Dental Implants in Brandon, Florida
Dental implants in Brandon, Florida are overwhelmingly considered the best option when it comes time to replace a tooth. Dental implants fuse with the jawbone to deliver similar strength and function as natural, healthy teeth. And, once your dental implant is restored with either a dental crown or bridge, no one will be able to tell you've had a tooth replaced.
Wondering if dental implants are the best tooth replacement option for you? Call Mora Dental Studio to schedule a consultation!
What to Expect with Dental Implants
When you undergo a dental implant procedure, the doctor drills a small pilot hole into the jawbone. They then use a series of drills to shape the osteotomy.
The doctor then torques (tightens) the implant to a certain value to achieve primary stability, the stage where the implant is held in place by friction. The implant is then covered for several months to allow the bone around the implant to heal and fuse with the titanium of the implant.
At your follow-up visit, the implant is exposed and a "torque test" is performed on the implant to see how well it has integrated with the bone. If the doctor determines the implant is stable enough to support a prosthesis, they will then place an abutment and restoration such as a crown or bridge. Either a definitive (final) or provisional (temporary) restoration will be placed, depending on your treatment plan.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are superior to dentures and partials in virtually every metric other than cost. But, with all the advantages of dental implants, many patients realize the benefits outweigh the higher price tag.
Here are some of the main reasons patients ultimately choose dental implants:
You may not realize it, but for your bone to remineralize, it requires persistent pressure inside the socket of the tooth. Only natural teeth and dental implants have the ability to stimulate bone growth and limit resorption of bone material. This means dental implants can also help you avoid the “sunken in” appearance that is common with long-term denture-wearers.
One of the chief complaints of dentures is gum soreness. This happens when the dentures rub along the surface of the gums, causing painful sores. You can avoid this with dental implants since the restorations are supported by the implant and jawbone, not the gums.
If you've ever worn them, then you know there are certain foods that are virtually impossible to eat with dentures. These include steak, raw fruits, veggies, nuts, hard candies, and others. Since dental implants act just like natural teeth, there are no limitations on what you can eat once the surgical site has healed and the final prosthesis has been placed.
Who doesn't want a great-looking smile? Dental implants allow you to choose highly esthetic materials for your restoration, such as porcelain or zirconia. These restorations meet at the gum line and can be tinted to perfectly match the surrounding teeth.
Are there downsides to dental implants?
Yes, like most types of dental restorations, dental implants require regular care and maintenance. And, roughly 3% of dental implants will fail within 5 years. Implant failure is typically caused by peri-implantitis, an infection surrounding the implant that can cause the tissues to resorb. We will discuss the risks of this and other procedures prior to surgery.