Are you missing one or more teeth? Do you want to restore your smile’s look and function? Dental implants can be a great option to replace teeth and bring back your natural smile. Dr. Melvin Benson makes sure the artificial tooth looks natural and feels comfortable in your mouth.
After your mouth heals, the titanium post implant can support a crown, denture, or bridge. They bring back normal bite function and a natural look to your smile. Dr. Benson is highly trained in placing all types of dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth. We offer tooth implants as a restorative treatment to new and existing patients in Sarasota, Florida.
Why Should You Replace Missing Teeth?
Even if you only have one missing tooth, several dental problems can happen. Here are some common issues we see when you don’t replace missing teeth:
- Shifting Teeth: When you have a gap from a missing tooth, your other teeth can move into that space. This shifting can cause overcrowding, making you more prone to decay and bite problems.
- Gum and Dental Infections: Harmful bacteria can gather in the empty space left by a missing tooth. If you lost teeth due to decay and don’t treat the infection, it can spread to other teeth.
- Bite and Speech Problems: Missing teeth can cause an uneven bite. Over time, this uneven bite can put pressure on your jaw joints, leading to teeth grinding, headaches, and facial pain. Missing teeth can also make it harder to speak clearly.
Dental implants and other implant-supported restorations give lasting support for missing teeth and help prevent jawbone loss.
Dental Implant Treatment in Sarasota, FL
Before you begin implant treatment, we make sure you are a good candidate and have no dental problems like cavities or gum disease. First, we place the titanium implant post in the jawbone and attach a healing cap. Over three to six months, the implant fuses with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration.
Next, we place an abutment over the implant screw. This is where the restoration will attach. For single missing teeth, we can create dental crowns in our office. For more complex restorations like bridges and dentures, we work with local labs. Once the restoration is ready, we attach it to the abutment.
You will have a new smile that works and looks like natural teeth in no time. Many patients report better bite function and higher self-confidence after the implant process is complete.
Implant-Secured Dentures
Patients with many missing teeth might need a restoration to restore their smile’s look and function. Traditional dentures can help with looks, but they sit on the gums, making it hard to bite and chew. They also don’t support the bone and gum tissue, leading to jawbone loss.
Modern implant-secured dentures use several dental implants for support. With as few as four implants, we can restore a full arch of missing teeth. We start by taking images of your smile to find the best places to put the implants. After placing the implants, we create a custom denture and attach it once the implants fuse with the jawbone.
Teeth In a Day
With SmartFix, you can get a restoration on the same day as your implant surgery. SmartFix is an implant system for full-arch replacements of missing teeth.
Before Teeth In a Day, we will have a consultation to check if you’re a good candidate. We use CBCT scans to see the whole mouth structure and plan where to place the implants and restoration. During the procedure, we place the implants at an angle to reduce the number of implants needed and avoid bone grafting. This method lets patients get functional restorations quickly.
Implant Systems
We use the Astra Tech Implant EV and Prime Taper Implant systems from Dentsply Sirona. Astra Tech uses short and narrow parts for tight spaces and patients with limited vertical bone. The Astra Tech system also uses modified titanium to help the implant healing process and regenerate healthy bone tissue. This material helps the implants bond with the bone for a stronger foundation.
Like Astra Tech, Prime Taper components use modified titanium. Prime Taper works well for patients with compromised bone or lower bone density. These components allow for immediate loading with better torque.
Dental Implant FAQs
Do you have more questions about dental implants? Keep reading to learn more about this tooth loss treatment. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact us.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post your dentist will surgically embed in your jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. The implant post will fuse to the bone, providing a stable foundation for artificial teeth. This advanced dental solution restores function and looks and prevents bone loss from tooth loss.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Dr. Benson recommends implants for patients in good oral health with healthy jaw bone tissue. If you need more bone tissue, we can recommend bone grafting services. Our dental team can also provide root canal treatments or gum therapy if needed.
What should I avoid after implant treatment?
Following dental implant treatment, avoid:
- Smoking and using tobacco products
- Intense exercise
- Aggressive brushing and rinsing
- Chewy, crunchy, and hard foods
- Hot foods or beverages
How do I sleep after dental implant treatment?
You should keep your head elevated for two to three days after surgery. Sleeping with your head raised at a 45-degree angle helps you heal faster. Lying flat can restrict blood flow to the treated areas.
How do dental implants work?
We place one or more dental implants in the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. These implants create a base for new teeth. This could be a dental crown for one missing tooth, a bridge for several missing teeth, or dentures for an entire missing arch. Implants restore function and looks and help prevent bone loss.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The dental implant process has several stages and can take a few months. After placing the implant, a healing period lets the implant merge with the bone. Later steps include adding abutments and making custom prosthetics. The total time varies based on each patient, ensuring proper healing and implant integration before final work is done.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate over 95%. Their success depends on factors like patient health, correct implant placement, and follow-up care. When these factors are met, implants offer a solid and lasting solution for missing teeth.
Do dental implants look natural?
Yes, dental implants look very much like natural teeth. Your dentist will design them to match the color, shape, and size of your other teeth. This way, they blend in seamlessly. Because they integrate with your jawbone, the result is lifelike and pleasing.
Can smokers get dental implants?
Yes, smokers can get dental implants. However, smoking might affect healing and success rates. Quitting or cutting back on smoking can improve the chances of success. Dr. Benson will likely suggest that you quit smoking to ensure the best results for your dental implant procedure.
How do I know if I need bone grafting for implants?
Dr. Benson will take X-rays and check your oral health. If you lack enough bone density, you might need bone grafting. This procedure helps create a stable base for the implant. Adequate bone support is crucial for implant success.
Can dental implants fail?
Though rare, dental implants can fail. This can happen due to infection, poor healing, or not enough bone support. Following post-op care guidelines and keeping good oral hygiene reduce the risk of implant failure. If you address any issues quickly, it helps ensure the long-term success of the implant procedure.
Schedule a consultation today for dental implants! Contact our Sarasota dental office for restorative care at 941-270-9755. You can also schedule a dental appointment with us online.