Replaces the Root
The titanium post takes the place of the lost root, so the jawbone keeps a load and recession is limited.
Dental Implants in McLean & Alexandria, VA
The Lasting Solution for a Single Missing Tooth.
Are you self-conscious about the current state of your oral health and esthetics? Are you missing some or all of your teeth? Are you experiencing pain or discomfort with your dentures? If so, permanent dental implants can offer incredible, life-changing results and can restore your quality of life with a brilliant, perfect new smile.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Takes under a minute. Your answers stay in this browser.
What are you hoping to replace?
Why Dental Implants
The Advantages of a Dental Implant
An implant replaces the root as well as the tooth. That single difference is behind most of what patients gain, from a steadier bite to healthy neighboring teeth left untouched.
“
My smile held me back. That’s behind me now.Melanie · Full-Arch Implant Patient
Neighbors Left Alone
A bridge usually means reshaping two healthy teeth. An implant stands on its own and leaves the teeth either side untouched.
Anchored, Not Slipping
Fixed in the jawbone, an implant does not slide or rub on your gums while you eat and speak.
Eat What You Enjoy
Implant teeth look and work like natural teeth, so you can return to the foods you love with little discomfort.
Everyday Care
You brush and floss an implant like a natural tooth. The restoration resists decay, and six-month cleanings protect the gum around it.
Made to Last Decades
Implants are designed to last decades. Careful planning, quality materials and your own habits decide how long yours lasts.
Implant, Bridge or Denture
How an Implant Compares
Each one replaces missing teeth in a different way. This is how they compare on the points that matter day to day.
CompareDental ImplantBridgeDenture
What it replacesThe root and the toothThe tooth, on crowns fitted to the teeth either sideThe teeth, on a plate resting on the gums
Neighboring teethLeft untouchedUsually two healthy teeth reshaped to carry itRests on the gums instead
The jawboneKeeps a load, which limits recessionNo root in the gapDoes nothing to stop the bone receding
MovementAnchored in the jawboneFixed to the teeth beside itRests on the gums and can move
Good to knowBrushed and flossed like a natural toothCan also be carried on implantsNeeds relines
The trade-offCosts more at the start, designed to last decadesThe next option if you are not ready for an implantCosts the least on day one
Am I a Candidate?
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults missing one or more teeth can have implants. Candidacy is settled at a consultation with a cone-beam scan, which shows the bone you actually have; nobody can promise it from a web page.
- One missing tooth with healthy teeth either side
- Several missing or failing teeth in a row
- A loose denture you would rather anchor or replace
- Bone loss: many patients qualify after grafting
- Gum disease treated first, so the implant has healthy gum around it
Tell the team about smoking, diabetes and the medicines you take: they affect how bone heals around an implant, and the plan takes them into account.
Your Options
Personalized Attention, Customized Results
Depending on your unique situation, several different dental implant options can help you achieve a perfect smile and a set of stunning, brilliantly white new teeth. Depending on your personal situation and the current state of your oral health, Dr. Nahlah will determine the perfect implant option for you in terms of helping to craft a stunning smile and giving you back the quality of life you deserve.
01Single Implants
Single dental implants are often the best option for a single tooth that has been damaged due to physical impact.
02Implant Supported Bridge
Implant-supported bridges are a practical option that can replace several of your missing teeth, and offer an intermediate option in terms of both price and functionality.
03Implant Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a practical option that can replace several or all of your missing teeth, and offer an intermediate option in terms of both price and functionality.
Fixed Teeth vs. Removable
04Full Mouth Dental Implants
Full-mouth dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth.
All-on-4 Dental ImplantsHow Implants Work
Dental Implants: The Gold Standard for Missing Teeth
Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants are permanently anchored to the jawbone, meaning no slipping over time and no painful friction as a result of rubbing on the gums while eating and speaking. Implants consist of three main parts: a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jaw, an abutment which acts as an anchor for the replacement tooth, and finally, the customized replacement tooth (prosthetic) itself.
At our McLean and Alexandria offices, we offer free second opinions on dental implant surgery, as well as five-year warranties on all of our implant procedures (warranties mandate pre-care general cleanings every six months).Meet Dr. Nahlah
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Dr. Nahlah for Your Implant
An implant is only as good as its planning and the tooth on top. With us, one specialist handles both, from the first scan to the final crown.
What to askOur practiceOther offices
Who places itA board-certified prosthodontist with three years of specialist training beyond dental schoolSome rely on a weekend implant course
Post and toothDr. Nahlah places the implant and designs the tooth on top himselfA surgeon, a dentist and an outside lab each handle a part
PlanningThe tooth is planned first, and the implant is placed to serve itSome place the implant first and work out the tooth afterwards
SurgeryNerves are measured on the 3D scan, and the implant goes in through a printed guideSome place implants freehand and judge by eye
LabA digital lab in both offices, so shade and fit are corrected while you waitSome send the work out and wait weeks for it
Failed implantsComplex and failed cases accepted, and the second opinion on implant surgery is freeSome accept straightforward cases only
WarrantyFive years on implant procedures, kept with a cleaning every six monthsAsk what yours covers, in writing
Where you are seenThe same doctor in Tysons Corner and on Duke Street, with Arabic and Spanish spokenAsk who you will see at each visit
Dr. Esam Abou NahlahD.D.S., M.S.
Meet the Doctor
Meet Dr. Esam Abou Nahlah
As an award-winning board-certified specialist in prosthodontic dentistry, Dr. Nahlah provides patients with a premier level of dental care using the industry’s most advanced technology. He has been practicing since 2003, in Northern Virginia since 2013, entirely on prosthodontics. Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists. In 2013, the American Board of Prosthodontics awarded Dr. Nahlah the most prestigious award in prosthodontics: “Diplomate of American Board of Prosthodontics.”
Adjunct faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University, teaching the residents in its Prosthodontics Postgraduate Program, and lecturing on smile design and implants.
Across that career, over 18,000 implants placed and over 15,000 arches restored.
Credentials & Certifications
- Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
- Fellow, American College of Prosthodontists
- Adjunct Faculty, VCU Prosthodontics Postgraduate Program
- Certificate in Prosthodontics
- M.S., Master of Science in Oral Biology
- Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists
- Associate Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry
The Process
How the Dental Implant Process Works
Dr. Nahlah uses state-of-the-art zirconia fixed bridges for full mouth implant surgery, which represents the pinnacle of oral health restoration. Our team also offers a variety of sedation options, ensuring your dental implant surgery will be as smooth and pain-free as possible. Find out today if you are a candidate for world-class dental implants.
01Initial Consultation
The first step of any dental implant process is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nahlah for an initial consultation.
02Implant Surgery
The surgical process itself is carried out in a single visit.
03Healing
Surgery is followed by an approximately four-month healing process, during which the implant posts will permanently fuse with the jawbone.
04Your New Teeth
After your surgery, you will come in for two separate appointments: a routine checkup followed by a final visit. In this final visit, Dr. Nahlah will place your permanent set of new teeth!
95%+Implants in place at 10 years
4 moTypical healing time
1 wkBack to normal activity
6 moBetween cleanings
Recovery
What Is Recovery Like After Implant Surgery?
Most people rest for a few days and are back to normal activity within a week. The longer part is the diet: soft foods for several months while bone grows onto the post.
- Day of surgery: sedation, so arrange a ride after oral sedation
- First few days: minor discomfort that over-the-counter medication handles
- First week: back to work and normal activity for most people
- Months one to four: soft foods, and a temporary tooth worn throughout
- Reviews along the way to check the implant is integrating
One rule people underestimate: the soft-food diet is not optional. It protects the bone while it grows onto the post.
Risks
Are There Risks With Dental Implants?
In a 2019 review of 18 long-term studies, about 96% of implants were still in place after ten years. Most of what goes wrong starts in the planning or the upkeep, which is where the precautions here sit.
- Nerves: their position is measured on the 3D scan before surgery, not discovered during it
- Placement: each implant goes in through a printed guide, at the planned angle and depth
- Gum infection around an implant (peri-implantitis): prevented by brushing, flossing and six-month cleanings
- A part that fails inside five years is remade free under the warranty, with the cleanings kept
Your medical history and medications are gone through at the consultation, and the plan takes them into account.
Before & After
Real Patient Results
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfterCost & Financing
Your Price in Writing, Before Anything Starts.
Two people missing the same tooth can need entirely different treatment, so you get a real number after the scan, in writing.
Up to $60,000Through Proceed Finance, over terms of up to 96 months, subject to lender approval.
Three LendersCareCredit, Proceed Finance and LendingClub.
Most PPO PlansWe file claims with your dental insurance on your behalf.
Free Second OpinionOn implant surgery. Bring the plan and any imaging.
What Our Patients Say
Other Options
If a Single Implant Is Not the Right Fit
01
All-on-4
A whole upper or lower arch on four implants, often with teeth the same day.
Explore02
Implant-Supported Dentures
A denture that clips onto implants instead of resting on the gums.
Explore03
Crowns and Bridges
A bridge across the gap, the next option if you are not ready for an implant.
Explore04
Dentures
Traditional dentures, with the drawbacks compared honestly.
ExploreQuestions
Dental Implant Questions
Will the surgery hurt?
Done under sedation. You feel nothing during it, and you stay relaxed throughout. Afterwards, minor discomfort that over-the-counter medication handles.
What is recovery like?
Rest for a few days. Most people are back to normal activity within a week. A soft-food diet is needed for the next several months while the implants integrate with the jawbone.
Am I a candidate?
Many patients already are. Others qualify after bone grafting or extractions. Candidacy is determined from a comprehensive consultation and a 3D scan, not guessed at.
How long do implants last?
They are designed to last decades, and can last the rest of your life. Surgical precision, materials and your own habits are what decide it. A 2019 review of 18 long-term studies (Howe and colleagues, Journal of Dentistry) found about 96% of implants still in place after ten years.
Do I still need check-ups?
Yes. Implant restorations resist decay, but the gum around an implant can still develop peri-implantitis from plaque and tartar. Brush twice daily, floss once, and keep the six-month hygiene appointments.
What does it cost?
It depends on how many teeth are missing, how long for, the materials, and whether anything has to be rebuilt first. Claims are filed on your behalf. What drives the cost
Where can I get dental implants in McLean?
At the Tysons Corner office: Suite 220, 7901 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, (571) 702-9832.Dental implants in McLean →
Where can I get dental implants in Alexandria?
At 2855 Duke Street, Alexandria; new patients call (571) 617-7245.Dental implants in Alexandria →
Can every tooth be replaced with implants?
Yes. Both arches can be rebuilt on implants, as fixed zirconia bridges or as dentures that clip onto them.Full-mouth dental implants →
What if an implant has already failed?
It can usually be replaced. An examination and a cone-beam scan come first; if the implant has to come out, bone is rebuilt where needed and a new implant is placed through a surgical guide. A second opinion on implant surgery is free, wherever the first one was placed.Failed dental implants →
Book a Consultation
7901 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 220
McLean, VA 22102
2855 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Book Online, or Ask Us First
A consultation includes the 3D scan and a straight answer about what your case needs, before you commit to anything.
Tysons Corner · McLean
Dr. Nahlah Implants and Prosthodontics Specialists7901 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 220
McLean, VA 22102
New patients(703) 448-3312
Current patients(571) 702-9832
DirectionsBook OnlineAlexandria
Dr. Nahlah Implants and Prosthodontics Specialists2855 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
New patients(571) 617-7245
Current patients(571) 712-8958
DirectionsBook Online