Dental Implants – Right Sidebar Page

These are teeth that look and feel just like your own. When a tooth is lost, it is best to replace it with a dental implant as promptly as possible. After tooth loss, the load on each remaining tooth is increased because there are fewer of them. To restore proper chewing ability, the support lost from the missing tooth needs to be increased.

To compare chewing efficiency, let’s assume a patient with all of his or her natural teeth can chew at 100 percent efficiency. With every tooth that is lost, the amount of chewing efficiency decrease depends on whether or not the teeth are replaced and how. Ultimately, if all teeth are lost, the patient will have perhaps a 15 to 18 percent chewing efficiency (even with good-fitting dentures on adequate bony ridges). Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours are preserved. The implants themselves are small biocompatible titanium posts that are placed into the area where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration and facial collapse which occurs when teeth are missing. When teeth are lost, the jawbone degenerates. Nature takes away what you do not use. Where implants have been properly placed and maintained, the bone tends to be preserved since it is still being used. Dental implants are changing the way people live. With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life. Dental implants are the most effective way to replace one or more missing teeth. Since they serve as a replacement tooth and root, dental implants offer you a stable restoration which looks and functions just like your natural tooth. With the proper maintenance, your dental implant should last for the rest of your life.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a permanent replacement for your tooth and tooth root. It is comprised of three parts. The implant itself is a titanium tooth-root shaped rod that replaces your missing tooth root. It is made of biocompatible materials and fuses with your jawbone so it will be stable and permanent. A post, called an abutment, is attached to the implant. The artificial tooth is then connected to the abutment. Your prosthetic tooth is a beautiful porcelain crown, custom crafted to look just like your original tooth.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

A missing tooth can cause serious dental problems, resulting in:

• Teeth shifting out of place
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Painful chewing
• Loss of chewing efficiency
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
• Malnutrition
• Gum shrinkage
• Jaw bone loss
• A sunken look to the mouth (premature aging)

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are preferred over other forms of tooth replacement for several reasons:

• Dental implants are permanent
• They are convenient – you never take them out and you care for them just like the rest of your teeth
• Dental implants are stable and comfortable
• Since they are anchored into the jawbone itself, they do not put stress on your other teeth
• Because the implant replaces your missing tooth root, it can prevent bone loss and premature aging

Dental Implant Process

Miami cosmetic dentists Dr. Raul Garcia and Dr. Conchi Sanchez-Garcia will design and place your artificial tooth. The implant itself will be placed by experienced Miami implant dentist Dr. William Lamas. After the dental implant is placed, it will take approximately 6-12 weeks for the healing process. During this process, it is possible to fit the patient with a provisional restoration if necessary.  This process is called osseointegration. Once osseointegration is complete, a post is attached to the implant. Dr. Garcia and Dr. Sanchez-Garcia will make impressions of your teeth and create a model of your bite. This model will be sent to the lab where they will design your prosthetic tooth. Once completed, our Miami implant dentists will attach the crown to the abutment. Mini Dental Implants may be the answer to your denture problems. Visit your dentist in the morning, have Mini Dental Implants placed in about an hour, and leave the dental office with stable, secure dentures attached to your Mini Dental Implants. Imagine eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence. Your denture feels secure and is being held firmly in place thanks to Mini Dental Implants. All this is completed in about an hour with no cutting of the gums and no stitches to have removed. This unique procedure can be completed in one visit with virtually no discomfort.

Teeth in a Day – All on 4

Dr. Garcia, along with our colleague Dr. William Lamas, can help patients with extensive dental problems obtain new teeth in just one day. Advances in dental implant technology provide a less invasive procedure that does not involve bone grafts. As a result, Dr. Garcia can replace failing or missing teeth with customized prosthetic teeth instantly. Bone grafts require several months to heal before you can have your dental implant placed. During this process, you will either have to wear poorly fitting temporary dentures or go toothless until it is possible to complete the procedure. By choosing Teeth in a Day, you can avoid these hassles and leave the office with a beautiful new smile right away. At your initial appointment, ask Dr. Garcia if Teeth in a Day is a good option for you.

Candidates for Dental Implants

Generally, most people with missing teeth are candidates for dental implants. However, it is important that you have:

• Enough jawbone material to support the implant (sometimes a bone graft can be performed if you lack sufficient bone structure)
• Healthy gums
• Good oral health

Factors which increase your risk of complications include :

• Certain health conditions which affect your body’s wound healing abilities, such as diabetes
• The use of certain medications including bisphosphonates and steroids
• Smoking

At your initial appointment, Dr. Garcia and Dr. Sanchez-Garcia will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. If not, they may recommend a dental bridge instead. Please contact our Miami implant dentists today to schedule your initial appointment. Miami Designer Smiles serves patients in Miami and Coral Gables, Florida.