Do you feel self-conscious about smiling, laughing, or speaking because of a missing tooth or several missing or broken teeth? Are you having difficulty chewing or doing everyday activities that involve your teeth because of gaps created by missing teeth? If so, you may be a candidate for dental implants. At Smile 4 Me Dental, our experienced dental staff in Clermont, Florida, will evaluate your dental situation and determine if implants are an option for you. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible dental care in a pleasant, stress-free environment. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to address your oral concerns and offer you the treatment options that best suit your needs. For many patients with missing teeth, dental implants are a great option. What you need to know about Dental Implants:

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium tooth roots or anchors designed to support artificial teeth called crowns. The implant itself (shaped like a screw) is placed into the jawbone to integrate with the natural bone.  A dentist places a connector on top of the implant, and the crowns are held in place by the connectors. When we make crowns, they are specially design and customized to match your natural teeth. They will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.

Types of Dental Implants

When it comes to your smile's health and beauty, the experienced dental professionals at Smile 4 Me Dental in Clermont, Florida, want to make sure that you get the best possible treatment for your individual oral health needs. Dental implants can be customized to accommodate your teeth' size and height. Our oral experts can help determine which type of implant is best for you. Two main types of implants are endosteal and subperiosteal. During your appointments leading up to the actual implant surgery, we will discuss which option would be most effective for your dental situation and ensure that you are well-informed about the benefits of the chosen implant type.

Endosteal

Endosteal implants, the most common type of implant suitable for most patients, are typically made of titanium and shaped like small screws. They will place in the jawbone, so the jaw needs to be healthy and good for them to be effective. Once healed and the jawbone and implants are fused, the false teeth will fit onto the screws.

Subperiosteal

For those who don't like having an implant or those whose jawbone cannot support it, the second option is subperiosteal. These rest on top of the jawbone but still under the gum. Specifically, a metal frame is place under the gum with a post attach to it, and the gum heals around the frame so it is held solidly in place so that the false teeth can then be secured to the poles coming from the gum.

Dental Bridges vs Implants

Dental bridges and implants are design to fill in gaps left by missing teeth. So what's the difference, and how do you choose one over the other? The primary difference between the two is that a dental bridge needs the support of neighboring teeth to keep the replacement teeth in place. The bridge is anchor to teeth on either side of the gap.  It is surgically place into the jawbone and require no support from other existing teeth. Implants are design to last a lifetime, whereas a bridge has efficacy for about ten years. Additionally, implants support jaw health and keep it strong and healthy, impacting the shape of your face and your oral health in the long-run. Implants tend to cost more than bridges, but the investment is for a lifetime of health. There are advantages and benefits to each option, and only an expert dentist can help you make the best decision for your dental situation.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

As we have already mentioned, dental implants are surgically place into your jawbone, so the main procedure often requires you to be under sedation to place the titanium "root" (implant). During the surgery, the surgeon will drill a small hole into your jawbone so that the base of the implant can be screwed in. The gum is then place over the implant so it can bond and heal. After healing, a second surgical procedure is require to fit the connector (abutment) into the implant's top. Afterward, the crown (false tooth) can be positioned on top of the abutment with a small screw and dental cement. The result is a natural, functional tooth that resembles and acts just like your natural teeth. With our dental implants, you will barely tell which is the implant and which are the natural teeth.

How Long Does a Dental Implant Take?

For any medical treatment, the length of time it takes from initial consultation, procedure, and recovery depends on your situation. Our dentist will review your medical history and examine your health to ensure that dental implants are right for you.  Other factors to be consider include the supporting bone's health in your jaw, the materials use for the implants, and your previous medical and history. Some patients will only need a few months while others may require a year or longer if their situation is more complex.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

For most patients, the dental implant process, including recovery, is far less painful than expected. There are sedation techniques available, and at-home care instructions are design to help mitigate any pain or discomfort. Most patients can even return to work and other daily activities the day after their implant surgery, and any discomfort or bruising only lasts a short time.

How Much are Dental Implants? Does Insurance Cover the Procedure?

Because dental implants are surgically place, it costs a bit more than something like a bridge. Typically, a single tooth replacement can be about $3,000-$4,500. Still, that price can fluctuate depending on other factors such as other implants or other procedures to create more support for the implant, including bone grafts or sinus lifts.  In general, insurance does not cover this, so you should contact your insurance provider to determine your policy's specifics before undergoing the procedure.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Because dental implants are a surgical procedure and because the implant is a titanium metal cylinder, they are durable and resistant to decay. If given the proper at-home care, It is design to provide a lifetime of protection for your mouth.  It is a great way to protect your oral health that gives confidence to smile as much as possible.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

At Smile 4 Me Dental in Clermont, Florida, we are committed to patient safety and comfort during every procedure we complete. Whether you are getting a filling, you can rest assured knowing that our staff is well-trained and has the experience to handle any complication that may arise during the procedure.  This have been used for over 50 years now and are a safe dental technique to fill in the gaps left by missing or broken teeth in a patient's smile. You must choose a professional such as ours at Smile 4 Me Dental to do the implants because of the expertise needed to succeed.

Contact Our Clermont, Florida, Dental Professionals

You may be a candidate for implants once you experience gaps in your mouth due to missing or broken teeth. We have effective way of relief during chewing, talking, and other activities and last a lifetime with care. At Smile 4 Me Dental, our dental experts have the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide you with exceptional care. Our friendly staff is here to make sure your visit is pleasant and stress-free. Contact us today to learn more about dental implants or any other dental services such as teeth whitening, veneers, fillings, or emergency services. Please make an appointment online or give us a call.