Dental implants are advanced dental prostheses designed to replace missing teeth with artificial ones that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They consist of three main components: a titanium post that serves as a substitute for the tooth root and integrates with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, an abutment that connects the post to the replacement tooth (crown), and the crown itself, custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of surrounding teeth.
Dental implants provide a stable and long-lasting solution for individuals missing one or more teeth, offering benefits such as improved chewing ability, speech clarity, and facial aesthetics while preserving jawbone health and preventing bone loss over time.
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implants used today. They are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for artificial teeth.
Endosteal implants consist of small, screw-like posts made from biocompatible materials such as titanium, which integrate with the jawbone through osseointegration. Once healed, prosthetic teeth crowns, bridges, or dentures are mounted onto the implants, restoring both function and aesthetics to the patient's smile. Endosteal implants are versatile and suitable for most patients with adequate jawbone density and healthy oral tissues.
Subperiosteal implants are an alternative to endosteal implants for patients with insufficient natural bone height in the jaw or who cannot undergo bone augmentation procedures. Unlike endosteal implants placed directly into the jawbone, subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum tissue but above the jawbone. A metal framework is custom-made and fitted onto the bone, with posts protruding through the gums to support artificial teeth.
Subperiosteal implants are less commonly used today due to advancements in bone grafting techniques, but they may still be considered for select cases where traditional implants are not feasible.
The process begins with an initial consultation, during which our oral surgeon in Lady Lake, FL, evaluates the patient's oral health, takes X-rays, and discusses treatment options. Factors such as jawbone density, overall health, and the number of missing teeth are assessed to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for dental implants. Based on these evaluations, a comprehensive treatment plan is then customized.
The first surgical phase involves the placement of the dental implant into the jawbone. This is typically performed under local anesthesia, although sedation options may be available for anxious patients.
During the procedure, the oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone and then drills a small hole into the jawbone where the implant will be placed. The titanium implant, which resembles a small screw, is carefully inserted into the bone. Over the next few months, the implant undergoes osseointegration, where the bone fuses with the implant, providing a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.
After the implant is placed, the gum tissue is stitched back into place over the implant. As the jawbone heals, osseointegration occurs, a critical process during which the bone cells grow and adhere to the implant's surface. This integration process ensures that the implant becomes securely anchored in the jawbone, mimicking the function of a natural tooth root. Healing time varies but typically ranges from three to six months.
Once osseointegration is complete and the implant is firmly integrated into the jawbone, a second minor surgical procedure may be necessary to expose the implant and attach an abutment. The abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the replacement tooth (crown). It protrudes slightly above the gum line and supports the final restoration.
After the gum tissue has healed around the abutment, impressions of the teeth are taken to create a custom-made dental crown. The crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory to match the color, shape, and size of the patient's natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with the rest of the smile. Once the crown is ready, it is securely attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant restoration.
Following the completion of the dental implant procedure, patients are instructed on proper oral hygiene practices to maintain the health of the implant and surrounding teeth. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential to monitor the implant's stability and ensure long-term success. With diligent care, dental implants can provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring functionality and confidence to the patient's smile. Contact us today to learn more.
Dental implants in Lady Lake, FL, are commonly used to replace individual missing teeth. A single implant, consisting of a titanium post, abutment, and custom-made crown, is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as a stable and durable replacement for the missing tooth. This approach helps avoid altering the adjacent teeth, as is often required with traditional dental bridges.
Implants can also support dental bridges or partial dentures when multiple adjacent teeth are missing. By having the bridge or denture securely anchored to dental implants, patients can enjoy improved stability, function, and aesthetics compared to removable prostheses alone.
Full-arch restorations using dental implants provide a comprehensive solution for patients missing all or most of their teeth in a dental arch (upper or lower jaw). Techniques such as All-on-4 or All-on-6 involve strategically placing several implants (usually four or six per arch) to support a fixed bridge or denture. This approach offers significant benefits, including immediate function, improved chewing ability, enhanced speech, and restored facial aesthetics.
Dental implants provide a stable foundation for artificial teeth, mimicking the natural tooth structure and offering superior stability and comfort compared to traditional removable prostheses. This stability allows patients to confidently eat a wide range of foods without concerns about denture slippage or discomfort.
Implants help preserve jawbone structure and prevent bone loss when teeth are missing. Implants' titanium posts stimulate bone growth and integrate with the jawbone through osseointegration, maintaining bone density and supporting facial contours over time.
Dental implants represent a transformative advancement in modern dentistry, offering unparalleled benefits in aesthetics, function, and oral health preservation. Visit Frontier Oral Surgery at 101 S. US Hwy. 441, Lady Lake, FL 32159, or call (352) 753-1114 to schedule a consultation and discover how dental implants can enhance your oral health and confidence.
101 S. US Hwy. 441,
Lady Lake, FL 32159
MON - FRI8:00 am - 4:30 pm
SAT - SUNClosed