Dental Implants in Brickell for a Permanent, Natural-Looking Smile
At HQ Dontics, we specialize in offering dental implants, the most advanced and permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth, restoring both your smile and your confidence. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, our expertly crafted dental implants provide a long-lasting solution that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Our experienced team uses the latest dental technology and techniques to ensure your dental implants are placed with precision, delivering results that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. With dental implants, you can enjoy the confidence of a beautiful, secure smile for years to come.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant is securely integrated with the bone, a custom-made crown is attached to restore the appearance and function of the tooth. Implants are a durable, long-term solution that offers stability and strength, similar to natural teeth.
If you are self-conscious because you have missing teeth, wear dentures that are uncomfortable, or don’t want to have good tooth structure removed to make a bridge, dental implants could be an option for you.
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to blend in with your other teeth. They are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. In fact, the development and use of implants are one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years.
How Do Implants Work?
Dental implants are pieces that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a strong anchor for replacement teeth.
The implants are made of titanium and other materials compatible with the human body; they may have parallel or tapered sides, and may or may not have threads.
Most patients find that a dental implant is secure, stable, and a good replacement for their own tooth.
What if there is not enough bone for the dental implant?
Bone grafting is required when there's insufficient bone volume to place the dental implant. We want the implant to be completely surrounded by bone. If a tooth was lost long ago, the bone may have reduced in size and volume. In such cases, we can restore the missing bone with a bone graft, which can vary in size and complexity. Recovery usually takes no more than one or two days, depending on the extent of the implants and the grafting.
What are the steps in placing a dental implant?
The steps in placing a dental implant are simple. First, we check if there's enough bone available. The implant will be placed into the bone, so we need sufficient volume and density. A CT scan or a three-dimensional radiograph helps us determine this. Next, we plan your dental implant using digital methods, proposing its position and creating a surgical guide to place it accurately. Once the implant is in place, we either close it completely or leave a small screw visible until it integrates, which takes about two to three months. After integration, we take an impression of the dental implant to create the crown, which is the restorative portion. This is sent to a lab, and we can either cement or screw down the crown onto the implant.
Phases of an Implant Treatment
- We place the implant into the jawbone. We may recommend a diet of soft foods, cold foods, and warm soup during the healing process.
- The bone around the implant heals in a process called osseointegration.
- Placement of the artificial tooth/teeth. For a single tooth implant, we will customize a new tooth for you, called a dental crown.
In the meantime, a temporary crown, bridge, or denture may help you eat and speak normally until the permanent replacement is ready.
Osseointegration
What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. Osseointegration means “combines with the bone” and takes time.
Some patients might need to wait until the implant is completely integrated before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant. Other patients can have the implants and replacement teeth placed all in one visit.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last a long time. Previously, we estimated up to 20 years, but with newer technologies, we don't know the exact lifespan. As long as they stay integrated and you maintain good oral hygiene, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Can dental implants get cavities?
Dental implants cannot get cavities, which is a significant advantage. However, they can get infected by bacteria around them, leading to peri-implantitis. This inflammation can cause bone loss and potentially result in implant loss, similar to losing a tooth. Therefore, keeping the area clean is crucial.
Do insurances cover dental implants?
Some insurances cover dental implants, but very few. Dental implants are considered a luxury, yet they are the best option for replacing missing teeth. I would not recommend relying on dental insurances for this procedure. It's for your well-being. At HQontics, we offer various financial options to help patients get the treatment they need, regardless of financial requirements. We provide all the information needed for you to make the best choice.
Are Dental Implants Right For You?
If you are interested in dental implants, it’s a good idea to discuss them carefully with us first. If you are in good general health this treatment may be an option for you. In fact, your health is more of a factor than your age.
Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing after surgery. Patients with these issues may not be good candidates for implants. Using tobacco can also slow healing.
Want to learn more? Call HQ Dontics at (229) 508-0551 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.