Dental Implants Tampa
Say Goodbye to the Gaps in Your Smile for Good
Permanent tooth replacement was once only a dream; however, millions of people are now experiencing the reality of a complete smile that can last a lifetime. Dental implants provide a new way to say goodbye to the gaps in your smile for good, and our team at Advanced Dental Associates of South Tampa is here to help you with the process. By scheduling a consultation for dental implants in Tampa with Dr. Patrino, you will experience the opportunity to enjoy a fully rebuilt set of teeth, better oral health, and a smile that will last well into the future.
Why Choose Advanced Dental Associates of South Tampa for Dental Implants?
- Dental Implant Placement & Restoration Provided In-House
- CT Scanner Used for Precise Dental Implant Treatment Planning
- We Welcome Your PPO Dental Insurance Plan
What Are Dental Implants?
Unlike dental bridges and traditional dentures that require replacement after several years, dental implants can last decades or longer because of their permanent placement within your jawbone. As a highly versatile form of treatment, these prosthetics can adequately treat all types of tooth loss, supporting dental crowns, dental bridges, and full dentures.
Dental implants are small titanium posts that look like screws but act similarly to natural tooth roots. Once fused with the underlying bone, they help reduce the likelihood of facial sagging and bone and tooth loss.
The Dental Implant Process
The complete dental implant process consists of four steps: the initial consultation, dental implant surgery, recovery, and receiving your final restoration. Dr. Patrino will make sure each one is completed successfully before moving forward as well as provide detailed information along the way so that you do not experience any surprises throughout treatment.
While your plan will likely be different than another patient’s, the same four steps must be followed:
- Initial Consultation: This visit with Dr. Patrino, your implant dentist in South Tampa, will determine if you need additional preliminary treatment before having dental implants put in place. It will also allow you to ask questions about your new smile and what to expect.
- Dental Implant Surgery: Dr. Patrino will place your dental implants in-house, preventing you from needing an outside referral for this stage of treatment. You can expect to receive local anesthesia beforehand so that you remain comfortable and in no pain during the procedure.
- Recovery (Osseointegration & Abutment Placement): After surgery, you will spend time recovering at home. Osseointegration – the fusing of your implants and jawbone – can take 4-6 months to complete. This phase is essential if your new teeth are to remain in place for a lifetime. After you are healed, you will receive your metal abutments that help hold your restoration in place.
- Delivery of Final Restoration(s): The final stage of dental implant placement involves receiving your custom restoration. Dr. Patrino will make sure your new crown, bridge, or denture looks natural, fits correctly, and is comfortable once secured in place. You will then be able to start enjoying life with your new and improved smile.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many benefits of dental implants that our team at Advanced Dental Associates of South Tampa will be happy to go over with you during your consultation. While the most obvious advantage is the chance to have a complete smile once again, other equally important benefits include:
- Greater jawbone stimulation thanks to the placement of the implants and their increased durability once fused with the bone and tissues.
- The ability to chew and eat a variety of foods without worrying about your teeth sliding or slipping out of your mouth.
- A lowered risk of developing overall health issues that are commonly linked to tooth loss.
- A more vibrant, youthful, and confident appearance and state of mind.
- Teeth that appear natural and can last decades or a lifetime without ever needing to be replaced.
Dental Implant FAQs
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
When taken care of properly, dental implants can last for 30 years – or more! To get the most out of your implants, we recommend:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily
- Flossing once per day
- Getting a sulcus brush so you can clean the space underneath your restoration
- Visiting our office for biannual checkups and cleanings
- Avoiding tobacco products, as they’re heavily associated with dental implant failure
Can I Take Dental Implants Out?
No – please don’t attempt to take your dental implants out! Since they are surgically anchored to your jawbone, you could end up damaging the restoration, the bone, or even nearby nerve endings.
To clarify, some implant dentures are designed to be removed. Patients can take these restorations out of their mouth for easy cleaning. Even then, though, only the denture base will “snap” on and off. The implants themselves will stay firmly planted in your jawbone!
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
We understand that dental implant surgery doesn’t exactly sound pleasant. Rest assured, our team will administer a local anesthetic that will keep your mouth numb while we place your implants. We also offer multiple dental sedation options and would be happy to meet with you to discuss which one would be best.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Dental implants are considered to be extremely safe. In fact, they have a 90% success rate that holds up even after ten years from initial placement.
Part of what makes them so reliable is the meticulous treatment planning process. Your implant dentist in Tampa will thoroughly review your health history and the current state of your mouth. If you have a condition like low jawbone density or gum disease, we’ll be sure to take care of these issues before starting your treatment so you’ll have a good foundation for your new smile!
Am I Too Young to Get Dental Implants?
Only if you happen to be in high school! Most people’s jaws aren’t fully developed until their mid-20’s, and it’s not a good idea to place dental implants along a bone that’s still growing.
Now, there’s no upper age limit for dental implants. As long as you have good oral health and a strong jawbone, you should be able to successfully support them. Even if you don’t, we may be able to help you get there with corrective treatments like gum disease therapy and bone grafting.
If you’re not sure whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, it’s worth talking to your implant dentist about your options. You might be pleasantly surprised!