Dental Implants

If missing teeth have diminished your oral health and quality of life, then smile restoration with dental implants might be the right treatment option for you.  

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a dental prosthetic used to replace missing teeth and restore patients' smiles. While dental implants can vary somewhat based on the type of treatment being used, a basic implant consists of three parts:

• Implant Anchor - The anchor is a screw-like prosthetic that is implanted directly into the jawbone to mimic a natural tooth's roots.

• Implant Abutment - The abutment attaches to the anchor and supports a restoration.

• Implant-Supported Restoration - The restoration is the only visible portion of a dental implant. Restorations are made of tooth-colored porcelain and replace the missing tooth or teeth.  

Types of Dental Implants

There are a variety of different types of dental implants. They can vary based on size, mechanics, and materials. For example, the most common dental implants are made of biocompatible titanium and implanted directly into the jawbone (endosteal dental implants). There are, however, other types of implants such as:

• Ceramic Dental Implants - Made of zirconium dioxide which is a tooth-colored crystalline ceramic material

• Subperiosteal Dental Implants - Placed beneath the gum tissues but not directly in the jawbone

• Mini Dental Implants - Smaller implants designed for individuals with limited jawbone mass

How Are Dental Implants Used? Versatile Treatment Options for Unique Patient Needs

Dental implants can be used in a number of ways to efficiently and effectively restore almost any patient's smile. Determining which implant-supported dental restoration option is right for you will depend on your needs and oral health in addition to your treatment preferences and goals.  

Implant-Supported Dental Crown: One-for-One Tooth Replacement

Single-tooth implants are designed to replace one missing tooth with one dental implant supporting an individual dental crown. This strategy is most efficiently used when a patient is missing a small number of teeth in different locations around the mouth.  

Implant-Supported Dental Bridge: Replacing Multiple, Consecutive Teeth

When a patient is missing multiple teeth in a row, one or two dental implants can be used to support a dental bridge designed to replace multiple missing teeth with a single dental restoration.  

Implant-Supported Dentures: Replacing All or Most Teeth

Dental implants can be used to replace all or most of a patient's teeth. Treatment with full-mouth dental implants (i.e. replacing every tooth with an individual dental implant) is not common but can sometimes be the best option for a patient.

More often, however, the most efficient and affordable dental implants treatment option for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth is an implant-supported denture. These types of dentures securely attach to a number (usually four, six, or eight) of strategically placed dental implants.  

Implant-supported dentures can be full or partial (i.e. made to replace all of a person's teeth or most of a person's teeth). Implant-supported dentures also come with the option of being permanently attached to the implants (all-on-4 dental implants) or more easily removable (snap-on or overdentures).  

Weighing Your Treatment Options: The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer several benefits and advantages over alternative smile restoration treatments, including:

• Natural Looking and Feeling - Dental implants are custom-designed for a beautifully natural look. Implanted directly in the jawbone, they offer a highly natural feel and function.  

• Sturdy - Patients with dental implants can enjoy all of their favorite foods - without using sticky dental adhesive.  

• Promote Oral Health - Dental implants directly stimulate the jawbone, triggering the generation of bone matter. This prevents the jawbone from degenerating which can harm the health of neighboring teeth and change a person's physical appearance.  

• Comfortable - Implant-supported restorations never move around in the mouth. As a result, they are completely comfortable and cause any mouth sores.  

The primary drawback of treatment with dental implants is that the treatment process can be quite lengthy. Sometimes requiring multiple appointments and up to 18 or 24 months for completion, depending on the patient's unique needs.  

The Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect When Restoring Your Smile with Dental Implants

The implant procedure differs for every patient. It begins with a consultation where we provide recommended treatment options and discuss the process and expectations with the patient.  

We then perform any necessary preparatory procedures such as tooth extractions or bone grafting. These are followed by a period of healing.  

Once prepared, we place the dental implants during a simple oral surgery. Placement is followed by another period of healing during which the implants osseointegrate with the jawbone, creating a sturdy foundation. Once healed, patients return to the office to have their abutments placed. This procedure is then followed by another healing period. After this, we can finally place a patient's custom dental restoration.  

Investing in Your Quality of Life: How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. The cost of smile restoration with dental implants can vary significantly, ranging from around $1,500 to replace a single tooth up to tens of thousands to fully reconstruct a smile. Additionally, the total treatment cost can vary based on the location of the tooth, number of teeth, type of restoration, type of dental implants, preparatory work needed, and patient's insurance coverage.  

Our office staff will be happy to provide you with a cost estimate of your recommended treatment plan and help you navigate your insurance policy to understand the kind of coverage you can expect before determining which treatment plan best fits your budget.  

Why Choose Dental Implants by Deliz Dental Studio?

At Deliz Dental Studio, we provide patients with a superior dental care experience. We offer highly personalized treatment recommendations based on your unique needs and preferences, and we use the most advanced technology, techniques, and tools to deliver exceptional treatment outcomes. We're proud to provide our patients with comprehensive smile restoration using dental implants, and we're equipped and experienced in handling this type of complex treatment process from consultation to restoration placement.  

Make a Date with Your New Smile: Learn More About Dental Implants in Valrico

If you're missing one or more teeth, we strongly encourage you to contact our office in Valrico to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Deliz. We can talk with you about your treatment goals and provide you with a variety of treatment options designed to meet your needs and restore your quality of life.  

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