A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed in your jaw bone by your Fort Lauderdale dentist, or oral surgeon, to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, support a dental implant bridge or support a denture to replace all of the teeth in either the upper or lower arch. Full lower or full upper dental implants are sometimes referred to as All On Fours.
While most people refer to the entire tooth replacement as an implant, the dental implant is actually comprised of three parts: the implant, the abutment and the crown. The implant itself is a titanium post that replaces the root of your missing tooth. After your dentist or oral surgeon places your dental implant, it integrates with your jawbone during a several month healing process in order to provide a strong and stable foundation for your dental crown, bridge, or denture. The abutment connects the implant to the prosthetic whether a single crown as pictured below or a bridge or denture.
Ideal candidates for a dental implants :
You may not be a candidtae for implants if:
To find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, schedule an appointment with one of the best dentists in Fort Lauderdale: Call Excellence in Dentistry at 954-928-1666. Your dentist will conduct a thorough oral evaluation including dental xrays to assess your oral health and discuss whether dental implants are the best treatment option to restore your occlusion and your smile.
Getting the best dental implants in Fort Lauderdale, Florida involves multiple steps, each significant in ensuring a successful outcome. Your first step in an oral evaluation. Dr. Nancy Rotroff or Dr. Gerard Wasselle will thoroughly examine your oral health and discuss your treatment goals and expectations. Any existing dental issues, such as decayed teeth or gum disease, need to be treated prior implant placement. In order to maximize the chances of implant success, your oral health needs to be free of disease or infection.
Once your oral health is stable and your treatment plan is formulated, you are ready for the second step: your dentist or oral surgeon can place the dental implant. The titanium implant post is inserted into the jaw bone under local anesthetic. Once the implant is placed, the surgical site is typically closed with sutures. Sometimes, a healing cap or cover screw is placed over the implants to protect them during the initial healing period.
Once the implants have fused to the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration, you are ready for the third step: the restorative phase. This involves the placement of abutments, the connecting pieces that join the prosthesis (crown, bridge or denture) to the implants. The abutments protrude slightly above the gumline and provide a stable foundation for your final dental restoration. You are now ready for your custom-made dental crown, bridge or denture. Dr. Rotroff or Dr. Wasselle will ensure a proper fit and bite alignment, making any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and functionality.
Following the completion of your dental implant, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene practices : twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular visits to your dentist on Commercial Blvd. for dental checkups and professional dental cleanings. At your dental checkup your dentist will continue to monitor the healing progress to ensure your implant integrates successfully with the jawbone. These appointments also allow your dentist to assess your oral health and address any concerns or complications.
Dental implants are the most natural feeling and functioning tooth replacement option providing an effective and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Understanding the dental implant procedure stages is helpful prior to considering this treatment option. Call 954-928-1666 to schedule a consultation with Excellence in Dentistry in Fort Lauderdale for more information about the dental implant procedure.
