Dental Implants in Orlando
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a comprehensive
solution to tooth loss. No matter how many teeth are missing or from where in the jaw they have been lost, each
implant gives you back the entire tooth structure -- from the supportive root to the visible crown. Dental implants
offer a better replacement than any other method currently available. They are surgically placed and, over the
course of four to six months, promote the growth of bone tissue to gradually bond together with your jaw bone. Once
this process, known as osseointegration, is complete, the dental implants provide a sturdy foundation for
the crown, bridge, or denture that is affixed on top.
Indications for Dental Implants
There are a few methods of dental implant placement available, and the one that is right for you will depend on the particulars of your oral health needs. The good news is dental implants can be used to replace single, multiple and even all teeth in a given arch with ease. Keep reading to learn how we make it happen!
Missing Single Tooth
A traditional dental implant is placed and allowed to grow together with the jawbone over the course of several months. A temporary tooth replacement may be used during this recovery period. Dental implants consist of a titanium post, porcelain crown, and abutment designed to attach the two components together.
Learn More About Single Tooth Implants
Missing Multiple Teeth
Instead of removing existing tooth enamel to hold a bridge, a pair of dental implants can hold a three- or four-crown bridge. If you want to avoid removing existing tooth structure when replacing teeth, this is the most ideal method to do so.
Missing All Teeth
Full and partial dentures can easily be designed to snap onto dental implants. However, long healing times are not always required to receive a restoration -- an entire arch of teeth can be replaced using a method known as All-on-4 or “Teeth In a Day.” Additionally, mini dental implants use a smaller dental implant post to support prosthetic teeth in tight spaces or in areas lacking sufficient bone tissue.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Because they offer a comprehensive solution to tooth loss, dental implants offer a wealth of benefits for patients who are missing teeth. Some of the most significant advantages of this tooth replacement method include:
- Dental implants closely mimic the structure of your natural teeth.
- Dental implants stabilize the jaw for continued oral health.
- It is easy to brush and floss a tooth/teeth restored with dental implants.
- Dental implants support a balanced, nutritious diet.
- Dental implants fit right from the first day and for years to come.
- When cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Learn More aboout Implant Benefits
Single Tooth Dental Implants
A single missing tooth can be replaced with one implant post. The implant post is surgically positioned below the gum line. A small incision is made into the gums. Then, an implant post is positioned into the jaw line. Over the course of three to six months, the implant fuses with the jawbone. Once the implant is firmly in place, we’ll design and craft a dental crown to replace the missing tooth. Unlike traditional single tooth replacement that relies on healthy surrounding teeth for support, implant supported dental crowns are completely self-supporting, and they look and function just like healthy teeth.
Multiple Tooth Implants
For patients missing two or more consecutive teeth, a fixed bridge can be attached to two implant posts, one at each end, to repair healthy, natural function. Patients missing numerous consecutive and nonconsecutive teeth may need an implant supported partial denture. These tooth replacement prosthetics use a gum colored base material to fit between remaining healthy teeth, recreating a full, healthy smile. Partial dentures can usually be supported with two to four implant posts.
Full Smile Restorations
When you’ve lost a full row of teeth, we can use four to six implant posts to support a denture. Like other implant supported tooth replacement options, you’ll need to wait for several months to allow the implant posts to fuse with the jawbone. However, in order to allow you some smile function, we will usually provide a temporary denture until the implant posts have fully fused with the gum line. Once your implants have fused with the gum and bone structure, we’ll attach the gum-colored denture base to the implant posts, restoring natural form and function to your smile.
Learn More About Missing All Teeth
All-On-4
You can replace an entire arch of missing teeth in just one day while enjoying the security of dental implants. All-On-4 is a convenient and effective solution to treat complete tooth loss. 4 titanium implant posts are strategically placed into your jaw to anchor your denture. This eliminates any slipping or irritation to give you the next best thing to your real teeth.
What Tooth Replacement Solution do I Need?
No two patients are exactly alike, so we’ll need to complete a tooth replacement consultation in order to provide a treatment plan that fits your unique needs. During your tooth replacement consultation, we’ll examine your current level of oral health, review all of your tooth replacement options, and partner with you to create a plan that will keep a healthy, flawless smile on your face for years to come.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
It is difficult to estimate what your dental implants will cost without a consultation from your implant dentist. There are a number of factors that can affect how much you should budget for dental implants, including the following:
- The health of your jawbone. If a bone graft or sinus lift is needed to increase the volume before implant placement, the price will increase.
- How many dental implants are required, since each post is individually placed.
- Special considerations like additional anesthesia or sedation.
- Where in the jaw the dental implants will be placed.
During an initial consultation, we can give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay for dental implants based on these factors.
Learn More about Implant Pricing
Once your dental implant procedure is complete, you should maintain proper oral hygiene and visit your dentist as recommended to keep them healthy and strong in the jaw.
Learn More about Dental Implant process
What’s the Difference between Guided Dental Implants vs. Non-Guided Implant Placement?
A guided dental implant procedure will have
maximum success, as this method limits the depth of the drill to ensure that the dental implants are placed
precisely where they need to go. Non-guided implant placement is still a viable option for many dentists and their
patients, but by offering the latest technology, we can vastly improve the success rate of dental implants -- a
number that was already high to begin with!
To learn even more about dental implants, we invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment today. We can’t wait to help you enjoy all the benefits of this comprehensive tooth replacement option!
Learn More on Guided vs Non-Guided Impants
Dental Implant FAQs
With decades of experience as a dentist in Orlando, Dr. Russo has seen the benefits of dental implants firsthand: dramatically better chewing strength, a more natural look and feel, and the potential to last a lifetime are just some of them! But it's still completely understandable to have a few questions about the procedure before making a decision. Below, you'll find answers to several common FAQs to help you have the information you need. And, as always, you can give us a call anytime with any other questions you may have.
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
If you've ever had an extraction, you can expect a fairly similar experience in terms of how the procedure feels. Dr. Russo will begin by making sure the area is completely numb, so while you will feel pressure, you won't feel any pain. Also, keep in mind that we make your comfort a top priority during every visit and also have sedation options available for fearful or anxious patients. Finally, you'll be glad to know that one of the comments we often hear after implant surgery is, "That was a lot easier than I thought it would be!"
Will My Dental Implant Fail?
One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is that they have a 95% success rate (in non-smokers) and can last a lifetime. In the fairly rare case of failure, however, it often occurs for one of these reasons:
- Peri-implantitis – This is a particular type of gum disease that destroys the gums and underlying bone that support an implant. If it's caught in time, professional care and good oral hygiene at home can usually treat it and prevent implant failure.
- Clenching and grinding – Clenching and grinding put a lot of force on both natural teeth and implants. Wearing a nightguard will protect an implant from becoming loose.
- Infection and poor oral hygiene – Developing an infection in the tissues around an implant doesn't happen very often, but it's more likely when someone isn't keeping their implant clean or getting routine dental checkups.
- Smoking – Smoking lowers the success rate of implants to around 85%.
Am I a Good Candidate For Dental Implants?
With advanced methods and techniques, the vast majority of patients can successfully get dental implants in Orlando. With that said, everyone is unique, and Dr. Russo will evaluate a number of factors before making the best recommendation for you. One of those factors will be the mass and density of your jawbone. If it's been a long time since you lost your teeth and you've experienced bone loss, we may recommend a bone graft to strengthen your jaw before placing your implants.
What Happens If I Don't Replace a Missing Tooth?
It may be tempting to leave an empty space after losing a tooth, but it's important to be aware that you can run into oral health problems down the road such as:
- It may become more difficult to eat certain foods or speak clearly.
- Your remaining teeth will begin to move and shift. This leads to bite alignment issues, uneven wear, potential TMJ problems, and possibly even more tooth loss.
- Having a gap in your smile can make you feel self-conscious or embarrassed in social situations.
- After tooth loss, the jawbone that one surrounded the root begins to deteriorate, leaving your jaw thinner and weaker over time. In addition to changing the shape and structure of your face, it could mean that you need additional procedures such as a bone graft or sinus lift if you decide to get an implant in the future.