Appointment RequestDental Implants – Vero Beach, FL
Reliable Roots
for New Teeth
The big difference between traditional tooth replacements and real teeth is that normal prosthetics do not have roots. This means they’re generally not as strong or stable as your natural teeth, and they can’t be used to prevent bone loss. Dental implants change this, however, as they can fulfill the same functions as tooth roots, allowing them to set a new gold standard in replacing teeth. Call us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about the process of getting dental implants from our Vero Beach, FL dentist.
Why Choose Ocean Oaks Dental Group for Dental Implants?
- Expert Dental Implant Planning
- Rapid Prototyping for Ideal Fit
- Fabricated On-Site for Ideal Color Matching
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a thin post shaped like a screw. Most dental implants are made out of titanium, but other biocompatible materials may be used based on the patient’s needs. What makes dental implants different is that they are placed in the jaw so that they can fuse with the bone; in other words, unlike bridges and dentures, implants can effectively become part of your body, making them feel and function more like real teeth.
The 4 Step Dental Implant Process
The first step is the initial consultation where we examine your mouth and jaw to confirm whether you are currently healthy enough for dental implants or if certain preparations need to be made first. We can refer you to an oral surgeon who can place the implants during the second step of the process. The third step is waiting for osseointegration to take place before attaching an abutment. Then, as the final step, a custom restoration will be connected to the implants
Dental Implant Technology
Dental implants are designed to last for several decades, and the first component of achieving this goal is the procedure itself. To ensure the process is as efficient, accurate, and comfortable as possible for our patients in Vero Beach, we utilize the latest dental implant technology and work directly with our talented lab technicians. If you’d like to learn about the former, then keep reading!
3D Cone Beam Imaging/3D CT Scanning
Since oral structures (like the roots of your teeth) are hidden, there are important components of the procedure that would be missed with a visual exam alone. Although digital X-rays provide much more insight, they don’t capture everything. Fortunately, that’s where 3D cone beam imaging/3D CT scanning comes in. With this technology, we can see nerve pathways, the thickness of the jawbone, blood vessels, and more. This information ensures we can plan out your dental implant procedure as precisely as possible, increasing the chances of its long-term success.
Custom 3D Printed Dental Implant Surgical Guides
While we do not place dental implants in Vero Beach ourselves, we do play a role in planning the procedure. With 3D imaging, we can create custom surgical guides based on virtual models of your teeth. Showing exactly where the implants need to be inserted helps the surgeon avoid complications such as damaging unseen nerves around the surgical site. We only work with surgeons that agree to use our custom guides to ensure the best possible results for our patients.
Digital Impression System with Intraoral Scanner
Dental implants are well-known for being extremely lifelike in look and feel. That’s because they are custom-made with your specific dental needs and smile goals in mind! Previously, this involved the use of putty impressions, which often made patients feel like they were having trouble breathing. Thankfully, there is now an alternative: digital impressions with an intraoral scanner. With this device, we can quickly scan your teeth and create a detailed rendering of your bite. From there, we can make sure your crown, bridge, or denture fits perfectly and looks gorgeous.
Computer-Aided Design & Milling (CAD/CAM)
Computer-Aided Design & Milling, commonly referred to as CAD/CAM, is a software that allows implant dentists to perform complex restorations with a higher degree of accuracy (and significantly faster!). This results in several benefits for our patients in Vero Beach, including fewer disruptions to your schedule. If you’d like to learn more about this technology, or any of the previously mentioned ones, get in touch with our team today.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are very easy to take care of on a daily basis, giving you the freedom to eat virtually anything you want, plus they prevent your new teeth from slipping at inopportune moments. Also, they promote a strong jawbone and healthier lifestyle by allowing you to maintain a nutritious diet. The success rate of dental implants is as high as 95 percent, and their lifespan is normally around 30 years or longer.
Who Can Dental Implants Help?
Are dental implants right for you? In most cases, they probably are, but we do need to make sure that you qualify for the treatment. That means having a jawbone capable of supporting the implants, a mouth that is free of gum disease, and overall health that will allow you to undergo implant surgery. Once we’ve determined that you can receive implants, we can start discussing the number of implant posts you’ll need and the type of restoration they’ll support.
Missing Single Tooth
Obviously, a single missing tooth only requires one implant to replace it. It will take a matter of months for the implant post to join with the jawbone; once it has, a dental crown can be made in our dental lab based on an impression of your fully healed mouth.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Dental bridges can replace three or more teeth in a row, and they usually only require two dental implants for support. Normally, bridges are placed on natural teeth, but using dental implants instead lets you keep the enamel on your natural teeth fully intact while still enjoying the benefits of stable new teeth.
Missing All Teeth
People who are frustrated with traditional dentures that don’t seem to stay in place may want to think about switching to implant dentures. Around 4 to 6 implant posts are usually employed to support an entire arch of teeth. By getting dentures that are permanently attached to the posts, you can enjoy a stability that is much more similar to real teeth.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
The amount you end up paying for dental implants is not set in stone. In fact, it can vary quite a bit depending on the situation. A patient receiving a single dental implant immediately after an extraction can expect a different price than a patient that requires multiple implants and a bone graft. We will discuss these variables with you during your first consultation and explain why dental implants are worth the investment in the long run.
Dental Implant FAQs
Dental implants in Vero Beach are the preferred option to replace missing teeth because of their exceptional benefits. However, they are a lifelong commitment, so it's normal to have a few concerns about the road ahead. Your dentist at Ocean Oaks Dental Group of Vero Beach will explain everything during your consultation. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about dental implants.
Can I Take Dental Implants Out?
No, you cannot remove dental implants because they are designed to provide a lifelong solution for missing teeth. A dental implant is unlike any other treatment because it replicates both the root and the crown. A titanium post is surgically placed into your jaw to mimic a root to provide your restoration with unmatched support and stability. Your jaw will fuse to the implant, so only a trained dental professional can take it out, such as in cases of failure. Although you can't remove your post, some implant dentures are removable for easy cleaning.
Does It Hurt to Get Dental Implants?
Your implant dentist in Vero Beach will keep your comfort as their top priority. You won't feel anything during your implant surgery because sedation or anesthesia will block any pain. However, it's normal for your mouth to be sore for a few days after the effects of any sedatives or numbing agents dissipate. You can manage your discomfort by taking an over-the-counter or prescribed pain reliever. Applying a cold compress can numb the area while also reducing bruising and swelling. Follow your dentist's dietary instructions and any additional recovery recommendations to ensure there aren't any delays in your healing.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants can last for a lifetime, but many factors affect their life expectancy. It's not unusual for them to last for 30 years or longer, depending on how well you care for your new smile. Brushing, flossing, and using a daily mouthwash will ensure your dental implants last for decades. It's best to break any bad habits, like smoking, chewing on your fingernails, or using your teeth as tools to prevent any unnecessary complications. Besides caring for your smile at home, visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup.
What are the Signs of Dental Implant Failure?
Although the risk of dental implant failure is less than 5%, it's important to be vigilant for any signs of a problem, like red, swollen, or bleeding gums. They are symptoms of an infection called peri-implantitis, which is like gum disease. Despite being preventable, it is a leading cause of dental implant failure. Don't wait to contact our office if you notice any changes to your oral health. Quick detection and treatment are essential for safeguarding your investment. If you have any pain near the implant or it feels loose, contact our office immediately.