Implant Dentistry

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What Are My Options After Losing Teeth?

Tooth loss can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Dental implants can restore that confidence by enhancing your functionality and overall oral health. Choose the longest-lasting, most secure tooth replacement option and start smiling again. If you are interested in dental implants, call today to schedule an appointment at SmileCraft Dental Studio.

What to Expect?

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CONSULTATION

At your consultation, your dentist will determine if dental implants are right for you. Your doctor will examine your mouth, take x-rays, and determine if your jaw is strong and healthy enough to support one or more dental implants. You and your dentist can also explore other restorative dentistry options at this time.

ORAL SURGERY

After you’ve been approved for treatment, your dentist will create a surgical plan for your dental implant, and schedule your oral surgery appointment. At this appointment, your dentist will create a small opening in your gum tissue, place a dental implant secure in the jaw, then clean the area and suture it shut to encourage proper healing.

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HEALING & OSSEOINTEGRATION

Once your implant has been placed, healing will begin. It takes 1-2 weeks to heal completely from surgery, but it will take between 3-6 months for your dental implant to bond permanently with your jaw bone in a process called “osseointegration”.

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CREATING THE PROSTHETIC

You’ll come back to our office for a few follow-up appointments as your mouth heals from surgery. During those appointments, your dentist will ensure you’re healing properly, and take impressions of your implant and teeth. These impressions are sent to a lab, where your prosthetic, a dental crown or arch of teeth, will be made.

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PLACING THE RESTORATION

Once your prosthetic is finished and your mouth has completely healed, you’ll come back for a final appointment at our office. At this appointment, your dentist will permanently bond your restoration to your dental implant, completing the procedure.

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MAINTENANCE & AFTERCARE

Dental implants do not require a lot of special care. To keep your mouth healthy, simply make sure you brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam.

Dental Implant Options

SINGLE TOOTH IMPLANTS

Single-tooth implants are the most frequently-used type of dental implant, and they have two main parts. The dental implant, or post, is a screw-shaped rod of titanium. The restoration for a single implant is usually a dental crown.

For the placement of a single dental implant, the post is permanently placed into your gum and jaw and allowed to heal. During healing, a dental crown is manufactured and will eventually be attached to the post with an “abutment.” This dental crown restores the shape, appearance, and function of your natural tooth. Single-tooth implants are extremely durable and long lasting, and they never move or shift, unlike a partial denture.

FULL-ARCH IMPLANTS

Full-arch implants are a good option if you are missing all or most of your natural teeth, and are interested in a more secure, long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures. They use a series of 4-6 dental implants per arch, which are strategically placed across the arch of your mouth.

These dental implants, or posts, function as artificial roots and allow for the attachment of a set of removable implant-supported overdentures or permanent fixed dental bridges to restore your smile. Compared to dentures, full-arch implants look and feel much more natural, and will never shift or move when you eat or speak.

MINI IMPLANTS

Mini implants are similar to standard dental implants, but as the name suggests, they’re only about half of the size of a traditional implant. Because of this, the placement process is not as invasive as traditional implants, and mini implants can typically still be placed in your jaw even if it has been weakened by bone resorption after tooth loss.

While they can be used to restore one tooth or several missing teeth, mini implants are most commonly used to support a set of dentures in the lower jaw.

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Contact Us

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(813) 235-4143

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info@craftyoursmile.com

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1942 Highland Oaks Blvd Suite B, Lutz, FL 33559

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