have required extensive tooth preparation of healthy teeth and would not have provided optimal function or esthetics. Corina wanted a long-term solution that would restore her smile and allow her to eat and function normally without ongoing maintenance issues. She researched prosthodontists in the Bethesda area and chose Elite Prosthetic Dentistry for our reputation for excellence.
The Treatment Approach
Our prosthodontist recommended surgical extraction of the failing teeth followed by bone grafting to restore the width and height of bone that had been lost to disease. Once the bone had matured sufficiently (typically 4-6 months), implants were surgically placed in the grafted bone. After the implants had achieved osseointegration (typically 4-6 months), custom implant abutments and crowns were fabricated and delivered.
This comprehensive approach required careful treatment sequencing, precise surgical placement, and custom restoration design to ensure that the final crowns matched the esthetics of Corina's natural teeth and provided excellent long-term function and stability.
The Outcome
Corina now has a fully functional smile with teeth that look and feel natural. She can eat, drink, and speak with confidence. The implant crowns are indistinguishable from natural teeth and require no special maintenance beyond normal oral hygiene. Her smile has been restored, and she has regained the quality of life that comes with having healthy, functional teeth. She regularly refers other Bethesda residents to our practice.
Treatment Timeline
- Tooth extraction and bone grafting
- 4-6 months for bone maturation
- Implant surgical placement
- 4-6 months for osseointegration
- Custom abutment and crown fabrication
- Final restoration delivery and adjustment
Michelle: Comprehensive Smile Reconstruction
Multiple Extractions, Bone Grafting, and Full-Mouth Implant Restoration - Chevy Chase Patient
The Challenge
Michelle, a Chevy Chase resident, had failing teeth throughout her mouth, with advanced periodontal disease, root canal failures, and significant bone loss. Years of dental problems had affected her self-confidence and quality of life. She had considered dentures, but wanted a more permanent solution that would allow normal eating and speaking without the hassles of removable prosthetics. After consulting with several general dentists in the Chevy Chase and Bethesda area, she was referred to Elite Prosthetic Dentistry for expertise in complex full-mouth reconstruction. Her case was indeed complex, requiring careful surgical planning and sophisticated restoration design.
The Treatment Approach
Our prosthodontist conducted a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation including advanced imaging, bite analysis, and esthetic assessment. A phased treatment plan was developed to systematically address Michelle's comprehensive dental rehabilitation needs. Strategic extractions were performed, followed by extensive bone grafting to restore adequate bone dimensions for implant placement in areas critical for function and esthetics. Implants were then surgically placed in areas of restored bone, taking into account Michelle's bite forces, esthetic desires, and functional goals.
Custom implant abutments and crowns were fabricated in our in-house laboratory to ensure precise fit and superior esthetics. Each crown was individually adjusted and polished to achieve optimal occlusion, contact points, and emergence profiles. The result was a fully functional, esthetically superior smile restoration that exceeded Michelle's expectations.
The Outcome
Michelle's comprehensive restoration has provided her with a stable, natural-looking smile that has transformed her life. She can eat all foods without restriction, speak clearly, and most importantly, feel confident about her appearance. The implants have been stable for years with no complications. She maintains her results with routine oral hygiene and periodic checkups with our team.
Why This Case Was Complex
Complex multi-tooth cases like Michelle's require consideration of multiple factors: the remaining bone dimensions, the location of vital structures like the sinuses and nerves, the patient's bite forces, esthetic demands, and long-term stability. Our team's approach to these cases is methodical and comprehensive, with each phase of treatment carefully planned to ensure the foundation for the final restoration. The success of Michelle's case demonstrates why residents throughout the Bethesda area and beyond trust us with their most complex dental rehabilitation needs.
Tracy: Smile Transformation with Custom Crowns
Strategic Extractions, Bone Grafting, and Implant Restorations - Bethesda Area Patient
The Challenge
Tracy, a Bethesda-area resident, had experienced tooth loss due to both disease and prior trauma. She had a combination of failing natural teeth and missing teeth that affected both her function and her appearance. She wanted a smile that would look natural and allow her to eat and speak with confidence without the limitations of traditional dental solutions. Her case required a combination of strategic tooth extraction, bone reconstruction, and precise implant placement and restoration. After meeting with several prosthodontists in the Bethesda area, Tracy selected Elite Prosthetic Dentistry for our renowned expertise in complex smile transformations.
The Treatment Approach
A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation revealed that some of Tracy's remaining teeth could not be saved, while others could be retained as anchors for the treatment plan. The strategic treatment plan involved extracting failing teeth, grafting bone to restore adequate dimensions for implant placement in key areas, and then carefully positioning implants to support custom restorations. Each implant was positioned not just based on available bone, but in consideration of the optimal location for the final crown restoration and long-term functional success.
Our specialist worked closely with laboratory technicians to develop custom abutments and crowns that would match Tracy's natural teeth in color, texture, and contour. This level of customization ensures that the final result is esthetically superior and functionally optimized for her specific bite forces and functional demands.
The Outcome
Tracy's smile transformation demonstrates the power of comprehensive treatment planning and precision execution. Her new smile is natural-looking, fully functional, and stable. She is able to eat all foods normally and has regained the confidence that comes with having an attractive, healthy smile. Her case illustrates how individual treatment planning can address complex situations and achieve results that far exceed what generic treatment protocols can accomplish. Tracy now proudly refers her Bethesda friends and family members to our practice.
Key Principles in Tracy's Case
- Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning
- Strategic tooth extraction and preservation where appropriate
- Bone grafting to restore anatomy for optimal implant positioning
- Implant placement based on restoration design requirements
- Custom abutment and crown fabrication for superior esthetics
- Precise adjustment and polishing for optimal function
- Ongoing relationship and maintenance care with our team
What Our Patients Experience
Beyond the clinical outcome, the patient experience at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry is characterized by personalized attention, clear communication, and respect for the patient's time and concerns.
Initial Consultation
Our prosthodontist conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation during your initial consultation. This includes a detailed history, clinical examination, and advanced imaging. Based on this evaluation, they discuss your treatment options, expected timeline, and financial considerations. You will have ample opportunity to ask questions and understand the recommended treatment plan.
Surgical Phase
If implant placement is recommended, our prosthodontist will discuss the surgical procedure in detail, including anesthesia options, post-operative expectations, and activity restrictions. The surgical phase is typically completed under local anesthesia with nitrous oxide if desired. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and recover quickly.
Restorative Phase
Once implants have achieved osseointegration, the restorative phase begins. This involves taking detailed impressions and measurements to ensure that the custom abutments and crowns are fabricated precisely. You will have multiple opportunities to evaluate the color, contour, and bite before the final restorations are seated.
Long-Term Care
After restoration delivery, our specialist remains involved in your ongoing care. Periodic follow-up visits ensure that your implants are functioning properly, your bite is balanced, and your restorations are stable. This continuity of care is a key component of achieving long-term success.
Why Bethesda Residents Choose Elite Prosthetic Dentistry
Patients from Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, and surrounding areas consistently choose our practice for their implant restoration needs because of our reputation for uncompromising quality, personalized attention, and predictably superior outcomes. When Bethesda families need dental implants, they trust the specialist whose 40+ year track record speaks for itself.
Patient Experience Videos
Our practice maintains a collection of patient experience videos in which patients discuss their treatment journey, outcomes, and satisfaction. These videos provide authentic insight into what the implant restoration process is really like from the patient's perspective. Many feature Bethesda and Chevy Chase residents sharing their transformative experiences.
If you would like to view additional patient stories and experience videos, please schedule a consultation. During your consultation, our specialist can share relevant patient examples that match your treatment situation and goals. All video examples are used with patient consent, and patient privacy is strictly maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Implant Process
How long does the full implant process take from start to finish?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case. A straightforward single implant typically requires 4-6 months from tooth extraction through final crown placement. Cases involving bone grafting require additional time for bone maturation, typically adding 3-9 months depending on the extent of grafting required.
Complex multi-implant cases may require a longer timeline due to the phased nature of treatment. our prosthodontist will provide you with a specific timeline during your consultation based on your individual needs and the complexity of your case.
Will my dental implants look natural?
Yes. Our team's approach emphasizes custom restoration design tailored to your specific anatomy and esthetic goals. Each implant crown is custom-made to match the color, contour, shape, and texture of your natural teeth. The goal is a restoration that is completely natural in appearance and indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
This is achieved through careful implant positioning, custom abutment design, and precision crown fabrication in our in-house laboratory. The combination of proper positioning and custom restoration design ensures esthetic superiority compared to standardized, off-the-shelf approaches.
Can I see more patient examples during my consultation?
Yes. Our practice maintains a portfolio of patient cases demonstrating the range of results achievable with different treatment approaches and case complexities. During your consultation, our specialist can review relevant examples that match your situation and treatment goals, helping you visualize potential outcomes.
All examples are used with explicit patient consent, and patient privacy is strictly maintained. Our specialist can also discuss before-and-after results of cases similar to yours, providing you with realistic expectations for your own treatment.
What is the success rate for dental implants?
Our practice maintains a documented success rate exceeding 97% after 20 years in function across more than 3,900+ implants placed and restored. This represents one of the highest published success rates in the specialty.
Success depends on multiple factors including proper case selection, precise surgical placement, appropriate bone grafting when needed, proper restoration design, and patient compliance with oral hygiene and follow-up care. Our team's comprehensive approach to each of these elements contributes to the superior outcomes achieved in our practice.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implant treatment varies significantly based on the complexity of your case. Factors affecting cost include the number of implants needed, whether bone grafting is required, the complexity of the restoration design, and materials used.
During your consultation, our prosthodontist will provide you with a detailed treatment estimate that breaks down the costs associated with each phase of your treatment. He also works with patients on financial arrangements and can discuss insurance coverage and payment plans.
Ready to Start Your Own Story?
If you are interested in dental implant restoration and want to learn more about your options, schedule a consultation with our team. During your consultation, you will receive a thorough evaluation and a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Bethesda-area patients can begin their journey toward the smile they've always wanted.
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