Few people relish going to the dentist, but the services offered by family dentist Dr. Ghassan Jacklis and Dr. H. David Allick at White Flint Dental Associates in Rockville MD can be life-changing.

These services include dental implants, a permanent solution to a flawed smile. If you have missing teeth, dental implants can restore your oral health and give you a great smile you'll be happy to show off.

As with any dental surgery, there is a recovery period from dental implants, and while you may experience discomfort for a couple of days post-procedure, the results are incredible, and any pain you are experiencing from having a missing tooth will be alleviated.

Here's what to know about dental implants from our Rockville MD family dentist and how to experience a quick and smooth recovery.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant replaces a missing, severely damaged, or decayed tooth using a metal post as the root, with an artificial tooth affixed on top. Dental implants are strong and secure, functioning just like a regular tooth.

How are dental implants put in?

Your Rockville MD family dentist will first numb your mouth with local anesthesia before making a small incision in your gum. They will next insert a screw-like post into your jawbone, beneath the gums, to support an artificial tooth. The incision will be stitched shut for healing as the bone regrows around the implant to hold it permanently in place. An artificial tooth, matched in shape and tint to the rest of your teeth, will then secured on top of the implant.

How do I recover from a dental implant?

Once the anesthesia wears off from your procedure, you may experience soreness or discomfort. Your Rockville MD family dentist may give you a prescription for a pain reliever, or recommend an over-the-counter version. You should avoid eating hard or crunchy foods for a few days as your mouth heals. Try soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, and applesauce. You will also want to brush very gently along the implant to reduce irritation.

With dental implants, you can achieve the healthy, attractive smile you've been missing. Call Dr. Ghassan Jacklis and Dr. H. David Allick at our Rockville MD office at 301-881-6666 for a consultation.