What Are Dental Implants in South Tampa?

The Overview

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, often made from titanium.

They are surgically placed into the jawbone, and through a recovery process called osseointegration, they create a strong and stable bond.

Dental implants support replacement teeth, such as dental crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Dental implants are 90% – 98% successful and can last a lifetime.

Patient satisfaction is very high because dental implants can restore a natural-looking smile, giving confidence when eating and speaking.

Dental Implants resolve issues with:

  • Missing Teeth
  • Jawbone Abnormalities

The Overview

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, often made from titanium.

They are surgically placed into the jawbone, and through a recovery process called osseointegration, they create a strong and stable bond.

Dental implants support replacement teeth, such as dental crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Dental implants are 90% – 98% successful and can last a lifetime.

Patient satisfaction is very high because dental implants can restore a natural-looking smile, giving confidence when eating and speaking.

Dental Implants resolve issues with:

  • Missing Teeth
  • Jawbone Abnormalities
Illustration of the dental implant installation process.

How Dental Implants Work

The Details

Treatment

The patient receives anesthesia to numb the surgical area. An incision is made in the gum to expose the jawbone, and a small hole is drilled into the jawbone where the implant will be placed.

The implant, a screw-like post, is inserted into the prepared hole, and gum tissue is sutured or closed around the implant. A temporary tooth may be placed during the healing process.

The jawbone then grows around and fuses with the implant in a process called osseointegration. Once this process is complete, a small connector is attached to the implant, serving as the base for the final restoration. 

Finally, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is created and attached to the base.

Recovery

The initial healing process takes 1-2 weeks. Patients may experience pain, swelling, and bleeding in the area during the first few days. During the first few days, patients can apply an ice pack to the cheek near the implant site and rinse with warm salt water to help reduce swelling.  During this recovery phase, patients should avoid strenuous activity and stick to a soft-food diet.

The next phase of recovery is osseointegration, where the jawbone grows and fuses with the implant. This can take 3-6 months or longer.  Patients rarely experience any pain or swelling during this phase, and can gradually reintroduce firmer foods as the site heals.

Once osseointegration is complete, a final crown, bridge, or denture is connected to the base.  No further recovery is required.

Advantages

  • Reduces the risk of gum disease.
  • Improves bite alignment.
  • Implants create a natural look and feel.
  • Improves facial structure and confidence.
  • Restores chewing ability.
  • Improves speech.
  • Implants are secure, stable, and long-lasting.

The Details

Treatment

The patient receives anesthesia to numb the surgical area. An incision is made in the gum to expose the jawbone, and a small hole is drilled into the jawbone where the implant will be placed.

The implant, a screw-like post, is inserted into the prepared hole, and gum tissue is sutured or closed around the implant. A temporary tooth may be placed during the healing process.

The jawbone then grows around and fuses with the implant in a process called osseointegration. Once this process is complete, a small connector is attached to the implant, serving as the base for the final restoration. 

Finally, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is created and attached to the base.

Recovery

The initial healing process takes 1-2 weeks. Patients may experience pain, swelling, and bleeding in the area during the first few days. During the first few days, patients can apply an ice pack to the cheek near the implant site and rinse with warm salt water to help reduce swelling.  During this recovery phase, patients should avoid strenuous activity and stick to a soft-food diet.

The next phase of recovery is osseointegration, where the jawbone grows and fuses with the implant. This can take 3-6 months or longer.  Patients rarely experience any pain or swelling during this phase, and can gradually reintroduce firmer foods as the site heals.

Once osseointegration is complete, a final crown, bridge, or denture is connected to the base.  No further recovery is required.

Advantages

  • Reduces the risk of gum disease.
  • Improves bite alignment.
  • Implants create a natural look and feel.
  • Improves facial structure and confidence.
  • Restores chewing ability.
  • Improves speech.
  • Implants are secure, stable, and long-lasting.

Before and After Dental Implants

Man showing before and after Dental Implants in South Tampa.
Young woman smiling and showing before and after dental implants.

Dental Implants in South Tampa

The Takeaway

Dental implants are an effective way to restore missing teeth, thereby restoring chewing and speech abilities.

They create a look and feel that resembles natural teeth.

Both the success rate and patient satisfaction are very high.

Dr. Hilary Dalton is a board-certified dental implant surgeon who has been installing dental implants in patients for over 20 years.

They can be part of a tooth restoration or a complete smile makeover that transforms your smile and boosts your confidence.

Dr. Dalton Says

“Implants are a great option to replace missing teeth, especially when a bridge is not possible and a removable partial is not wanted.  I partner with the top oral surgeons in Tampa to ensure the best results and easiest recovery.”

The Takeaway

Dental implants are an effective way to restore missing teeth, thereby restoring chewing and speech abilities.

They create a look and feel that resembles natural teeth.

Both the success rate and patient satisfaction are very high.

Dr. Hilary Dalton is a board-certified dental implant surgeon who has been installing dental implants in patients for over 20 years.

They can be part of a tooth restoration or a complete smile makeover that transforms your smile and boosts your confidence.

Dr. Dalton Says

“Implants are a great option to replace missing teeth, especially when a bridge is not possible and a removable partial is not wanted.  I partner with the top oral surgeons in Tampa to ensure the best results and easiest recovery.”

Dental Implants Learning Center

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