Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants in Coral Springs, FL

What are Dental Implants?

When people talk about dental implants, they are usually referring to the full restoration of a missing tooth or teeth, which is made of three parts. There is the implant itself, which is a screw made of titanium or zirconia placed in the jaw to replace the missing root of the tooth. Next is the abutment, a slender pin that slides into the center of the implant and acts as an anchor to fasten the implant to a restoration (a dental crown or prosthetic resembling a denture). When combined, these three pieces replace a missing tooth, providing the bite force, stability, and beauty of a natural tooth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Implants

Getting dental implants is a collaborative effort between Dr. Snyder, who creates and attaches the dental restorations, and an oral surgeon who surgically implants the implants in your jawbone. Dr. Snyder consults with an oral surgery colleague to coordinate your care, ensuring seamless treatment throughout. While each case is unique, you can expect your dental implant journey to go something like this:

Initial Consultation

At your consultation with Dr. Snyder, you will undergo a thorough oral examination, including digital imaging and X-rays, to determine whether you are a suitable candidate and if your jawbone is healthy enough to support the implants. He will review your tooth replacement options with you, develop a personalized treatment plan, and refer you to an appropriate oral surgeon for the surgical portion of your dental implant treatment.

Implant Placement

Your oral surgeon surgically places one or more implants in the jawbone. The procedure is typically performed while you are sedated, and the area is numbed with a local anesthetic so you are relaxed and anxiety-free. Once the implants are in place and the gums are sutured, a responsible adult can take you home to recover. You can wear a temporary denture so that you have teeth during the healing phase.

Recovery and Osseointegration

For the first three to four days following surgery, you will be on a soft diet to allow the area to heal. You may experience mild pain and swelling, which can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers and the application of ice packs. Within a week, you should feel back to normal.

Over the next three to six months, the implants will fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, a process by which they become an integral part of the surrounding bone. This creates a stable base for the restorations that will be attached. Osseointegration also preserves the jawbone, preventing the deterioration that typically occurs when natural teeth are lost, and the tooth roots are no longer stimulating the jaw.

Restoration

Once osseointegration and healing are complete, Dr. Snyder takes an impression of your mouth and sends it to our dental lab, where custom restorations are designed and fabricated. These restorations may include dental crowns attached to individual implants or dental prostheses, such as a full arch of replacement teeth attached to several implants.

When the final restorations are ready, you will return to Dr. Snyder‘s office, where he will check the fit of the restorations, smooth any rough edges, and permanently attach them to your implants. You will leave the office with a beautiful, functional smile that looks and feels like your natural teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Tooth implants offer more benefits than any other option for replacing missing teeth, including:

• Jawbone stimulation, which prevents bone deterioration and a prematurely aged appearance.
• Longevity, with many patients’ dental implants lasting 30 years or more.
• Natural feel and function, just like natural teeth.
• Even if a restoration wears out and needs to be replaced, the implant doesn’t need to be disturbed.
• Unlike dentures, dental implants are fixed and permanent, so you’ll never have to worry about slipping or pinching.
• Brushing, flossing, and normal dental checkups make caring for implant restorations easy.
• You can eat any food you enjoy without compromising the integrity of your dental implant restorations.
• You can smile with confidence.

Dental Implant FAQs

Are dental implants painful?

No. While you may experience some discomfort for a few days following the placement surgery, the procedure itself is not painful. Once the implants have healed, you won’t feel them at all. They will feel like your natural teeth.

How long do dental implants last?

The implants themselves last 30 years or more, and sometimes a lifetime. The restorations may last 15-20 years or more. If they are damaged or worn, they can be easily replaced.

How much do dental implants cost?

There are many factors that influence the cost of dental implants, including the type of implants and surgical costs. Our blog article, The Cost of Dental Implants in Coral Springs, explains everything in detail.

Can I get dental implants if I have bone loss?

Certainly! If you have bone loss, your oral surgeon can build up the area with bone grafting. This will add a few months to the process but will ensure that your implants have a strong foundation sufficient to support your restorations. In some cases, implants can be strategically placed to utilize the remaining bone without the need for grafting.

What’s the recovery time for a dental implant?

From the day of implant placement to the placement of the restoration, the time may take anywhere from three to six months, depending on the individual’s health and healing ability.

Interested in Dental Implants?

To learn more about dental implants and how they can improve your health and enjoyment of life, contact our office at Brian H. Snyder, D.D.S. Phone Number 954-753-4101 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Snyder.