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Dental Implants Specialist

We Care 4U Dental Center

Raquel J. Pagan, DDS

Family & General Dentist located in Silver Spring, MD

About 178 million Americans have lost at least one tooth — and as you age, your chances of losing teeth increases sharply. Fortunately, We Care 4U Dental Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, offers dental implants, the best long-term solution for tooth loss. Experienced dentist Raquel Pagan, DDS, uses the highest quality restorative materials to give you a beautiful new tooth that feels completely natural. Book your appointment by calling the office and speaking to a friendly staff member or scheduling online.

Dental Implants Q & A

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the best method of permanent tooth replacement available today because they mimic your original natural tooth from roots up. 

Dental implants have a few essential parts, including:

Implant post

The implant post rests inside your jawbone. Most implant posts are titanium, a biocompatible metal that integrates perfectly with your natural bone. The implant post replaces the tooth root.

Prosthetic tooth

The prosthetic tooth is a porcelain replica of your old tooth. It screws onto the implant post. Dr. Pagan expertly matches your replacement tooth to the shade of the natural teeth. 

When do I need a dental implant?

There are many reasons that people choose dental implants. They are often part of both restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments. Your reasons could include:


  • Restoring your smile
  • Restoring normal facial contours
  • Preventing other teeth from shifting
  • Improving chewing ability
  • Improving speaking and pronunciation
  • Correcting bite problems related to the missing tooth
  • Supporting a permanent bridge or denture


When you replace a missing tooth with a dental implant, you can also prevent additional oral health issues. 

For example, when you have an empty tooth socket, you lose jawbone volume over time. That can negatively change your facial anatomy. Further, you’re at increased risk for gum disease. 

Overall, replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant improves your appearance and function while preventing costly long-term oral health issues. 

What can I expect during the dental implant process?

The dental implant process usually takes several months. During your first visit to We Care 4U Dental Center, Dr. Pagan takes impressions of your mouth to determine the ideal placement for an implant. 

If you need a tooth extraction, there will be a healing period after the procedure. Next, you’ll have surgery to place the dental implant post. After the implant post placement, you’ll have another healing period of up to several months.

During this healing period, your bone fuses to the new implant post, a natural process called osseointegration. After osseointegration, your implant post won’t shift.

At your next appointment, Dr. Pagan places your new prosthetic tooth onto the post. She makes adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit.

With a dental implant, you can live just like you would with a natural tooth. Make an appointment at We Care 4U Dental Center by phone or through online scheduling to learn more.