Dental Implants
Consider dental implants in Orlando, FL, offered at Sand Lake Dental if you are searching for a lasting solution for missing teeth or aiming to enhance your smile. Dental implant placement has revolutionized restorative dentistry by offering a natural-looking, long-lasting alternative to dentures and bridges. With our state-of-the-art facilities and a team of highly skilled dental experts in Sand Lake Dental located in Orlando, FL, we have the expertise and experience to ensure your dental implant procedure is comfortable, efficient, and successful. Enjoy the benefits of improved oral health, aesthetics, and long-term stability. Restore your smile and regain confidence with dental implants at Sand Lake Dental.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants serve as synthetic tooth roots, crafted typically from titanium, providing a sturdy base for dental restorations that mimic natural healthy teeth. These dental implants are surgically embedded into the jawbone, taking the place of the roots of absent teeth.
Following the placement of the implant, it acts as a solid foundation for securing a replacement tooth, dental crown, or even complete dentures. These replacement teeth are tailored to your existing teeth’ natural color and shape, offering a harmonious blend with your smile.
Components Of A Dental Implant
Implant
The implant is a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. It replaces the root of the single missing tooth and becomes fused with your bone over time, providing a stable base for the rest of the implant.
Abutment
The abutment is a connector placed on the dental implant to hold and support the crown. It is a link between the implant and the artificial tooth.
Crown
The crown, also known as the prosthesis, is the part of the implant that looks like a natural tooth. It is usually made of porcelain for the perfect blend of durability and aesthetic appeal, and it is attached to the abutment to provide the functionality and appearance of a natural tooth.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a myriad of benefits. They are more than just a cosmetic solution; they are a life-changing investment in oral health and overall quality of life. Here are the advantages of dental implants:
Improved Aesthetics And Natural-Looking Results
Dental implants are designed to look like natural teeth. Crafted with attention to detail, they seamlessly blend into your smile, improving its aesthetics and giving you natural-looking results.
Restoration Of Speech And Chewing Function
Missing teeth can significantly affect your speech and ability to chew. Dental implants solve these issues, restoring the standard functionality of your mouth. They enable you to eat your favorite foods without discomfort and speak without impediment.
Preservation Of Facial Structure And Prevention Of Bone Loss
Because of a lack of stimulation, a missing tooth causes the jawbone to deteriorate. Dental implants, including implant-supported dentures, form a bond with the jawbone, stimulating it and promoting bone health. This jawbone preservation helps maintain your facial structure and prevents bone loss.
Enhanced Confidence And Quality Of Life For Patients
Dental implants can dramatically improve your self-esteem and confidence. You’ll feel better in social situations with a radiant smile, enhancing your quality of life. You can smile, laugh, and speak without feeling self-conscious, contributing to overall mental and emotional well-being.
The Dental Implant Process
The procedure typically takes place over several appointments spread across a few months. Here are the general steps, but keep in mind that the specifics can vary depending on your circumstances and our dental professional’s approach:
Initial Consultation
This is your first meeting with our dental professional, where your oral health is assessed. It often includes X-rays or 3D images, a medical history review, and a discussion of your best treatment plan.
Extraction
If the tooth that needs replacement is still present, it must be removed. In some cases, performing an extraction
and implant placement is possible, but it may need to be done separately, followed by a healing period.
Bone Grafting (if necessary)
You may need bone grafts if your jawbone is too soft or thin. In this procedure, a piece of bone, which can be from another part of your body or a special bone grafting material, is transplanted into your jawbone. You’ll then have to wait for the graft to create a new, strong bone, which can take several months.
Implant Posts Placement
Once the bone graft, if needed, has healed, the dental implant (a small titanium implant posts that serve as the tooth’s root) can be placed. To place a dental implant, our dental professional will make an incision in your gums and expose the bone; then, holes will be drilled into the bone.
Healing/ Osseointegration
After the dental implant is placed, your jawbone needs to grow and unite with the implant, a process called osseointegration that can take several months and ensures a strong foundation for the new artificial tooth.
Placement of the Abutment
Once our dentist confirms that the implant has integrated successfully with the bone, an abutment, or a small connector post, is attached to the implant. In some instances, the abutment can be placed simultaneously with the implant. However, since the abutment juts past the gumline, some people prefer to have it placed in a separate procedure to avoid it being visible when they smile during the healing process.
Artificial Tooth Placement
Once your gums have healed, impressions or molds of your mouth and remaining teeth are taken to create the crown (the artificial tooth). The crown, custom-made to fit your mouth and match your natural healthy teeth, is attached to the abutment.
Follow-Up Appointments
Regular check-ups will be necessary to ensure the implant, abutment, and crown function as they should.
Remember, dental implant surgery is a process that requires patience and commitment. Each patient’s case is different, and the process can take several months from start to finish. For advice tailored to your needs, please consult with our dental professionals at Sand Lake Dental. Discover our innovative FastMill technology!
Ideal Candidates for Dental Implant Surgery
When it comes to dental implant surgery, not all individuals are suitable candidates. Here is a checklist of the significant factors that determine the ideal candidates for this procedure:
The Dental Implant Recovery Process
The recovery process following dental implant surgery begins with immediate aftercare, during which patients may experience minor bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. These symptoms can be managed with rest and appropriate medication.
During the initial days following surgery, it is recommended that patients rinse their mouths with warm salt water and consume soft foods to facilitate the healing process. Over the subsequent weeks to months, a critical process known as osseointegration occurs, where the implant fuses with the bone. Maintaining good oral hygiene during this period is essential to prevent infections. Regular check-ups with the dentist are also necessary to monitor the healing and osseointegration progress.
Once healing is confirmed, the dentist attaches an abutment to the implant, followed by the final placement of the crown or artificial tooth once the gums have healed around the abutment. Remember that the recovery timeline can vary between individuals, and following our dentist’s instructions while promptly reporting any issues can significantly aid the recovery process.
Long-Term Success and Maintenance
When adequately maintained, dental implants can provide a durable, long-term solution for missing teeth. The longevity of these implants largely hinges on consistent and effective oral hygiene practices.
Regular Brushing And Flossing
Dental implants should be brushed like natural teeth at least twice a day. Flossing should also be part of the daily routine to remove plaque from areas the brush can’t reach.
Special Cleaning Tools
Interdental brushes and water flossers can be particularly effective in cleaning around implants and should be considered part of the oral hygiene arsenal.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for maintaining the health and longevity of dental implants. Dentists can detect potential issues early and provide timely treatment.
Avoid Harmful Habits
Smoking or chewing hard foods can damage dental implants. Avoiding these habits can contribute to the long-term success of your implants.
Dental Implants Cost in Orlando, FL
In Orlando, Fl, the cost for a single implant can range from $1,500 to $6,000 on average. The dental implant cost is based on the number of teeth needing replacement, the type of implant that will be used, the location of the implant, and other additional procedures like bone grafts or sinus lifts. While this may seem costly, most patients agree that the long-term benefits of implant dentistry are worth the price.
Request A Consultation
Frequently asked Questions
How long do dental implants last?
Long-term durability is one of the most essential qualities of dental implants. With consistent and proper oral hygiene practices, including flossing, brushing, and regular dental check-ups, dental implants have the potential to last for many years. The longevity of dental implants also depends on other factors, such as the patient’s overall health, lifestyle, and dietary habits.
Does the procedure for dental implants hurt?
Patients should be pain-free during the dental implant procedure, as it is typically conducted under local anesthesia. After the anesthesia wears off, some discomfort or mild pain may be experienced, similar to other dental procedures. However, this can generally be managed effectively with over-the-counter painkillers. Your dentist may also provide specific pain management advice tailored to your situation.
How long does the dental implant treatment take?
The dental implant treatment process is usually not a single-day procedure. It can take several months from the initial consultation to the final placement of the prosthetic tooth or teeth. The process involves various stages, including initial consultations, the surgical placement of the implant, a healing period to allow for osseointegration (where the implant fuses with the jawbone), and finally, the placement of the crown. Some dentists may offer expedited treatment options, often called “teeth in a day,” depending on the patient’s condition.
Are dental implants difficult to care for?
It is relatively easy to care for dental implants. Their maintenance involves the same routine as caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing twice daily, flossing, and biannual dental check-ups should be part of your dental hygiene routine. It’s also essential to avoid damaging habits like chewing on hard items and smoking, which could compromise the longevity of your implant.
Is bone grafting always necessary for dental implant treatment?
Not all dental implant treatments require bone grafting. It’s typically required when the patient’s jawbone is not sufficiently thick, dense, or healthy enough to support an implant securely. Your dentist will conduct thorough examinations, including X-rays or other imaging techniques, to assess your jawbone’s condition and determine whether bone grafting is needed for successful implant placement.
How is implant-supported restoration differ from dental implants?
Dental implants refer to the titanium posts that serve as artificial tooth roots. Implant-supported restoration is a broader term that includes various restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, supported and anchored by dental implants. Dental implants provide stability and support for implant-supported restorations, helping to replace missing teeth or support dental structures.
