Dental Implants Procedure in Vero Beach, FL

Initial Consultation

The first step in receiving dental implants is to schedule an initial consultation with our dentist in Vero Beach. During this appointment, they’ll examine your natural teeth and take digital X-rays to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implant treatment. They’ll also discuss your medical history and any medications you’re taking to make sure that the implant surgery is safe for you.

Supplemental Procedures

For some patients, additional procedures may be recommended before they can move forward with replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Procedures such as bone graft or soft tissue graft are common for those suffering from low jawbone density or who have underlying oral health conditions, such as gum disease.

These supplemental procedures can be performed before or during the implant process, depending on the patient’s needs and the complexity of their case. Dr. Royal will evaluate your specific situation and determine if any additional procedures are necessary to ensure the success of your dental implant procedure.

Ideal candidates for dental implants must meet certain health criteria:

Good Oral Health: You should have healthy gums—no periodontal disease—and sufficient bone to support the implant. In cases where there’s significant bone loss, bone grafting procedures may be necessary.
Non-smoker: Smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of dental implant failure.
General Health: Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease may affect the healing process, making it crucial to consult your doctor.
Commitment to Oral Care: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential for maintaining the longevity of your implants.

Dental Implant Surgery

The implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia, but some patients may choose to have IV sedation for added comfort. Sedation options are discussed at the initial consultation. During the procedure, the dentist will make a small incision in the gums and carefully place the implant post into the jawbone. The post will then be left to heal and integrate with the bone in the coming months.

Recovery Period

During the recovery period, the post will begin the process of osseointegration. Osseointegration is a natural process where the bone around the implant post begins to fuse with the jawbone. This process is essential for the implant to be secure and stable. It takes several months for osseointegration to be completed.

The healing time for osseointegration varies for each patient, but you’ll be able to return to your normal routine after a few days. Make sure to stick to a soft foods diet and follow any instructions provided. You may have some discomfort or swelling for a few days to a week.

Remember, each patient heals differently, so the entire dental implant timeline will fluctuate for each person.

Final Restoration Placement

Once the post has fully integrated with the jawbone, you’ll return to our Vero Beach dental office for the final restoration placement appointment. Your custom restoration, a dental crown, bridge, or supported denture will be ready for placement. The final restoration will be securely attached to the post to look and function just like a natural tooth. You’ll leave the dental office with a brand-new, beautiful smile that you’ll love.

Will I need to have any teeth removed before getting an implant?

No, not necessarily. In some cases, dental implants can be placed directly into the jawbone without the need to remove any existing teeth. However, if there aren’t enough healthy teeth or if the jawbone is too thin or weak, tooth extraction may be necessary before the implant surgery.

How long does the entire dental implant process take?

On average, the dental implant process takes about four to six months. The implant surgery itself takes just a few hours during one appointment, but the post needs time to heal and integrate with the jawbone before your dentist places the final restoration, typically a dental crown or bridge. Osseointegration can take anywhere from three to six months and is a crucial step as this is when your implant post naturally fuses with your jawbone.

Is the dental implant procedure painful?

Most patients report little to no pain during the dental implant procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, or your dentist may offer alternative dental sedation options depending on your needs. After the implant procedure, patients usually manage any discomfort or swelling with over-the-counter medications.

Are dental implants safe?

Yes, dental implants are a safe and highly effective tooth replacement solution. They have a success rate of up to 98% when performed by experienced professionals like those at Vero Dental Spa.