Dental implants are posts of titanium or ceramic placed in your jawbone to support prosthetic teeth. They serve as a sturdy basis for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are fashioned to resemble your natural teeth, much like the roots of your original teeth.
Dental implant placement is our specialty at Fort Lauderdale Dental Aesthetic Center in Florida. We only use US-made implants here at Fort Lauderdale Dental Aesthetic Center so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible result.
Among implant brands, OCO BIOMEDICAL is the most often used. Since 1977, OCO Biomedical has produced cutting-edge, user-friendly dental implant solutions, raising the standard of excellence in the dental industry. OCO Biomedical is spearheading the industry with The Next Generation in Dental Implant TechnologyTM and is still producing exclusive dental implants and attachment systems domestically.
Types of Dental Implants
Implants can be classified into two categories based on how your jawbone receives them.
There are two categories:
- Endosteal implant. The most prevalent kind is this one. During surgery, it typically resembles a screw or cylinder that is inserted into your jawbone. One or more artificial teeth can be placed on each of these implants. This is an excellent alternative for those who now use removable dentures or bridges.
- Implant subperiosteally. This is positioned above the mandible, and your prosthetic teeth are held in place by posts from a metal framework that protrudes through your gums. This is an excellent choice for those who are unable to wear removable dentures or whose jawbone is not strong enough to support an endosteal implant.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Compared to dentures, dental implants offer a number of benefits, such as:
- Improved chewing efficiency. Chewing may be challenging if your dentures slip about within your mouth. Because dental implants are secured in your jaw like your natural teeth, you can confidently and painlessly consume your favorite foods.
- Improved capacity for speech. You can slur or mumble when your dentures slip in your mouth. You may talk without worrying about your teeth falling off, thanks to dental implants.
- Increased comfort. Dentures often become loose and move about because your supporting jaw bone resorbs and gets thinned out after loss of teeth. Because of this , specialits recommend having your dentures totally replaced every 5-8 years as well as realigning them sometimes. Implants can be more comfortable than dentures that slide over your gums because they prevent the further loss of bone and they become a part of you as they integrated with the bone
- Enhanced oral health. Your gums may become inflamed or painful if your dentures slide around in your mouth. Any gaps and crevices in your dentures are home to bacteria and fungi, which increases your risk of infection. However, implants simplify cleaning the spaces between your teeth, so you can keep flossing to maintain healthy gums. In order to wear a bridge supported by your teeth, you might also need to have part of your teeth cut down. Your long-term dental health may be enhanced by implants as you won’t need to have surrounding teeth altered.
- Improved look. Your implant’s crown is designed to resemble your natural teeth. They can make you feel good about yourself and restore your smile.
- Resilience. Your implants may last a lifetime if you maintain proper oral hygiene.
- Defense against the loss of bone. Your jawbone is where your natural teeth are rooted. – When teeth are extracted without replacement, the condition of your jawbone may deteriorate over time. Your mouth and face may change as a result giving you an aged appearance. Implants maintain your jawbone and stop bone loss since they are fastened in your jaw like your natural teeth.
Procedure Details
How should I prepare for a dental implant? Before the dental implant procedure, you should:
- Provide a list of all the drugs and supplements you currently take to your doctor. Informing your dentist about your use of blood thinners, also known as antiplatelets, is crucial. Whether you need to stop taking any drugs before your implant operation will be determined by your dentist in consultation with your primary care physician.
- To make sure there are no medical issues that could prevent your implant from working properly, make sure you’ve seen your primary care physician recently for a checkup and blood testing.
- Consult your dentist about available sedation choices. The majority of surgeons provide sedative drugs to assist you unwind during the process of getting dental implants.
What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?
During dental implant surgery, your surgeon will:
- Administer anesthetic to you. Your gums will be made numb by the local anesthetic they inject.
- Make a cut. After you are comfortable, your surgeon will make the incision (cut) in your gums, where the dental implant will be placed. This will allow your surgeon to insert the implant by exposing the bone below.
- Get your jaw ready. Your surgeon will make an incision in your jawbone using several specialized tools. The aperture will be widened until it is precisely the proper diameter for your new dental implant.
- Put the dental implant in place. Your surgeon will next gently insert it into your jaw.
- Close the incisions. Lastly, your surgeon will sew the incision shut and realign your gums.
Everyone places dental implants using essentially the same procedures. However, a dentist might install a dental implant and a restoration (such as a crown or bridge) in the same appointment. Usually, your dentist won’t be able to safely put a final restoration until the implant has healed for a few months. In certain situations, you can wear a temporary denture, typically removable, while the -dental implant integrates with the bone.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Dental implant success rates vary based on your behaviors and general health. Still, 90%–95% of individuals who maintain good oral hygiene and health have effective implant placements.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Dental Implant Surgery?
Although recovery times from dental implants can vary, most patients can return to their regular activities in three days or less. Your jawbone may need to fuse around the implant for a few months afterward. The osseointegration process is essential to your dental implant’s durability and long-term performance.
Your surgeon will check in with you periodically after placing dental implants. The restoration on top is safe as long as the dental implant is integrated with your jaw. Implant failure may occur if a dental restoration is placed prematurely.
Dental Implant at Fort Lauderdale Dental Aesthetic Center
Fort Lauderdale Dental Aesthetic Center offers top-quality dental implant services, providing a reliable solution for patients seeking to replace missing teeth and restore their smiles. Dental implants are a long-lasting, natural-looking option that can significantly improve oral health and function.
Our team of experienced dental professionals is dedicated to delivering personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. The dental implant process at our center involves several key steps:
- Initial consultation: During your first visit, our dentists will conduct a thorough examination, including X-rays and 3D imaging, to assess your oral health and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for dental implants. We will also discuss your medical history and treatment options and answer any questions you may have.
- Treatment planning: If dental implants are the right solution, we will create a customized treatment plan. This plan outlines the number of implants needed, the type of prosthetic (crown, bridge, or denture) used, and the overall timeline for the procedure.
- Implant placement: The next step involves surgically placing the titanium implant posts into the jawbone. This is done under local anesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. The implants act as artificial tooth roots, providing a strong foundation for the replacement teeth.
- Osseointegration: A healing period of a few months is typically required after the implants are placed. During this time, the implants integrate with the jawbone, forming a solid and stable base for the artificial teeth.
- Abutment and crown placement: Once the implants are fully integrated, abutments are attached to the implant posts. These abutments serve as connectors for custom-made crowns, bridges, or dentures. The final restorations are then securely placed, completing your new smile.
At Fort Lauderdale Dental Aesthetic Center, we use the latest technology and high-quality materials to ensure optimal patient results. Our commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction means you can trust us to provide superior dental implant care. If you’re considering dental implants, contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile at an affordable cost.