Dental implants are the best way to replace your missing teeth. They help restore your ability to chew and speak properly and prevent issues with your bite and gums. These implants are titanium screws that Dr. Rebecca Benedict places in your jawbone. Dr. Benedict is a dental implant specialist, and offers implant surgery at her dental office in Tampa, FL.
Dr. Benedict can also perform bone grafting for patients that don’t yet qualify for implants. This procedure ensures there’s enough bone in your jaw to support the implant. She works closely with every patient to ensure they are a good candidate for implants before suggesting them. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, dental implants could be a great permanent option.
Dental Implants in Tampa, FL
A dental implant is basically a metal screw that acts as a fake tooth root. It hooks up to another piece called an abutment, which then connects to a dental crown, bridge, or denture. This whole system replaces the missing part of your tooth with a solid, realistic-looking tooth. Dr. Benedict checks to make sure patients are all set for the procedure by ensuring their mouths are healthy and they have enough bone to hold the implants in place.
Getting dental implants involves several steps that need careful planning and precision. First, Dr. Benedict will take X-rays to figure out the best spot for the implants and create a treatment plan.
Placement
Once the treatment plan is set, we will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic before making a small cut in the gum to expose the jaw bone. Then Dr. Benedict drills a hole into the bone for the implant and carefully put it in place. Then she stitches the gum back up.
It takes a few months for each titanium post to bond with the jawbone after placing the dental implants. Dr. Benedict will place healing caps to protect the implants during this time.
Try not to smoke, use straws, or spit while you’re healing. These things can make recovery take longer. Keep brushing and flossing, just be gentle around where you had surgery.
Impression
Dr. Benedict will make a mold of your teeth to create your custom implant-supported restoration. She can make dental crowns right in her office using CEREC and CAD/CAM software. She creates a 3D image of the crown and then makes it from that digital model.
For dental bridges or partial and complete dentures, Dr. Benedict teams up with local labs. She sends them a mold of your mouth, and the lab techs make the custom restoration based on her instructions.
Abutments
In about three to six months, Dr. Benedict will take a look at your implants to make sure they’ve healed properly. If you need more time to heal, we can schedule another check-up. Once you’re all healed up, Dr. Benedict will put in the abutments. These are what connect the implant post to your new tooth.
Final Restoration
Once your gums are all healed up, Dr. Benedict will place your custom crown, bridge, or denture. She’ll make sure it looks and feels totally natural, and will tweak things until it fits just right. You will leave our office looking and feeling great.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
You might be a good candidate for dental implants without even knowing it. Implants are a great option for adults with one or more missing teeth.
Before any implant treatment, Dr. Benedict will check if you have enough jawbone to support the implant. If not, she might suggest bone grafting to add healthy bone tissue where needed.
She will also make sure your mouth is in good health by addressing any gum disease or tooth decay first. Even if you already have a bridge or denture, implants can replace them. Especially if you’re tired of your current restoration slipping around in your mouth.
If you think dental implants could be right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Benedict to discuss your options.
Dental Implant FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about dental implants and implant-supported restorations.
Can I Smoke After Getting Dental Implants?
You can smoke two months after getting your implant, but we highly recommend not doing it. Smoking or using tobacco is risky even after your mouth heals. It can raise your chances of getting gum and tooth infections around the implants.
If you keep smoking, you could end up with peri-implantitis, an infection that inflames the tissue around your implants. This can also cause the implant to loosen.
How Painful Is Dental Implant Surgery?
You won’t feel pain during dental implant surgery because we’ll numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. You might feel some pressure, but not pain.
We also provide sedation if needed. After the surgery, you’ll need pain medication as you heal. Eating soft foods can also make you feel better while you’re healing.
When Can I Get Dental Implants After a Tooth Extraction?
You’ll need to wait about 10 weeks to three months after a tooth extraction before getting dental implants. This allows time for your soft tissues to heal properly before the implant surgery. However, don’t wait too long because the jawbone can begin to shrink without the support of a tooth.
How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Take?
The entire process can take several months because the implant needs time to fuse with your jawbone. However, the timeline varies depending on your specific situation. It might take longer if you need a bone graft or extractions. We’ll give you a detailed plan during your consultation so you know what to expect.
Can I Get Implants if I Have Diabetes?
Yes, you can still get dental implants if you have diabetes, but you should have your condition well-managed. Uncontrolled diabetes can slow healing and increase the risk of complications. Dr. Benedict will work with you to ensure your blood sugar levels are stable before proceeding with the implant process.
What Happens if My Implant Fails?
While dental implants have a high success rate, there’s always a small chance of failure. This can happen if the implant doesn’t fuse properly with the bone or if an infection develops. If this happens, we’ll remove the implant, address any issues, and create a new plan to replace your tooth. Your comfort and success are our top priorities.
Can I Get Implants if I Have Dentures?
Yes! If you already have dentures, you can switch to implant-supported dentures for a more secure fit. Implants can anchor your dentures in place, so they won’t slip or move when you eat or talk. Dr. Benedict will evaluate your current dentures and suggest the best way to make implants work for you.
Can I Get Implants if I Have Allergies to Metal?
Dental implants consist of biocompatible titanium, which rarely causes allergic reactions. However, let Dr. Benedict know during your visit if you have a known metal allergy. She can discuss alternative materials or solutions to ensure your safety and comfort.
Why Choose Dr. Benedict for Your Implants?
Dr. Benedict is highly skilled in using implants to secure dentures and other restorations. She earned her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale and then continued her education in implant dentistry.
She’s an active member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) to keep up with the latest in implant technology. Dr. Benedict’s approach to individual care focuses on providing personalized treatment for each patient.
Our dental implants offer many advantages for replacing missing teeth, including:
- Replacing the Tooth Root: Implants replace both the root and the visible part of the tooth.
- Strong and Stable: Because they bond with your jawbone, implants provide a strong anchor for dental restorations like crowns or dentures. They won’t move around when you talk or chew.
- Improving Your Smile: Implants fill in gaps left by missing teeth. You will get a complete, beautiful smile that has no gaps and is easy to show off.
- Restoring Facial Shape: Implants help maintain the natural shape of your face by providing support to the surrounding structures.
- Long-Lasting Solution: Implants are very durable and can last for many years. While you may need to replace the attached crown, bridge, or denture, the implant itself stays in place with proper care.
Are you missing teeth and want a fuller smile? Get dental implants from Historic Hyde Park Dentistry. Call Dr. Benedict and her team in Tampa, FL, at 813-733-6981 today.
You can also schedule an appointment online. If you have any questions about dental implants, Dr. Benedict will be happy to help.