Get your natural-feeling smile back
Missing a tooth, or tired of a loose denture? Dental implants are the closest thing to getting your natural teeth back. At Shady Grove Dental Care in Rockville, Dr. Shalini Chittamuri, DDS, plans your treatment and designs the crowns, bridges and implant dentures that make your new smile look, feel and work like your own.
Why choose dental implants?
- Look and feel natural: custom-shaded to blend with your smile
- Eat what you love: chew with confidence, no slipping or clicking
- Protect your other teeth: no need to grind down healthy neighboring teeth
- Help preserve your jawbone: implants replace the root, which supports the bone
- Built to last: with good care, implants can last many years
Am I a candidate?
Most adults who are missing one or more teeth, have a failing tooth, or struggle with dentures can be candidates. Healthy gums and enough jawbone matter, and smoking or some medical conditions can affect healing. At your consultation, Dr. Chittamuri will examine your teeth, review your X-rays and tell you honestly whether implants are a good fit.
Implant options we offer
Single implant crown
Replaces one missing tooth with a crown attached to its own implant. Nothing is attached to the teeth next to it.
Implant-supported bridge
Replaces several teeth in a row using two or more implants, so you don't need an implant for every tooth.
Implant-supported dentures
Snap-on dentures that lock onto implants. No more adhesives, slipping or sore spots, and much better chewing than a regular denture.
Full-arch implant teeth
A fixed, non-removable set of teeth anchored on a few implants (often called All-on-4®). A full new smile for patients missing most or all of their teeth.
How implant treatment works
For the surgical step, we partner with a trusted local oral surgeon or periodontist who specializes in placing implants. Dr. Chittamuri plans your care, coordinates every step and designs your final teeth, so you have one dental home from start to finish.
Consultation
Exam, X-rays and an honest conversation about your options, timeline, costs and insurance benefits.
Treatment plan
Dr. Chittamuri designs the right solution for you, whether that's one crown or a full arch, and coordinates with the specialist.
Implant placement
The specialist places the implant. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is.
Healing
Over a few months the implant bonds with your jawbone. A temporary tooth or denture can keep you smiling meanwhile.
Your new teeth
Back at our Rockville office, Dr. Chittamuri fits your custom crown, bridge or implant denture for a natural look and bite.
Long-term care
Regular cleanings and checkups keep your implants and gums healthy for years to come. See our after-care instructions.
Implants vs. bridges vs. dentures
| Dental implant | Traditional bridge | Removable denture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feels like | A natural tooth | Fixed, close to natural | Removable, can shift |
| Neighboring teeth | Left untouched | Reshaped to hold the bridge | Clasps may rest on them |
| Jawbone | Helps preserve it | Bone can shrink under the gap | Bone can shrink over time |
| Chewing | Strong and stable | Good | Limited for tough foods |
| Upfront cost | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
Every option has a place. We'll walk you through the pros and cons for your situation, including your budget, so you can decide with confidence.
Ready to fill the gap in your smile?
Book a dental implant consultation with Dr. Chittamuri in Rockville. You'll leave with a clear plan, a timeline and a written estimate before you decide.
Dental implant cost and insurance
The cost of implants depends on how many teeth you're replacing, the type of restoration and whether extra steps such as an extraction or bone graft are needed. After your consultation we'll give you a clear, written estimate.
Many PPO dental plans cover part of implant treatment, especially the crown or denture portion. We're in-network with BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, GEHA, Humana and more, and our office manager will check your benefits before you start.
We also offer 0% interest financing options through CareCredit, Cherry and HFD, subject to credit approval. Insurance & financing →
Why Rockville patients choose us
- 4.9 stars from 190+ Google reviews
- One dental home: we coordinate your care from consultation to final teeth
- Personal care from Dr. Chittamuri, who explains every option
- Monday evening hours for busy schedules
- Easy to reach: just off I-270, with free parking
- Se habla español
Dental implant FAQs
Does getting an implant hurt?
The area is fully numbed during placement, and most patients say it was easier than they expected, often easier than a tooth extraction. Some soreness for a few days afterward is normal and is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does the whole process take?
Most implant treatment takes a few months from start to finish because the implant needs time to bond with your jawbone. Cases that need an extraction or bone graft first can take longer. You'll get a personal timeline at your consultation.
How long do dental implants last?
With good brushing, flossing and regular dental visits, implants can last for many years, and often decades. The crown on top may eventually need replacing from normal wear.
Why do you work with a specialist for the surgery?
Implant placement is a surgical procedure, so we partner with an experienced local oral surgeon or periodontist who does it every day. Dr. Chittamuri plans your treatment and creates your final teeth, giving you the best of both: specialist surgery and the personal care of your own dentist.
I already have implants. Can you take care of them?
Yes. Implants need regular professional cleanings and checkups to keep the surrounding gums and bone healthy. We're happy to care for implants as part of your regular visits.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Many PPO plans cover part of the cost, most often the crown or denture portion. Our office manager will check your coverage and explain your out-of-pocket cost before you start.
How much do dental implants cost in Rockville?
It depends on how many teeth are being replaced, whether you need an extraction or bone graft first, and what goes on top: a single crown, a bridge or an implant-supported denture. A trusted specialist places the implant and Dr. Chittamuri designs and fits the final teeth, so after your consultation and digital scan you get one written estimate covering both parts before any treatment starts. Many PPO plans help with part of the cost, and financing through CareCredit, Cherry and HFD (including 0% interest options, subject to credit approval) can spread the rest into monthly payments.
Is an implant better than a bridge or a denture?
Each option has its place. A bridge fills the gap but means reshaping the healthy teeth on either side. A removable denture costs less up front but can slip and does not protect the jawbone. An implant replaces the root, so it stands on its own, feels most like a natural tooth and helps preserve the bone. Dr. Chittamuri will walk you through the option that fits your mouth, your health and your budget.
Visit us in the Shady Grove area of Rockville
Find us
15200 Shady Grove Road, Suite 340, Rockville, MD 20850, just off I-270, with free parking right outside the building.
Patients visit us for dental implants from Rockville, Gaithersburg, North Potomac, Potomac, Derwood, Germantown and North Bethesda. Also see our Invisalign, emergency dental care and all dental services.
Office hours
| Monday | 8 AM – 8 PM |
| Tuesday – Thursday | 8 AM – 4 PM |
| Friday – Sunday | Closed |
Get your confident smile back
New patients are always welcome. Book your dental implant consultation today.