Dental Implants
Dental implants are the best option for missing teeth. At Florida Smiles, we have various implant options from which to choose.
Dental Implants Overview
Dental implants in Lighthouse Point, FL, are small titanium (sometimes ceramic) posts/screws that are surgically implanted deep into your jawbone after you’ve had your tooth/teeth and the corresponding roots removed. They replace the roots of the tooth/teeth you had removed. Dental implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
The Three Parts of a Dental Implant
Dental implants consist of three parts.
1. Threaded Screw/Post
The threaded post is what replaces your tooth’s root. So basically, it’s an artificial tooth root.
2. Abutment
The abutment is a small connector piece. It is what screws into the threaded post, so it rises just above your gums. The abutment is the base for your new artificial tooth (crown).
3. Artificial Prosthetic
Your artificial prosthetic is the part that replaces your missing tooth/teeth. The prosthetic could be in the form of a crown, bridge, or dentures.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
- You must have good oral health.
- You must have healthy gums.
- You need enough bone density to support an implant.
- You must not have periodontal disease (in most cases).
- You don’t smoke, chew tobacco, or vape.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you grind your teeth (bruxism), have gum disease, pre-existing health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune diseases, a bone disorder, poor oral health, gum infections, if you smoke, or if you’ve had head or neck radiation following a cancer diagnosis, you are likely not a good candidate for getting dental implants.
Your dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL, will examine your oral health and recommend the best possible tooth replacement option for your situation.
The Potential Risks of Getting Dental Implants
There are some risks and complications that could result from getting dental implants.
After the implant procedure, you could experience some residual bleeding and swelling. There’s always the possibility of accidental damage to neighboring teeth. They could cause an infection, sinus damage, and/or nerve damage. Jaw fractures are also a possibility. And, of course, your implant(s) could fail. Lastly, some (but very few) people experience an allergic reaction to the titanium used in some dental implants.
While all that sounds a little intimidating, complications from getting dental implants are rare.
The Benefits of Getting Dental Implants
Missing teeth can change how you look, speak, and eat, and they can also lower your self-confidence. Getting dental implants is the best way to restore dental and physical normalcy. Dental implants are the closest thing to having natural teeth. This is because dental implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
Here are just a few of the benefits you’ll enjoy if you decide to get dental implants.
- It will be easier to chew.
- You will enjoy improved speech.
- They will improve and enhance your smile.
- They will reduce your chances of bone loss.
- Implants can last a lifetime with the proper oral hygiene and regular dental care.
- Dental implants don’t damage neighboring teeth.
- They can be used as a stable foundation for your dentures.
The Dental Implant Process
Dental implant surgery is a fairly minor surgery. It’s usually performed in your dentist’s office (if you don’t have major underlying dental issues).
1. Anesthesia
The implant process begins with your dentist giving you a mild anesthesia to numb your gums. You can also choose sedation if you prefer.
2. Small Incision
The dentist will then make a small incision in your gums. This is to expose your jawbone so the implant can be placed.
3. Prepare the Jaw for Your New Implant
Next, the dentist will prepare your jaw using specialized tools to make a small hole in your jawbone. They will then widen the opening of that hole based on the size of your new implant.
4. Place the Implant into the Jaw
The dentist will then gently place the dental implant into your jaw.
5. Close the Incision
The dentist or oral surgeon will reposition your gums and close the incision with a few stitches.
That’s it! You’re done (for now).
Now, it’s time for the healing phase of the dental implant process.
6. Osseointegration
Osseointegration is the healing phase of the process. During this time, your jawbone will fuse to your new dental implant. And this is what makes your new implant just as stable and strong as your natural teeth. Osseointegration usually takes anywhere between three to nine months, sometimes longer. It depends on how quickly you heal.
7. Final Steps in Completing the Implant Process
Once your implant fuses with your jawbone, the dentist will attach the abutment (small connector piece) to the implant. Then, the crown, bridge, or denture will be placed on top of that.
Now, your new dental implant(s) are complete!
Enjoy!
The Different Types of Dental Implants Explained
Endosteal Dental Implants
Endosteal implants are the most commonly used type of dental implant. The implant is placed deep into your jawbone. It consists of a small threaded screw/post that is used to replace your tooth’s root. Over time, bone fuses to that post. Your new dental implant can then be completed by adding an abutment and topped with a dental prosthesis.
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
Subperiosteal implants are used when you don’t have enough jawbone to support an endosteal implant. In that case, subperiosteal implants are placed differently from endosteal implants. Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of or above your jawbone.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 implants are extremely popular. They are less expensive than full-mouth implants that use a singular implant for each tooth. All-on-4 implants are just as the name suggests. They only use four implants per jaw to support a full arch of teeth.
Implant Supported Bridges
If you have one or more missing teeth or you don’t have enough jawbone to support a dental implant, implant-supported bridges are a great option. An implant-supported bridge is just like a traditional one, except that it sits on top of a dental implant instead of a natural tooth. These are designed to feel and function just like your natural teeth. Implant-supported bridges are permanent and can only be removed by a dentist.
Which Dental Implant Has the Highest Success Rate?
Endosteal implants have been proven to have the highest success rate compared to subperiosteal implants. Endosteal implants are placed directly into the jawbone. So, they have a success rate of 95% or higher. However, the success rate of your new implants depends on other factors (good oral care, health, location of implant, bone quality, age, avoiding bad habits).
The Life Expectancy of Dental Implants
Dental implants (by design) have a much longer life expectancy than other tooth replacement options. But only if you care for them properly.
If you brush, floss, and regularly visit your dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL, you can expect your new dental implants to last a lifetime. That’s for the implant post itself.
The crown, bridge, or denture portion of your new dental prosthetic will generally need to be replaced after about 15 years or so and about seven years or so if you opt for a denture prosthetic.
But, just like anything else, the life expectancy of dental implants will vary from person to person.
Ready for Dental Implants in Lighthouse Point, FL?
Want to learn more about getting dental implants? Or perhaps you have already decided! Please Contact Florida Smiles Dental today. We have exceptional dentists and state-of-the-art tools and technology to ensure you receive the best dental implants available.
