Dental Implants in Daytona Beach, FL
Discover The Gold Standard of Restorative Dentistry
Thanks to the revolutionary technology of dental implants, missing teeth no longer have to cause embarrassment or discomfort. Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants with our Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach, FL, dentist, Dr. Claudia Green, offer a permanent solution for those seeking a natural-looking and functional smile. With a success rate of up to 98%, it’s no wonder why more and more people are opting for dental implants as the go-to solution for tooth replacement.
Discover why dental implants are the preferred choice for restorative dentistry in Dr. Green’s guide.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small rods surgically implanted in a patient’s jawbone. These titanium rods stimulate the jawbone, beginning a natural process called osseointegration. Osseointegration fuses the jawbone with the implant and mimics the structure of natural teeth, which gives dental implants their strength and durability.
Dental implants consist of three parts:
- Implant – This titanium rod sits within the jawbone, acting as the tooth root below the gums in your restoration.
- Abutment – This piece connects the implant and your restoration beneath the gum line.
- Dental Crown – This final piece of your restoration is the only visible part, and we’ll customize it to match your surrounding teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular solution for people looking to replace missing teeth. Here are some of the key benefits of dental implants:
- Dental implants mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, allowing you to maintain good oral hygiene and keep your gums and remaining teeth healthy.
- With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run.
- Missing teeth can cause slurred or mumbled speech, but dental implants can restore natural speaking ability.
- Implants and crowns look and act like natural teeth, helping you feel more confident and comfortable with your smile.
- Unlike dentures, dental implants don’t require adhesives to stay in place, meaning you can eat, drink and speak without worrying about your teeth moving around.
Overall, dental implants offer a reliable, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing solution for missing teeth, enabling you to enjoy improved oral health, speech, and confidence.
Types of Dental Implants
Single-Tooth Implants
Losing a tooth can compromise the bone structure below the missing tooth. As bone degradation begins in the area, it can spread to the bone around your other teeth. Thankfully, single-tooth implants involve placing only one implant to support a single replacement tooth that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. A single-tooth implant can give patients the peace of mind that they’re preventing further damage to their oral health.
Implant-Supported Fixed Bridge
Implant-supported fixed bridges involve placing two or more dental implants into the jawbone to provide a secure foundation for the bridge. This custom-made restoration spans the gap of missing teeth and anchors onto the implants. Implant-supported fixed bridges offer a stable, long-term solution for missing teeth that feels and functions like natural teeth. With proper care and maintenance, an implant-supported fixed bridge can last many years, providing patients with a comfortable and functional smile.
All-on-Four Implants
All-on-four implants are a type of dental implant option designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. This innovative technique involves placing just four implants into the jawbone as a stable foundation for a full arch of replacement teeth.
Because the implants sit at an angle, they can often provide adequate support even in areas where the jawbone has deteriorated. All-on-four implants offer a natural-looking, functional solution for patients who have lost many teeth or are struggling with ill-fitting dentures. With proper care, all-on-four implants can provide patients with a comfortable, long-term solution for missing teeth.
Implant-Retained Denturews
Implant-retained dentures are a type of dental implant option that involve placing two or more implants into the jawbone to support a denture. Unlike traditional dentures, which rely on suction or adhesive to stay in place, implant-retained dentures are securely anchored to the implants, providing a stable and secure fit. This sturdy fit can improve speech and eating ability, providing greater comfort and confidence for the wearer. Implant-retained dentures are also an effective option for patients who have experienced bone loss in the jaw, as the implants can help preserve the remaining bone and prevent further deterioration.
The Dental Implants Process
First, Dr. Green will thoroughly examine your teeth to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. This examination may involve taking x-rays, 3D scans, and teeth impressions to assess the condition of your jawbone and surrounding tissues.
Once our team has cleared you for treatment, Dr. Green will surgically place the dental implant into your jawbone. This implant acts as the artificial root of your new tooth and is made of biocompatible materials to ensure proper healing and integration with your bone.
After the implant placement, you’ll undergo a healing period of several months to allow the implant to fuse with your jawbone. When the implant has fully integrated, Dr. Green will attach an abutment and a custom-made crown to the implant, creating a natural-looking and fully functional replacement tooth.
Dental Implant Care Guide
Caring for implants is vital to ensure they remain healthy and functional for many years to come. Here are some tips on how to properly care for your implants:
- Brush and floss regularly: Just like natural teeth, implants need brushing twice daily and flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles. This care helps prevent gum disease and other oral health issues that could lead to implant failure.
- Use non-abrasive products: To avoid scratching the surface of your implant and abutment, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Additionally, avoid using metal or sharp instruments around the implant, as this can damage it and surrounding tissue.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential to maintain the health of your dental implant. Dr. Green will check the implant and surrounding tissue for any signs of infection or other issues and can provide professional cleaning to remove any hard-to-reach plaque.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: To prevent damage to your implant and restoration, avoid chewing hard objects or eating sticky foods that could dislodge the crown or abutment.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of implant failure because it can impair healing and lead to infection. If you smoke, consider quitting to improve your overall oral health and reduce the risk of implant complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, dental implants mimic the structure of your natural teeth, so they shouldn’t be noticeable to others. The only visible part of your restoration is the dental crown, and it’s custom-made to match your smile’s color, shape, and size.
Dental implants are generally more expensive than other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges. However, they offer a long-term, permanent solution that can save you money in the long run. With excellent oral health care and frequent dental checkups, your dental implants can last a lifetime.
While dental implants have a high success rate, they can occasionally fail due to factors such as infection, poor bone density, or other health issues. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene can help prevent implant failure.
The dental implant process can vary depending on the patient’s individual needs and the complexity of the case. Generally, it takes several months for the implant to integrate with the jawbone, after which the restoration can be attached. Once your dentist attaches the final crown to the implant, you’ll have a functional tooth restoration.
Restoring Your Radiant Smile With Dr. Green
Dental implants have revolutionized the way we approach tooth replacement, providing a permanent restoration that gives patients improved confidence in their smile. Compared to traditional dentures, dental implants offer a more comfortable and stable fit that can improve speech and eating ability.
Schedule your appointment at our Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach dental implant provider’s office by calling (386) 846-5755 or filling out our online contact form.
