Jacksonville, FL Dental Implants
Are you struggling with missing teeth that make eating difficult or leave you hesitant to smile in photos? You’re not alone! Dental implants provide a life-changing solution that can rebuild your confidence and allow you to enjoy your favorite foods with ease again. At Airway Dental and More, our Jacksonville dentists are passionate about helping patients transform their smiles with natural-looking, permanent dental implants.
We offer excellence in dental care for patients of all ages in Jacksonville, Florida. Our team understands the challenges of missing teeth and works with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan. With our advanced technology and devotion to patient comfort, we can help you achieve the beautiful, functional smile you deserve.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants begin with a titanium post surgically drilled into the jawbone beneath your gums to replace your missing tooth root. Once positioned, this post bonds with your natural bone through osseointegration, creating a secure foundation for an artificial tooth.
The complete dental implant system consists of three parts:
- The implant: A titanium post that serves as the tooth root
- The abutment: An attachment point placed on top of the implant
- The crown: A custom-made artificial tooth that attaches to the abutment
Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support. Each implant stands independently, preserving the integrity of your jawbone and surrounding teeth. This independence makes dental implants a long-lasting solution for tooth replacement, often lasting a lifetime with proper care.
Dental implants also help stop bone loss in the jaw, which naturally occurs when a missing tooth leaves a space open. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants are the only tooth restoration solution that stimulates natural bone growth and restricts bone loss, making them ideal for long-term oral health.
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How Do Dental Implants Compare to Other Tooth Replacement Options?
When considering tooth replacement options, understanding the differences between dental implants and their alternatives, like bridges or dentures, can help you decide on the best restoration for your dental needs. Dental implants provide several significant advantages over other tooth replacement methods, including:
- Durability: Implants are designed to last decades or even a lifetime, while bridges and dentures typically need replacement every 5-10 years.
- Jawbone preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs with bridges and dentures.
- Natural appearance: The crown portion of an implant is custom-made to mimic your natural teeth in color, shape, and size.
- Comfort and functionality: Implants are designed to function like natural teeth. This allows you to chew, speak, and smile without worrying about movement or discomfort.
In comparison, bridges require the modification of neighboring healthy teeth to fit correctly, which may compromise their long-term health. Traditional dentures can become loose over time, causing discomfort and difficulty with eating and speaking. While these options may cost less initially, dental implants often provide better value because of their longevity and low maintenance requirements.
What Is the Dental Implant Process Like?
The dental implant process typically involves several stages spread over a few months. This timeline allows for proper healing and fusing of the implant with your jawbone. Your dental implant procedure in our Jacksonville office will likely include the following steps:
- Comprehensive evaluation: We’ll examine your oral health, take detailed X-rays and digital images, and create a treatment plan tailored to your circumstances.
- Pre-procedure: Sometimes, you may need a tooth extraction, bone grafting, or gum disease treatment before your dental implant procedure.
- Implant placement: The titanium post will be surgically placed into your jawbone during this first stage of your dental implant process.
- Healing period: You will likely have a waiting period over the next 3-9 months while the implant bonds with your bone through osseointegration.
- Abutment placement: Once healing is complete, we will fasten the connector piece, known as an abutment.
- Crown placement: Finally, we will secure your custom-made crown to the abutment to complete your dental implant procedure.
Most patients report the discomfort associated with implant surgery is less than expected and similar to a tooth extraction. At Airway Dental and More, we use advanced techniques and appropriate anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. After each stage, we provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote optimal healing.
While recovery time will vary for each person, most patients can return to normal daily tasks within a day or two after each procedure. Any discomfort can typically be controlled with pain-relieving medications. If you notice severe pain, bleeding, or swelling that doesn’t improve within a few days after your procedure, please contact us immediately to schedule an appointment, as these could be signs of a complication.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults with one or more missing teeth are candidates for dental implants. However, several factors can affect your suitability for the procedure. Ideal candidates for dental implants typically have:
- Good general and oral health
- Sufficient jawbone density to support the implant
- Healthy gum tissue free of periodontal disease
- Commitment to good oral hygiene practices
- No uncontrolled chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease
Even if you don’t initially meet all these criteria, we offer solutions to help you become a candidate. For example, if you lack sufficient bone density, we may recommend bone grafting to reinforce your jawbone before implant placement.
Smoking can also negatively affect the outcome of your dental implant by reducing blood flow to the gums and hindering your body’s natural healing abilities. If you smoke, we may discuss quitting methods to boost your chances of a successful implant procedure.
Experience Excellence in Dental Implant Care
At Airway Dental and More, we combine advanced technology with compassionate care to provide exceptional dental implant services. Our team stays current with emerging techniques in implant dentistry to offer you the most comfortable and effective treatment options. We take pride in helping patients transform their smiles and regain their confidence through dental implants.
We believe in an integrated dental care approach, considering how oral health connects to overall well-being. Our dentist has extensive experience in implant dentistry and takes the time to understand your specific needs and concerns. We’re devoted to providing personalized care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Contact us today through our contact form to schedule your consultation.
