Tooth Implant Dentistry in Ocala
Do you have missing teeth? Do you have teeth that are so damaged or have so much dental work that they need to be extracted? It may be that your missing teeth are causing you embarrassment. You may be reluctant to go places and see things. Is your life being hampered because you’re afraid to smile in public?
Our team at Ocala Smiles wants to help. We can offer a restoration system that can help give you your smile—and maybe even your life—back. That system is dental implants.
While we also offer other cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures, implant dentistry is often the best, longest-lasting treatment for a missing or extracted tooth. Unlike some other replacement tooth options, dental implants work and look nearly identical to your natural teeth. They are a great choice for many patients!
Curious about dental implants and wonder if they’d be a good option for you? Call the Ocala Smiles team today to book a consultation.
What Is Implant Dentistry?
Implant dentistry is the process of inserting dental implants in the gaps in your smile. Dental implants in Ocala can be used for one missing tooth, several teeth, or all of your teeth. With dental implants or implant-supported dentures, you can have a full, healthy smile again.
Dental implants offered at our practice near Ocala and The Villages are a small titanium rod inserted into your gums that fuses with your jawbone. This implant dentistry fusing takes 3–6 months. After the dental implant is healed, we restore that tooth implant by placing a custom-made dental crown on the tooth implant.
Dental Implants: An Overview
Dental implants are a method of replacing teeth. But, these implants don’t just put a new tooth on top of an existing one or create a bridge, instead, this method replaces the entire tooth and root.
Simply put, dental implants are titanium rods that are inserted into the jaw to act as tooth roots. These implants create an extremely firm foundation. Once the implant itself is placed into the gums, a replacement tooth is put on top. The replacement tooth can be permanent or removable and is created to match the other natural teeth in your mouth.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option, but they are a bit more intensive than some other procedures. The process takes multiple visits to complete and includes:
- An initial consultation and comprehensive exam.
- A procedure where a titanium rod, which is the dental implant itself, is placed in the jaw.
- A treatment where the replacement tooth is fixed to the top of the implant.
Between the visits, you’ll have to give your mouth time to heal and adjust to the dental implant. So, the process can take months. However, once it’s completed, you’ll have replacement teeth that last a lifetime.
Are Dental Implants Uncomfortable?
Because dental implants involve a surgical procedure, some patients feel more hesitant about them. But, don’t worry! At Ocala Smiles, we are all about the comfort of our patients. We provide pain management during the treatment and also offer sedation dentistry to patients with dental fears and anxiety.
After the dental implant has healed, you shouldn’t even be able to feel it. It is extremely comfortable and natural in your mouth. It will function the same as your natural teeth, and it should feel just as they do as well.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are another option for implant dentistry. As opposed to only replacing one individual tooth at a time, this process can use a partial or full denture to replace up to a full arch of teeth. Implant dentures can even replace all your teeth if needed!
The implant-supported denture is an alternative to traditional dentures, and it lasts much longer and functions more naturally. Your new dentures are still supported by implants placed in your jaw, but with fewer implants needing to be placed! Instead, each implant is placed strategically throughout the jawbone to work together to support the whole set of teeth.
It requires much less work than getting an individual implant for every single tooth needing restored. Implant-supported dentures can be removable or permanent, depending on your needs. Removable implant dentures are still supported by implants, but the implants are topped with snaps, on top of which your dentures can secure.
Why Is Implant Dentistry Such A Great Treatment?
Dental implants require more work than something like a crown or bridge, but don’t let this discourage you. Implant dentistry has many benefits, including the following:
- A tooth implant looks just like a natural tooth. Topped with a custom-made dental crown, the crown is sized, shaped, and color-matched to look just like your natural tooth.
- Dental implants require no special care. Simply brush and floss as usual and see your dentist regularly.
- A tooth implant feels like a natural tooth and can give your mouth that full, complete feeling.
- Implants can support a full set of teeth. If you have a space in your smile where several or even all of your teeth are missing, dental implants can secure implant-supported dentures or a dental bridge.
- A tooth implant is sturdy and durable enough to last your whole life!
- Implants can save your face! Dental implants are actually replacement tooth roots, so they can keep your jaw strong and your face from looking sunken in. This often happens when teeth are missing and the jawbone begins to shrink down from fewer tooth roots.
As you can see, dental implants have many advantages. While not everyone is a suitable candidate for this procedure, many patients see amazing results. Find out if dental implants are right for you by contacting our friendly team today.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation Today
Damaged or missing teeth can impact your quality of life in many ways. If you’re looking to have better oral health and feel better about your smile, dental implants could be the permanent replacement tooth solution for you. Dr. Evelyn can provide a consultation to see if dental implants would work for you.
If you are interested in implant dentistry in Ocala, call our office today for excellent care and amazing oral health! Ocala Smiles offers these services to everyone in the Ocala and The Villages. We are ready to help find the best replacement tooth solution for you!