The Orthophos XG imaging unit in the imaging room at erth. dental

COCOA VILLAGE, FLORIDA

Dental implants

A permanent replacement for a missing tooth, from the root upward.

A treatment room at erth. dental with a dental chair beside a white brick wall

What an implant is

An implant replaces the root of a missing tooth with a small titanium post placed into the jawbone. Over the following months the bone grows around it, and the implant fuses with the bone to hold the new tooth securely. A crown is then attached on top, matched to the teeth beside it.

It is the only option that replaces the root as well as the tooth.

A bridge sits on top of the gum and relies on the teeth on either side. A denture rests on the ridge. An implant is anchored in bone, which is why it tends to feel more like a natural tooth.

What happens if a gap is left

A gap does not stay a gap. The bone and the neighboring teeth both change.

Jawbone maintains itself in response to the pressure of chewing. When a tooth is lost, the bone underneath stops receiving that signal and slowly recedes, which is why people missing teeth for a long time often notice a change in the shape of the lower face.

The teeth on either side of a gap also drift toward it over time, and the opposing tooth drifts into the space.

None of this is a reason to panic, and it is not a reason to be rushed into anything. It is simply the reason we would rather have the conversation sooner, because the options are better and simpler earlier on.

How long it takes

  1. Planning

    Digital x-rays and a scan show whether there is enough healthy bone and where exactly the implant should sit. If the bone has receded, a graft may be needed first, and we will tell you that at this stage rather than partway through.

  2. Placement

    The implant is placed in a single appointment under local anesthetic, and it is generally more comfortable than people expect.

  3. Healing

    Healing usually takes several months while the bone fuses to the post. A temporary tooth can be worn during that time so there is no visible gap.

  4. The final crown

    Once the implant has healed, the final crown is made and fitted. From start to finish this is typically a matter of months rather than weeks, and the great majority of that time is healing rather than appointments.

Who implants suit

Implants suit most adults with healthy gums and enough bone to hold the post, and they suit people replacing one tooth as readily as people replacing several. Gum disease has to be treated first, because an implant placed into unhealthy tissue is being set up to fail. Smoking meaningfully reduces success rates and we will talk about that honestly rather than skirt it.

If an implant is not the right answer for you, a bridge or a partial denture may be, and we would rather tell you that than place something that will not last.

Crowns, bridges and dentures

What implants cost

Implants cost more at the outset than a bridge or a denture, and are usually better value over a lifetime.

A well-cared-for implant does not need replacing in the way a bridge or a denture eventually will. Cost depends on how many teeth are involved and on whether any grafting is needed.

You will have a full written figure before anything begins, and we will go through payment options at the same time.

Financing and insurance

Questions we get asked

How long does the whole thing take?

Months rather than weeks, and the great majority of that is healing rather than appointments. Placement itself is one appointment.

Does it hurt?

Placement is done under local anesthetic.

Will there be a gap while it heals?

Not a visible one. A temporary tooth can be worn during healing.

What if I do not have enough bone?

A graft may be needed first. We check for that during planning and tell you at that stage rather than partway through.

Can I have an implant if I smoke?

Sometimes, though smoking meaningfully reduces success rates. We will talk about that honestly rather than skirt it.

Is an implant worth it compared with a bridge?

Usually over a lifetime, since a well-cared-for implant does not need replacing the way a bridge eventually will. It is a larger investment at the outset.

Find out whether an implant is right for you

A consultation covers an examination, the imaging needed to plan properly, and a clear explanation of your options and what each involves.

Book a consultationCall 321-635-8533