What to Expect During Dental Implant Surgery in Orlando
Dental implants have become one of the most trusted tooth replacement options thanks to their durability, natural appearance, and long term stability. Our practice is committed to helping patients understand each phase of the dental implant procedure so they can feel confident and prepared throughout their treatment.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made from titanium and surgically placed into the jawbone. This implant acts as a stable anchor for an implant crown. The goals of dental implants include:
- Restoration: Replacing the look and function of a missing tooth
- Preservation: Supporting jawbone health and reducing bone loss after tooth removal
- Protection: Preventing nearby teeth from shifting out of alignment
Understanding the Components of a Dental Implant
Knowing how a dental implant is built can help you better understand the surgical process and the benefits of each part.
- Crown | The visible portion of the restoration, crafted from ceramic materials to match the shape and color of natural teeth.
- Abutment | The connector piece placed on top of the implant. It supports and secures the crown in position. Materials may include titanium, zirconia, or porcelain, depending on clinical and aesthetic needs.
- Screw (Implant) | A titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone. Through osseointegration, the surrounding bone fuses to the implant, creating long term stability.
Pain Management and Comfort During Treatment
Patients often wonder what level of discomfort to expect during dental implant surgery. Thanks to advancements in technology and anesthesia, treatment is typically well tolerated.
- Pain Levels | Implant surgery often feels similar to a routine tooth extraction. Any discomfort is usually mild and temporary.
- Anesthesia Options | Local anesthesia is commonly used. Sedation or general anesthesia may be recommended for complex cases or patients with dental anxiety.
- Post-Procedure Care | Swelling or mild bruising may occur. Our practice provides aftercare instructions and medication guidance to support your recovery.
Understanding the basics of dental implants helps patients make informed decisions about their oral health. We prioritize patient education to ensure comfort and clarity at every step.
The Implant Specialists Involved in Your Care
Dental implant surgery requires a high level of training and precision. Several specialists may play a role in supporting the best possible results.
Oral Surgeons
Experienced in surgery involving the mouth and jaw, responsible for:
- Assessing implant feasibility
- Placing titanium implants with precision
- Monitoring post-surgical healing and bone integration
Periodontists
Experts in gum health and bone support structures, contributing through:
- Assessing gum condition and treating periodontal concerns
- Evaluating bone density before placement
- Supporting long-term gum and bone stability around implant
Endodontists
While their focus is on root canal treatment, they assist when needed by:
- Addressing nerve-related discomfort
- Helping preserve natural tooth structure if appropriate
Choosing Your Implant Dentist
The decision to undergo dental implant therapy is a large one by itself, but the next step is finding the right provider (dentist/ surgeon) for you. Many times finding the best dentist for you can be overwhelming with so many options available today. Here are some things for you to consider in your search.
Comfort level
You want to feel warm and welcome from the time you step foot into the office. This is a big decision that will affect the rest of your life and you are relying on the staff and the doctor to guide you through the experience. The staff and doctor should spend adequate time going over your treatment options and explaining the procedures and timelines as well as all the financial details.
Experience Level of the Doctor
While many dentists now offer implant services, experience can really make a huge difference in your surgical and restorative outcome.
Technology
Over the past five years, implant dentistry has had a real technology explosion. Scanners have replaced molds of your mouth and digital smile design can show you and the doctor a rendition of your new smile super imposed right over your digital picture. Recent technology has also greatly enhanced accuracy of fit of the teeth and also makes the entire process go much faster which leads to less visits and many times less wait times to get your new teeth. Keep in mind that not every dental office out there is equipped with this recent tech.
Reviews
Online reviews are a quick way to see how other patient's experiences have been with the doctor and office as a whole.
Sedation Options
Not every dental office is trained and certified to offer appropriate sedation, especially for fixed arch cases which tend to be more involved than a single tooth implant case. We offer both IV (twilight) sedation as well as Deep sedation (general anesthesia) for these types of cases.
At our dental practice, we pride ourselves on housing a team of dedicated professionals who prioritize patient care above all. Our dentist, in collaboration with our specialists, crafts a personalized treatment plan for each patient. From the initial consultation to post-surgical care, we ensure that our patients are in skilled and caring hands, guiding them towards a brighter, healthier smile.
Eligibility and Diagnosis
- Eligibility varies based on general health, jaw structure, bone density, and other factors. It is crucial to consult with our dentist for a precise diagnosis.
- Diagnosis Process:
- Comprehensive examination of the mouth.
- Utilization of X-rays, CT scans, and other diagnostic tools.
- Personalized treatment planning based on findings.
Procedure Overview
- Initial Steps: The gum tissue is opened to expose the jawbone. A hole is drilled for the implant's placement.
- Implant Placement: The screw is placed into the jawbone, and the gum tissue is stitched back. Over several months, the implant bonds with the bone and gums.
- Final Steps: An abutment is attached, followed by the replacement tooth. In cases with multiple missing teeth, a bridge might be used between implants.
Post-Procedure Care
After undergoing dental implant surgery, it is imperative to ensure that the implant integrates well and remains in optimal condition. Proper care and maintenance are crucial for the longevity and success of the implant. Here is a comprehensive guide to post-procedure care:
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Daily Oral Hygiene
- Flossing: Use implant safe floss or interdental brushes to clean around the implant and prevent plaque buildup.
- Brushing: Brush at least twice daily with a soft bristled toothbrush to protect the gum tissue and implant crown.
- Mouthwash: An antimicrobial rinse can help reduce bacteria and support gum health around the implant.
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Regular Dental Check-upsList Item 1
- Monitoring: Scheduled visits allow our dentist to evaluate the implant site and ensure proper healing and function.
- Professional Cleaning: Routine cleanings help remove tartar and maintain the health of the gums and bone supporting the implant.
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Lifestyle Considerations
- Smoking: Smoking slows healing and may interfere with osseointegration. Avoiding tobacco use is strongly recommended before and after implant placement.
- Diet: Choose softer foods during the initial healing phase to avoid unnecessary pressure on the implant. Gradually transition back to your normal diet as instructed.
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Potential Complications
- Persistent Pain: Mild discomfort is normal, but prolonged or increasing pain should be evaluated by our practice.
- Swelling or Infection: If swelling does not improve or worsens, it may indicate infection and requires prompt attention.
- Implant Movement: A loose implant may signal inadequate fusion with the bone and should be assessed immediately.
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Results and Longevity
- Long Term Success: Most dental implants last many years with proper home care and routine dental visits.
- Occasional Revisions: In rare cases where the bone does not bond fully, the implant can be removed and replaced after additional healing.
Factors That Influence Implant Pricing
Dental implant pricing can vary significantly from patient to patient because no two treatment plans are exactly the same. The number of teeth being replaced, the type of solution chosen, the condition of the jawbone, and what is included in the treatment package all play an important role in determining overall cost. Understanding these factors will help you better compare treatment options and ensure you know exactly what is included in your implant care.
How many teeth are you replacing?
A single tooth implant has three components: the implant (root replacement), the crown, and the connector of the two (abutment). Make sure you are getting the pricing for all three components . (our STI package includes all three at an extremely competitive price) For multiple missing teeth, more than one implant will be needed, however not every tooth always needs an implant. For example an implant bridge can replace up to four teeth with just two implants.
Full Arch Pricing Can Be Confusing Many Times
The All on 4 (or All on X) concept can replace an entire arch of teeth with as few as four implants. You also need to know what is included when you get a quote for full arch as there is a lot more that goes into this type of treatment. Here is a list of procedures that we include in out AOX package:
- Extractions
- Bone Smoothing
- IV Sedation
- Bone Grafting
- Four Implants
- Same Day 3D Printed Fixed Temporary
- Final Zirconia Fixed Arch Bridge
For patients that do not need all of these procedures, we have a lower price point in our AOX promo that includes the following:
- Four Implants
- Same Day 3d Printed Fixed Arch Temporary
Final Zirconia Fixed Arch Bridge.
Explore
our implant packages and promotional pricing above to find the option that best fits your needs.
Understanding Price Differences
Be careful when comparing large price differences between offices since a much lower price many times does not include everything you need.
One Arch or Two Arches
If you are looking for a fixed arch solution, are you planning to have one arch done or both arches
Quality and Quantity of Your Bone Can Affect Pricing
During your initial consultation, the doctor will review your 3D xray (ct scan) and determine how dense or soft the bone is where the implants need to go and also how much bone is available. Patients with gum disease or patients that have lost teeth can loose bone over time. There are procedures that can be done to regrow bone and there are nearby sites that can also help to anchor your implants (like the cheek bone). These are called zygomatic implants and can help people get implants now that were told previously that they don't have enough bone for traditional implants. However, bone grafts and zygomatic implants can add cost to your implant treatment plan.
Final restoration choice
Some lower priced advertisements for fixed arch case do not include the final restoration. Both our fixed arch package and our fixed arch promo, as well as our single tooth implant package all include the final zirconia restoration. Zirconia is the most wear resistant and the most esthetic option these days.
