Dental implants, in some form, date back to the ancient Egyptians. And early Mayans relied on implanted shell particles to replace missing teeth centuries later. Radiographs show these shells integrated into bone even. Integration is an integral part of modern implant dentistry.
However, the dawn of modern implant dentistry dates to the 1960s. During this decade, dentists began offering these tooth replacement options more widely. Today, they are the top recommendation among dental professionals and a patient favorite.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants in Bradenton, FL, are replacements for lost tooth roots. The biocompatible roots made from durable titanium have the power to integrate into the bone. As a result, they are the only tooth replacement option that restores complete tooth anatomy.
Your dentist can cap these tooth roots with crowns or prosthetics like dentures and bridges. For a fixed denture, your dentist uses up to six implants to secure a complete arch of replacement teeth. A bridge relies on only one or two!
6 Benefits of Dental Implants
#1 Dental Implants Mimic Natural Teeth
Because they replace complete tooth anatomy, they are like natural teeth, which is always preferable. No one will guess you have implants. And you might even forget!
#2 Dental Implants Help Prevent Bone Loss
Your jawbone requires tooth roots to remain healthy. When you lose teeth, you eventually lose the supporting bone. Dental implant posts restabilize the bone and keep it viable and healthy. For you, this means you’ll not have a sunken and aged appearance around the lower face and chin. Additionally, you’ll maintain a healthy bite.
#3 Dental Implants Promote Better Oral Health
When you lose teeth, the resulting smile gaps invite neighboring teeth to migrate into these welcoming spaces. Dental implants help you maintain an even and level bite, which is easier on your teeth.
#4 Dental Implants Are Easy to Maintain
Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants need only the attention you give your natural teeth—brush, floss, and maintain regular dental care.
#5 Dental Implants Restore Your Bite Force
Fixed restorations never rock or slip when you’re eating and speaking. With dental implants, you can truly diversify your diet and incorporate crunchy foods again with your solid bite force.
#6 Dental Implants Are Lasting
Dental implants are typically the longest-lasting tooth replacement. In fact, with proper care and regular dental visits (twice yearly), they have been known to last for decades and even for a lifetime. Unfortunately, most tooth replacement options need relines or replacing over time.
The Dental Implant Process
Dental Implant Consultation
As with any tooth replacement or cosmetic dentistry in Bradenton, FL, we have you visit our dental office for a friendly consultation with the dentist. This is your time to learn more about dental implants and all our tooth replacement options. In fact, we welcome your questions. Your dentist provides an exam to ensure you’re a suitable implant candidate. Considerations include jawbone health and sinus placement. However, we can talk about bone grafting and sinus lifts if necessary.
Dental Implant Surgery
We schedule implant surgery if you’re a suitable candidate and decide to proceed with implants. At this appointment, your dentist surgically places your implant posts. This is an image-guided undertaking for precision and success. During placement, the treatment site will be numb, and you’ll not feel pain.
You may have mild soreness when the anesthesia wears off, but this only lasts a few days. Ibuprofen, sold in your local drugstore, is typically enough to ease any mild discomfort.
Crown or Prosthetic Placement
Once your implant posts are in place, the integration period begins. When it completes, and your implants are thoroughly integrated into the jawbone, you’re ready for your replacement tooth (dental crown) or prosthetic.
With your new fixed smile, you can enjoy meals immediately and smile with confidence again.
Dental Implants as Part of a Smile Makeover
If you have stained teeth or other cosmetic issues in addition to missing teeth, dental implants can be part of a full smile makeover that may include the following:
- Dental veneers—To conceal flaws like gummy smiles, slightly crooked or unsightly teeth
- Dental bonding—To hide stains and general tooth flaws
- Teeth whitening—To brighten your teeth, allowing you to choose lighter restorations
- Same-day crowns—To hide tooth flaws and stabilize weak teeth
- Tooth-colored fillings—To rid your mouth of silver amalgam
Dental Implant Costs
Dental implant costs vary for many reasons, including:
- The complexity of your case—necessary pretreatments, for example
- Number of single implants you need
- Whether it’s a single implant or a fixed prosthetic
Your dentist lets you know at your initial consultation how much your treatment will cost, so there are no surprises.
Dental Implant Care
The best way to care for your dental implants is to pretend they are not implants. In other words, the same advice we offer for natural teeth also applies to tooth implants!
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily, and after every meal is even better.
- Visit your Bradenton, FL, implant dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.
- Talk to your dentist if you suspect bruxism (grinding and clenching).
- Wear a mouthguard if you compete in contact or ball-type sports.
- Report all oral changes to your dentist as soon as possible.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions for cleaning under a fixed bridge or denture.
Contact Your Dental Implant Dentist in Bradenton, FL
If you would like to arrange your consultation for dental implants or a smile makeover, reach out to a member of our team today to get started. And never hesitate to contact us if you have questions about tooth replacement or our other dental services.
Patients come to us from all locations, including Bradenton, Sarasota, Anna Marie Island, Longboat Key, Pirate City, and your neighborhood.