Dental Implants

Dental implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything. The replacement teeth will appear natural and facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence. For more information regarding dental implants in our Stuart and Port St. Lucie, Florida offices, please give us a call.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are small titanium posts which are surgically inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts (abutments) attached to the implant(s) provide stable anchors for replacement teeth.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

The Implant Procedure

For some patients, the placement of dental implants involves two procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to five months following surgery, the implants are gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary tooth replacements and eat a reasonable diet during this time.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, your doctor will attach small posts, which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. The entire procedure usually takes 4-6 months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Immediate Implants

There are situations where implants can be placed at the same time as a tooth extraction - minimizing the time and effort. Advances in dental implant technology have made it possible, in select cases, to extract teeth and place implants with crowns at one visit. This procedure, called “immediate loading,” greatly simplifies the implant experience. For complete implant needs please see our sections on Teeth in an Hour™ and Teeth in One Day™.

Who actually performs the implant placement?

Implants are a team effort between the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and your Restorative Dentist. The surgeon performs the implant surgery, initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary. Your restorative dentist fits and makes the permanent crown or tooth replacement. Your dentist will also make any temporary replacement teeth needed during the implant process.

What types of prostheses are available?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed bridge) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a snap-on attachment and can be removed by the patient, whereas a fixed prosthesis is removable only by the dentist.

Why dental implants?

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.

Are you a candidate for implants?

If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If you mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.

What type of anesthesia is used?

The majority of dental implants and bone graft can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without IV sedation.

Do Implants need special care?

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dentist.