Dental implants may be the perfect solution
Even if you brush and floss regularly, and have regular exams and cleanings, chances are at some point, you will have to deal with missing teeth. If you’ve lost one or more teeth, either due to an injury, disease, or simply age, dental implants may be the best option for restoring your smile.
A dental implant is basically a synthetic root that replaces the root of the tooth that was lost. A dental implant is made of titanium, making it 100% bio-compatible and able to readily fuse with the bones in your jaw. Once the implant is placed, a crown is attached, permanently fixing it in place, and allowing it to function just like your natural teeth. (If you are missing several teeth, we also use dental implants to support bridges and dentures.)
If you are missing one or more teeth, there’s a good chance you are a candidate for dental implants. As long as you are in good health (with no gum disease), and have sufficient bone density in your jaw, a dental implant can be placed.
Single or Multiple Implants
Dental Implants by Sorrento Dental Care Implants are very versatile. If you are only missing one tooth, one implant plus one crown will do the trick. If you are missing several teeth in a row, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge. Similarly, if you have lost all of your teeth, a full bridge or full denture can be permanently fixed in your mouth with just a few dental implants.
Advantages Over Dentures or Bridges
Conventional bridges and dentures are not fixed to the bone, and are therefore often unstable. This can make it difficult to eat or smile with confidence. Implants not only look more natural but feel and act more like normal teeth. And because they don’t directly rely on surrounding teeth for support, implants don’t compromise the health of your natural teeth. In fact, bridges are only expected to last seven to ten years (even less with root canals), whereas implants will typically last a lifetime! Additionally, dental implants required basically no maintenance, as opposed to traditional bridges which require specific cleaning routines.
Post-Treatment Care
Basically, just treat your replacement teeth the same way you treat your natural teeth. They require daily brushing and flossing, and the same amount of regular dental checkups. Just like your natural teeth, the better you care for your replacement teeth, the longer they will last!
Additional Dental Implant Services
In addition to placing dental implants, there are various supporting services we offer to help ensure a positive result. Some of these services include:
Computer-Guided Treatment Planning
We utilize special 3D computer software to evaluate the quality of your bone, and determine the best location for placing your dental implants. This helps us ensure your dental implant will be secure and long-lasting.
Bone Grafting
In some cases, you may not have sufficient bone density to place a dental implant or mini-dental implant. So, we can transfer bone from another area of your mouth and graft it into the area where the implant is to be placed.
Implant Maintenance
If you’ve had an implant placed in years past by another dentist, and are having issues, we can do a professional cleaning and make sure everything remains in good health for years to come.
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants and are looking for a dentist in Pensacola who specializes in dental implants, give us a call at (850) 492-7647. We’d be happy to schedule an appointment, and answer any and all questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small, titanium rod that services as a “replacement root” for missing teeth. We insert one or more dental implants surgically into your jaw bone here in our office. Afterward, we place a custom-made, extremely realistic crown (or a bridge or denture, depending on your needs) over the dental implant.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants are used for a wide variety of procedures, so it depends on what your needs are. A good rule of thumb is if (a) you are missing one or more teeth, and (b) you have sufficient bone density in your jaw, you are very likely a good candidate for dental implants. Obviously, a complete examination (including x-rays of your jaw) is necessary to make a final determination.
Are dental implants expensive?
In the short-term, dental implants are more expensive than other options. However, they also last much longer (and in most cases, never need replacement). They also require no special care or maintenance. For these reasons, in the long-run, they are the most cost-effective option. Additionally, we offer many financing options to make dental implants more affordable.
Is getting a dental implant painful?
Actually, no. It is a routine procedure for our office and we are very proficient in making it an efficient and painless process for our patients. In addition to local anesthesia, we also offer anxiety-relieving medication and sedation, if you are anxious about the procedure. After the procedure, over-the-counter pain relievers are sufficient to manage any lingering discomfort.
Are dental implants reliable?
Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%! Honestly, they are one of the greatest achievements in dental technology in the last 50 years. They are made of titanium, which is completely biocompatible, so allergies are incredibly rare. In many cases, they are a permanent solution, which is why they have been the preferred solution for a variety of dental issues for so long.
Do dental implants require special care or maintenance?
One of the best things about dental implants is that they require no special care. If you have a crown placed on your dental implant, you simply brush and floss like normal, and get regular dental checkups. The dental implant fuses with your jaw bone and will never decay, and as long as you maintain good oral hygiene, your dental implants should last a lifetime!
How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?
It doesn’t matter if you are missing a single tooth, a few teeth, or all of your teeth! Dental implants are very versatile, and we handle cases all the time across the spectrum. A single dental implant with a single crown is a common case, but you don’t need one implant per tooth, either. As few as two implants can support a removable lower denture; just four can support a permanent set of top or bottom teeth!