Dental Implants Tampa

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Before starting treatment, you may be wondering whether dental implants are even a good fit for your situation or whether you need any preparatory procedures first. To determine the answers to these questions, we’ll need to examine your mouth in person and discuss your needs and goals with you. At your consultation, we’ll discuss all of these details plus your financial information and schedule, so you know what to expect moving forward.

Dental Implant Surgery

If you decide to proceed with these replacement teeth, our team will handle the placement surgery ourselves, meaning you won’t have to deal with a referral to an outside specialist. During this procedure, after we’ve numbed the area completely, we’ll make a tiny incision in the gums, insert the post into the jawbone, and carefully close the tissue up again. At every step of the process, we’ll be by your side, making sure you’re comfortable.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

Although the surface tissue usually heals in about a week after the placement procedure, more time is necessary for the implants to become secure. Over the next four to six months, the implants will meld with your jawbone to form the foundation of your new teeth. This is a natural process called osseointegration, and it gives your implants stability. Then, abutments or connector pieces must be inserted into the posts, and they will stick out above the gums.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

Following this healing period, we will take impressions of both your arches and send these to our dental lab. Once your custom restoration is complete, our dentists will place the replacement tooth, which fits on top of the implant post with dental cement. This might be a dental crown, dental bridge, or a complete or partial denture. Each dental implant restoration is custom made to fit your smile comfortably and aesthetically.

Day-to-Day Benefits

Receiving dental implants can deliver significant benefits for your daily life, including:

• Allowing you to chew all your favorite foods so that you’ll never have to miss out on tasty and chewy meats like steak or pork chops or crunchy snacks like popcorn and nuts again.
• Being easy to brush and floss so you only have to stick with the same oral hygiene regimen that you use to keep your natural teeth clean.
• The confidence having a full set of teeth can bring when you smile.
• Not having to worry about the embarrassment that can come when your teeth slip out of place when you eat or speak.

Health Benefits

Dental implants can also allow you to enjoy remarkable benefits for your oral and overall health, including:

• Preventing bone loss in the jaw that can lead to misalignments as well as dental injuries and infections.
• Supporting surrounding teeth to prevent them from sliding out of place or becoming injured due to uneven chewing pressure.
• Allowing you to enjoy a diet of many different nutritious foods that your body needs to stay healthy and strong.
• Not causing gum sores and other soft tissue irritations due to your restoration sliding around within your mouth.
• Their ease of cleaning makes it much easier to avoid dental and overall health problems associated with poor oral hygiene.

Long-Term Benefits

Replacing lost teeth with dental implants can also lead to several impressive long-term benefits such as:

• A success rate of over 95% even ten years after placement, making them incredibly reliable.
• Lasting for more than thirty years with excellent care, making them an solid investment.
• Not needing frequent expensive replacements like traditional restorations such as dentures and dental bridges do, potentially saving you thousands of dollars over the years.
• Protecting your natural teeth by sharing the burden of chewing so they can last for many years to come.

Giving you the confidence you need to make an excellent first impression, which can open all sorts of opportunities in the professional world and the social scene.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

Preliminary treatments such as gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, or bone grafting are essential for ensuring the success of dental implants but can increase the overall cost. Many of these treatments may be partially covered by dental insurance. The cost of the implant surgery itself will also vary based on the implant placement and the type of sedation or anesthesia required. The surgery is performed in-office, so you'll benefit from having all procedures managed under one roof, avoiding additional fees for an external surgeon.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

The cost of dental implants can be influenced by several factors. The number of implants needed affects the total cost; for example, a single implant is less expensive than a full arch of 4-6 implants for an implant-supported denture, although the denture might be more cost-effective than individual implants for each missing tooth. The type of restoration—whether crowns, bridges, or dentures—also impacts the cost, with smaller restorations generally being less expensive. Additionally, the size and material of the implant, such as zirconia versus titanium, play a role in the cost. The brand of the dental implant can vary in price and quality, similar to different brands of consumer products. Feel free to ask us about the specific implant brand and its benefits to better understand the costs involved.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money In The Long Term

Dental implants can save money in the long term due to their durability and effectiveness. Designed to last a lifetime with proper care, implants eliminate the need for frequent replacements and repairs, unlike dentures and bridges, which typically need to be replaced every 5-10 years. Implants are also more resistant to damage and wear, reducing ongoing maintenance costs.

Additionally, they help preserve jawbone health by stimulating bone growth, which can prevent further dental issues and additional treatments. With their superior chewing function and comfort, implants minimize the risk of problems related to poor bite or discomfort. By investing in implants, you may avoid the recurring costs associated with less durable options and potentially save on future dental treatments.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Dental insurance coverage for dental implants varies depending on the plan. While some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost, many do not provide coverage for implants due to their classification as a more advanced and costly procedure. Instead, insurance plans often cover less expensive treatments like dentures or bridges.

For those with partial coverage, insurance might cover associated costs such as the crown, abutment, or surgical procedure, but typically not the entire implant. We’ll help you consult with your dental plan to ensure that you’re getting the most from your benefits.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

We also know that not everyone has insurance. That’s why we endeavor to make the services we offer as affordable as possible for patients without it by offering them useful alternatives.

For one, we have an in-house membership plan that affords patients substantial discounts on many of their preliminary services for a low monthly fee. We have one for general patients and another with a greater focus on periodontal treatment, meaning that you can pick the financial option that suits you best.

We also offer financing services through CareCredit and Lending Club, both of which can allow you to split the cost of your treatment across several convenient monthly payments.

If you have questions about any of these financial options, make an appointment for a consultation with us today!

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

The first 24 to 48 hours after your surgery are some of the most critical for your success. During this time, the implant site will form a clot to begin the healing process. Breaking or dislodging this clot will cause uncomfortable side effects such as dry socket or disruption to the implant itself. Here are some steps you can take to avoid damage:

• Avoid touching the implant area with your tongue or fingers.
• Bite down on gauze to control bleeding, changing it every 30-45 minutes as needed.
• Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for 10-minute intervals to reduce swelling.
• Avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours to minimize bleeding and swelling.
• Don’t smoke, vape, or use straws. The suction of these activities can dislodge the clot.

Common Side-Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement

It’s normal to experience mild side effects in the days following dental implant surgery, including:

• Swelling around the gums or face that may for a week or more
• Bruising of the skin or gums
• Mild discomfort or pain at the implant site
• Minor bleeding for the first 24 hours

These symptoms should gradually subside over time. However, if they persist beyond a few days, give us a call.

Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery

In the days following your surgery, it’s best to plan for a soft diet to protect the implant site. So, when you plan your menu, keep these things in mind:

• Eat soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
• Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the surgical area.
• Drink plenty of fluids but avoid using a straw.
• Gradually reintroduce solid foods as the healing process progresses and discomfort decreases.

Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene

For continued health and success, you’ll need to keep up with your oral care routine. However, there are some key differences:

• Gently rinse with a warm saltwater solution to keep the surgical area clean.
• Avoid brushing the surgical site for the first few days.
• Do not use mouthwash or other rinses for at least the first week, especially if they contain alcohol.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

Once your new restorations are securely attached to your implants, the most difficult part of your treatment is over! You’ll be able to enjoy the flexibility and function your prosthetics bring for years to come as long as you take good care of them. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

• Continue practicing good oral hygiene, brushing twice a day and flossing regularly.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods for the first few days to allow your implants to settle.
• Visit us regularly for checkups to see that your implants stay healthy and functional.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Dental implants can’t get cavities like natural teeth because they aren’t made from tooth enamel. However, your surrounding natural teeth are still at risk, and you could still develop gum disease. Gum disease would be detrimental to the success of your replacement teeth, so it’s important that you maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine. Remember to brush twice, floss, and rinse with mouthwash every day.

Eat a Healthy Diet

One of the exciting benefits of dental implants is that you can enjoy a complete, nutritious diet. You don’t need to keep up with any eating restrictions. However, it’s still a good idea to try to avoid having too many good items that are particularly sugary or hard. Instead, enjoy plenty of foods that are high in calcium and vitamin C. These nutrients are needed to make your jaw and gums healthy.

Break Bad Habits

Bad habits can cause a variety of issues for teeth and dental implants if you aren’t careful. It’s best to refrain from smoking and using tobacco products – especially while you are recovering from your procedure. Smoking can slow down the healing process, making it more difficult for your body to fight off infections. You should also avoid using your teeth to open bottles, rip through packaging, and complete other tasks. Instead, find the appropriate tool so you don’t cause damage to your smile.

Protect Your Dental Implants

Dental implants are very strong, but they aren’t completely indestructible. You should always wear a mouthguard while engaging in contact sports. If you grind your teeth at night, it’s a good idea to ask your dentist about getting a nightguard to protect your teeth from wear and tear.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

You should continue to see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups twice a year. This way, we can monitor your dental implants, natural teeth, gum tissue complete an oral cancer screening, and more. By detecting issues early on, the more likely that we can address them quickly and may even be able to prevent serious complications in the future.