Lost a tooth? A dental implant may be your best option!

A dental implant is an artificial root that is surgically placed within the bone of the jaw to replace a missing tooth (or even to hold an attached denture or bridge). An implant can be a magnificent replacement for an individual who has lost a tooth due to periodontal disease, injury or extraction.

There are two forms of implant therapy

–          Endosteal: this is the most common type of implant available – the method is placing a screw within the bone of the jaw.

–          Subperiosteal: this type of implant is placed adjacent to the bone, with the metal framework protruding through the gingiva (gums) to hold the prosthesis. This type of dental implant is best for patients who cannot wear conventional dentures and/or who have minimal bone height within the jaw

Are you a candidate for a dental implant?

The ideal candidate for a dental implant would be a patient with good oral health and without any periodontal disease. Adequate bone is required for a dental implant and if there are insufficient bone levels, bone grafting would be necessary.

Specific reasons and treatments that require dental implant therapy

–          Replacing a single tooth: self-explanatory… one implant attached to one crown

–          Replacing several teeth: implant supporting a bridge

–          Replacing all of the teeth: implant supporting a full denture

What to expect after dental implant therapy

–          If you were sedated during surgery, you may feel light headed and drowsy… your dentist will recommend you have a family member or friend drive you home

–          It is recommended to begin taking your prescribed pain killers PRIOR to the sedation wears off to ensure your comfort and relief of any residual pain from the surgery

–          Light bleeding adjacent to the implant is to be expected… you can use gauze (sterilized by your dentist) to stop the bleeding

–          Side effects over the next few weeks can be swelling, soreness and bruising… this is all normal, however should it last longer than a few weeks, consult your dentist

Should you fit the criteria for dental implant surgery, at Florence Dentistry we are more than willing to walk you through the initial consultation and hold your hand through the recovery period – we accept all insurance companies, offer payment plans and direct bill.   

To learn more about dental implants click on the following links
Eligibility
Dental Implants
Side effects