Dr. Robert J. Sanker became a specialist in prosthodontics in 1985 and has practised in Rockville since 1987. Esthetic, reconstructive and implant dentistry, for patients and for the dentists who refer them.
years as a specialist in restoring and replacing teeth.
Recognition, teaching and memberships
Our story, since 1987
Often they are sent by their own dentist. That is what a specialist is for.
Why see a prosthodontist
Missing teeth, worn or broken teeth, and restorations that have failed. When a case is complex, the training behind it matters.
Prosthodontics is one of the dental specialties the American Dental Association recognizes.
After dental school, a prosthodontist completes three more years of ADA-accredited training in implants, crowns, bridges, veneers and dentures. Dr. Sanker finished his at the Medical College of Virginia in 1985.
Many laboratory procedures are done here, by Dr. Sanker or the team.
Specialized work goes to world-class technicians and ceramists, locally and across the country, with digital and photographic records. Every material comes with a certificate for safety and biocompatibility.
General dentists and other specialists turn to him with complex cases.
Dr. Sanker keeps the referring dentist informed through treatment and hands the patient back when it is done. He also coordinates with orthodontists and pediatric dentists when missing teeth are planned for early.
Smile gallery
Seven cases from Dr. Sanker’s own gallery, photographed before and after treatment. Drag the handle to compare, and pick a case below.
Dr.Sanker performed a dental miracle by shaping and bonding my front teeth to give me the smile I have today. This procedure has also improved my bite.Carol L, Gaithersburg, MDPatient testimonial
Advanced tooth decay restored with crowns and veneers on patient with cleft lip.
Meet the dentist
His interest in dentistry came from his father, a prosthodontist and educator at the College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He began dental implant training in 1985, when the Swedish Brånemark System was first introduced in the United States, and still studies advances in digital dentistry and the safety of dental materials.
Dr. Sanker lives in Rockville with his wife of 34 years, who has a background in dental hygiene and medical practice management. Their two daughters both graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, and work in the DC area. In his spare time: photography, swimming, boating, fishing, pickleball, and the family dog, Zoe. He is also active in the community, providing care to underprivileged patients and new immigrants.
Meet the team
From the moment you step through the front door, this is who looks after you. Ask them anything, and tell them if something would make the visit more comfortable.
Front Desk & Patient Coordinator
Trained at an Adult Education School on a military base in West Germany. Originally from Worms, and a keen gardener.
Dental Assistant
An Expanded Function Dental Assistant and Dental Radiation Technologist. Originally from the Philippines.
Dental Assistant
Trained on the 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner and DEXIS digital x-ray imaging.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Bachelor of Science from West Virginia University, and most of her career spent in this office.
Our services
Esteem-enhancing cosmetic work, life-changing tooth replacement, and the preventive care that keeps both working.
Implant treatment provided under one roof, from single implants to implant-retained dentures and All-on-4, where angled posts can often avoid bone grafting.
Crowns, bridges and fillings designed by a specialist in restoring teeth, and full mouth reconstruction when one treatment will not solve the problem.
Porcelain veneers, bonding and all-ceramic crowns, matched to your own teeth with a computerized shade matching system.
Checkups and cleanings, gum disease treatment, nightguards for grinding and oral cancer screening, so the work that has been done lasts.
A full arch of teeth anchored to four implants. The back posts go in at 30 to 45 degrees to use the densest bone, which is why they can often be placed after bone loss without grafting first.
Implants that have become loose, sore or infected. Sometimes a thorough cleaning with antibiotics stops the problem, sometimes the restoration only needs tightening. The cause decides the treatment.
Thin dental porcelain designed to the shape and shade of your own teeth. A new smile in as little as two appointments, and with care they can last 10+ years.
Full, partial or implant dentures, including digital dentures designed with software. The digital record makes a replacement easier to remake in the future.
Complex care
Dr. Sanker regularly serves as a resource for patients, general dentists and other specialists working through complex problems.
A customized plan that restores or recreates many teeth at once, correcting the bite as well as the appearance. It can combine crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, fillings, dentures, whitening and gum therapy, staged around your schedule.
About 20% of adults are missing a tooth that never developed, most often an upper lateral incisor. Implants can often be placed from age 16, so plan with Dr. Sanker before orthodontic treatment starts.
Technology
Dr. Sanker invests in tools many practices do not have, from the first diagnosis to the finished result. Comfort, precision and fewer retakes.
New patients & emergencies
Many patients arrive feeling self-conscious or discouraged. In pain? Call right away: the team does everything it can to see emergencies the same day.
Dr. Sanker does not participate in most insurance networks. If you have dental insurance, the team will submit claims for you and work to maximize your benefits, and a written narrative from Dr. Sanker can help.
Your financial details are reviewed with you before treatment begins, including what your plan should cover and your full total.
No insurance? Payment plans through CareCredit split the cost of treatment into monthly amounts, with very little or no interest.
For referring dentists
Dr. Sanker has worked as a prosthodontic specialist since 1985 and is always willing to partner with fellow professionals. Call (301) 468-5566 or email info@drsanker.com.
★★★★★Dr. Sanker and his team provided exceptional care during my restoration. He understood my fear of the process, which had led me to the situation in the first place, and explained the required steps in a clear and manageable way. He prioritized my comfort and readiness during each visit and, most importantly, did an amazing job restoring my teeth to their original state. Dr. Sanker's skill and kindness while working with his patients are truly remarkable.Matt ShannonGoogle review
★★★★★Dr. Sanker did a fantastic job creating dentures for my mother! Other doctors were saying she needs bone shaving surgery before dentures for her could be created. Dr. Sanker was able to do the dentures without surgery, and he also did it very fast. My mother couldn’t be happier!Maria MakovozGoogle review
★★★★★I highly recommend Dr. Sanker, who has been my dentist for decades. The entire practice is truly excellent and every one is professional, friendly, and caring. I have had crowns, veneers, bonding, bridges, and regular care with Dr. Sanker. I smile big and I love my smile!Yamna Stanger-AllisonGoogle review
★★★★★Truly the BEST ever. Spent a couple years of my teenage life coming here because of implant issues and Dr Sanker and his staff always made me feel so welcome and comfortable. So glad my teeth are fixed now but sometimes I miss going to visit. 10/10 recommend!Cicely Buckingham-SharpeGoogle review
★★★★★An excellent practice. Dr. Sanker did an outstanding job restoring my mouth. I can now eat once again. All of his staff are knowledgeable and caring.Jackie TateGoogle review
★★★★★I have been a patient of Dr. Sanker's for over a decade now and have always had great experiences. Dr. Sanker is highly skilled and knowledgeable, and his confident demeanor makes you feel assured and comfortable knowing that you are in good hands.Rachel K.Google review
Frequently asked questions
A prosthodontist is recognized by the American Dental Association as a specialist in restoring and replacing teeth. After four years of dental school, a prosthodontist completes three more years of specialized, ADA-accredited training in bridges, dental implants, veneers, dentures and other therapies.
The ADA does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty. Prosthodontists train in esthetics during a three-year graduate program, where many cosmetic dentists train in weekend or week-long courses.
Because of the complex nature of most procedures and the cost of high-quality materials, Dr. Sanker does not participate in most insurance networks. Most patients choose a plan that lets them see specialists and out-of-network doctors. The team will help file your claims, and a written narrative from Dr. Sanker can help obtain your benefits.
Cash, checks and all major credit cards. Payment plans through CareCredit can also be arranged, with little or no interest.
Call the office right away. More often than not the team can schedule you later that same day, and can give first-aid advice over the phone.
Yes. A computerized shade matching system analyzes your existing tooth color, so the new restoration blends in with the rest of your smile.
In most cases appointments are required, so Dr. Sanker can prepare for your needs. In an emergency, call and the team will book a same-day appointment if they can.
12250 Rockville Pike, Suite 210, in Towne Plaza in the Federal Plaza area, near Trader Joe’s and a short drive from Route 355 and I-270. Parking is free and above ground, with ample handicapped parking.
Contact us
Hours from our Google listing. Please call to confirm, especially on Wednesdays.
The team will contact you to confirm a time. If you are in pain, please call instead. Please do not send private health information through this form.