Dental Implants in Vero Beach, FL

Natural Appearance and Feel

One of the most significant benefits of dental implants is that are designed to mimic the look and feel of your natural teeth. The prosthetic dental crown is customized to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth, resulting in a seamless blend with your smile.

Improved Functionality

Unlike traditional dentures, which may slip or shift, dental implants provide a secure and stable fit. This stability allows you to enjoy your favorite foods without discomfort or fear of slippage, as implants function just like natural teeth.

Bone Preservation

One of the unique advantages of dental implant placement is that it helps preserve your jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate over time. Dental implants stimulate the bone, preventing further loss and maintaining the structure of your face.

Long-Lasting Results

With proper care and routine dental visits, dental implants can last a lifetime. While the prosthetic tooth may need occasional adjustments or replacement, the implant post is designed for long-term durability.

Enhanced Oral Health

Dental implants don’t require the reduction of adjacent teeth, unlike dental bridges. This means that your natural teeth are preserved, and your overall oral health is improved.

Endosteal Dental Implants

The most common type of dental implant is endosteal. With endosteal dental implants, the post gets inserted directly into the bone and is used for those who have enough bone structure to support it.

There are various dental implant treatments available today. However, each dental office offers different options. To learn more about the options offered at our Vero Beach dental practice, contact our dentist today.

Single-Tooth Dental Implants

Single-tooth dental implants completely replace one lost tooth from root to crown. It involves the placement of a titanium implant into the jawbone that serves as the foundation for a custom-made prosthetic single-tooth replacement itself. Most patients receive a dental crown as the visible portion of their implant treatment. Single-tooth replacement with a dental implant provides patients with a permanent solution for missing or damaged teeth.

All-On-Four Implants

All-on-four dental implants are full-arch replacement options. It involves placing four dental implants in the upper or lower jawbone and securing a full arch of prosthetic replacement teeth to them. The All-on-four technique is less invasive and can be completed in one day. All-on-four implants are a good option for those who have lower bone density, as they allow for the restoration of a full arch of teeth while using fewer implant posts.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are excellent options for replacing multiple teeth. A traditional dental bridge or artificial tooth root is anchored to the jaw using dental implants. The bridge is typically made up of two or more artificial teeth that are connected and attached to the implant abutments. The number of posts needed will vary depending on the size of the bridge.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are removable appliances anchored to the mouth and jaw using dental implants. They provide a more secure fit and eliminate messy adhesives that removable dentures typically need. Implant-supported dentures are also a more stable option than traditional dentures and can improve overall oral health by providing stimulation to the jawbone.

Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are a smaller version of traditional implants. They’re a less invasive implant surgery option typically used to replace a single tooth or stabilize a loose denture. They shorten the healing process and have a lower cost. However, they may not be suitable for patients who don’t have adequate bone density.

Immediate-Load “Same Day” Dental Implants

Immediate-load dental implants, also known as same-day implants, are done in one appointment. With immediate-load implants, dentists place the implant and prosthetic tooth in the mouth at the same time, allowing the patient to leave the dental office with a fully functional replacement tooth after just one dental implant procedure.

Zygomatic Dental Implants

Zygomatic dental implants can restore lost teeth for patients who don’t have enough jawbone density to support a traditional endosteal implant. While zygomatic implants are still in use, they’re less common today and aren’t used by our Jupiter dentist.

Subperiosteal Dental Implants

Subperiosteal dental implants sit on top of the jawbone but under the gum tissue. Subperiosteal implants are rarely ever used because of modern technological advancements in the field of implant dentistry.

Does a missing tooth need to be replaced?

Yes, a missing tooth needs to be replaced as soon as possible. By not reversing tooth loss, you may experience:

Shifting of the surrounding teeth: When you experience tooth loss, the surrounding teeth may shift to fill the gap. Shifting teeth can lead to misalignment and bite problems.
Bone loss: The jawbone needs stimulation from the roots of the teeth to maintain its density. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone may shrink, leading to bone loss.
Increased risk of periodontal disease: Missing teeth can create space for bacteria to accumulate, increasing your risk of gum disease.
Difficulty speaking and eating: Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly and chew food properly.

Who is qualified to place a dental implant?

A few different types of dental professionals can place dental implants, including:

An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: Dental professionals who have completed additional training and education in the surgical placement of dental implants. They have the most extensive training and experience in implant placement and are often considered the most qualified to place them.
A Periodontist: Specializes in the treatment of periodontal disease and placing dental implants. They have completed additional training in implant placement and have a good understanding of the underlying bone and tissue structure.
A Prosthodontist: Specializes in the replacement of missing teeth and the restoration of natural teeth. They’re also qualified to place dental implants.
A General Dentist: They’ve completed training in implant placement and are qualified to place them.

How long do dental implants last?

On average, dental implants can last for between 20 years and a lifetime. To increase the long-term success of your dental implant, maintain excellent at-home dental care and schedule regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings.

How do I care for my dental implants?

Caring for dental implants is simple. Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups, to ensure your implants last a lifetime.