Our Services - Dental Implants

Teeth in an Hour™

Upper Implant

Teeth in an Hour™ is a remarkable breakthrough for people who are missing some or all of their teeth. In the past, dental implants were painful and would require numerous surgeries over the course of months. But with new technology, the Washington Center for Image Dentistry can perform a dental implant smile makeover in an hour - or less. The process allows us to take a 3-dimensional X-ray (during an earlier appointment), which we use to plan a virtual surgery on a computer. The resulting surgery is extremely safe, very comfortable and almost completely pain free. It results in a new smile and a new, confident image.

Questions and Answers about Dental Implants

Q: The Washington Center for Image Dentistry says there are new ways to fix the problem of missing teeth without pain—and in just an hour! How is that possible?

A: New medical breakthroughs. Most people are either missing teeth, or know people who are missing teeth. It’s a common problem. Usually it’s treated with bridges, or painful and time-consuming dentures. But there’s brand new technology that allows us to implant teeth without any of the cutting, bleeding and pain associated with implants. It starts with an initial visit, in which we take a 3-D X-ray of the mouth with a machine called the I-CAT. It’s like a CAT scan. With that, we’re able to plot the procedure ahead of time on a computer, knowing exactly where the implants go - instead of cutting open the gums to figure it out. It’s like using Mapquest instead of a stopping and asking for directions.

We make a template that goes in the mouth—so we know exactly where to put the implants. During the next visit we just put in the template, insert the implants, and attach the new ceramic teeth. It usually takes less than an hour. We call it Your Third Set Of Teeth.

Q: Why isn’t that painful?

A: No cutting. Cutting causes pain and sometimes infection. The implants are actually small posts - which hold the new teeth. We can just insert them, like a cork going into a wine bottle. For that we use a local anesthetic. Most people don’t feel a thing, during or afterwards. A mild pain reliever like Tylenol or aspirin helps the few who do experience minor pain later.

Q: How soon can patients use their new teeth?

A: Immediately. Of course, it needs time to heel. We don’t recommend diving into an ear of corn. But patients can go out and eat a regular meal almost immediately afterwards.

Q: Who are ideal candidates?

A: Everyone with missing teeth. Or just one missing tooth. We’ve had many young patients who’ve had accidents where they’ve lost their two front teeth, or others who’ve lost teeth to cavities or periodontal disease. It’s perfect for those who’ve grown tired of the pain and upkeep of dentures—with all the messy and time-consuming applications they have to use to take care of their dentures. Many of our patients come from far away just to have it done.

Q: You mentioned denture wearers. How much of a change does it make in their lives?

A: We’ve calculated denture wearers spend $10,000-$12,000 over time to secure their false teeth. That’s in addition to all the hours they spend on upkeep, scraping the adhesive off their palette. There’s also the pain from frequent sore spots and food caught between their gums and the device, not to mention the embarrassment of loose dentures. Imagine never having to deal with those annoying issues again.

Q: Where are the new teeth made?

A: This is a question patients should ask no matter where they go. In our case, we have an in-house dental lab. It makes the process incredibly smoother. The reason: the lab technicians are part of the process. Right from the beginning they’re able to make sure the new teeth are the right color, shape and fit. Plus it’s much faster than sending the new teeth back and forth to a far-away lab for corrections.

Q: Is it expensive?

A: Each person and situation is different. The price depends upon the diagnosis and the amount of work necessary. We look at it as an investment, just as families invest in a vacation, only in this case an investment in a smile makeover will last you a lifetime The Teeth in an Hour™ are permanent teeth, as we said, your Third Set Of Teeth. You won’t have to worry about cavities ever again.

Q: Does this change people’s lives?

A: That’s the best part. We’re able to give people their smiles back. Most people try to hide their problems by keeping their mouths closed or hiding their teeth with their hands. Usually they don’t know the solution is so simple. Once they do, they can’t wait to show off their new smiles.