Dental implants are a natural-looking and permanent tooth replacement option that can restore your smile and provide an improved quality of life. Surgically placed by your Sarasota dentist, dental implants act like natural teeth roots, and support replacement teeth (crowns, bridges or dentures) to replace missing or damaged teeth.
The number one dentist in Sarasota FL is Dr. Damon T. Jenkins DMD, MPH and his team of highly trained and experienced professionals who specialize in oral surgery and restorative dentistry. They work as a team to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets the needs of each patient, based on their specific implant needs and requirements.
During the planning process, each patient is evaluated by specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics and occasionally ear, nose and throat. They will make models of your teeth and bite to help them determine the best dental implant option for you.
1. During the procedure to place the dental implant, your oral surgeon makes a cut in your gum and exposes the bone in your jaw, where the titanium post is to be inserted. The post is then implanted deep into the bone.
2. The dental implant is held in place by osseointegration, which occurs when the jawbone grows around the implant to hold it in place and create a strong bond. Osseointegration takes time and may not occur in all patients, so your oral surgeon will check on your progress periodically.
3. After the implant is stable and fuses with your bone, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to the implant.
4. The dentist will make a crown, bridge or denture that fits securely to the implant abutment and can be colored to match the surrounding teeth.
5. After the restoration is in place, you can resume normal activities.
Your oral surgeon will discuss with you your recovery options and how long it will take to get back to normal. Most patients can return to their daily routines within a few days.
6. The healing process can last up to several months.
You will need to be diligent about taking care of your dental implant. Failure to do so can result in the failure of the dental implant.
7. During the healing process, your oral surgeon will monitor your progress and will schedule follow-up appointments.
8. If you need bone grafting, your oral surgeon will use synthetic material to help the implant and surrounding jawbone regenerate. This can take several months to complete, depending on the type of graft material used and your personal bone density.
10. The graft is a natural or synthetic material that can be made from either your own bone or a donor bone.
You should not have any chronic health conditions or other medications that could affect the healing process or cause complications. In addition, you should not have had any previous radiation therapy to the jaw or other treatments that may impede the healing process, such as steroid medication.