Dental implants are a safe, aesthetic alternative to a number of natural tooth replacement options, including dental bridges, dental crowns, and even dentures. Dental restoration procedures with implants provide patients with restored comfort, functionality, and confidence, as the implants appear and function as natural teeth. If you’re looking for a permanent solution to decaying, infected or missing teeth that is indistinguishable from natural teeth, consider a Florida DMD dental implant procedure with Comprehensive Dental Care.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer a permanent solution to missing teeth. During a dental implant procedure, a small anchor is inserted into the jawbone in the place of the missing root of the tooth. Once the surrounding bone has healed with the inserted implant, the top of the implant is secured with a replacement tooth. Dental implants not only appear identical to natural teeth, they also feel and perform as natural teeth. Implant treatment allows teeth to be restored naturally, without harming or affecting the surrounding teeth. These implant devices can improve your chewing and speaking ability. They can also help preserve the health of your surrounding teeth and gums!

Whether you require replacement of a single tooth or need dental implants for your entire mouth, our Gainesville dentistry practice will ensure your implant procedure meets our high standards for dental care as well as your expectations for a beautiful and healthy smile.

Two Common Types Of Dental Implants

There are two primary types of dental implants — endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants. We can help you decide which option best meets your specific dental requirements. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for dental implants or for more information about the dental services and procedures we offer.

Endosteal Implants

This is the most common type of dental impact. Endosteal implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone. They are shaped like small screws. Once the surrounding gum tissue heals, a secondary surgery is required to connect a post to the original implant. Finally, an artificial tooth — or teeth — becomes attached to the post, either individually or grouped on a bridge or denture. These implants are usually made of titanium.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants consist of a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue. As the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone. Posts, which are attached to the frame, protrude through the gums. As with endosteal implants, artificial teeth are then mounted to the posts. This type of implant might be the best option for you if you do not have a healthy jawbone.

What Are Dental Implants Made From?

Dental implants are primarily composed of two materials — zirconia and titanium. Both of these materials are extremely durable and provide patients with the functionality of natural teeth as well as a pleasing oral aesthetic. Our Gainesville dentist uses USA-made BioHorizon® implants to provide patients with the highest-quality dental implants in the dentistry industry. These implants are made from titanium and have a special patented design and coating that helps encourage bone integration into the threads of the implant, resulting in minimized downtime and reduced discomfort following the procedure.

Who Is A Good Candidate?

A good candidate for dental implants is an adult with a missing tooth (or teeth), who possesses good oral health and a healthy, fully-developed jaw. Tobacco-users are not good candidates for a dental implant procedure.

What Does The Procedure Look Like?

The procedure process may change slightly, depending on the condition and health of your jaw and whether you are receiving endosteal or subperiosteal implants.

First, your dental provider will take a look at your mouth and discuss your medical history and concerns. They will offer you a diagnosis and a recommendation for implants. If you are receiving an endosteal implant, your oral surgeon will numb your mouth and cut your gum to expose the jawbone underneath. The surgeon will then drill holes into your bone and implant your endosteal post, making sure to close your gum over it. Depending on the procedure, the entire implant process might take one to two surgeries.

Side effects after the implant procedure may include swelling, bruising, discomfort, and bleeding. Most of these symptoms should be manageable through prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.

Care and Maintenance

The expected recovery time for a dental implant procedure is two to six months as you await new bone growth in your jaw – a process known as osseointegration. After your surgery, you should stick to eating soft foods for about a week. Avoid smoking and using tobacco products as your bone heals. Be sure to keep up a good oral hygiene routine, which involves brushing and flossing your teeth daily.