Are you missing one or more teeth and wondering if there is a way to replace them? Luckily, there is! Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and give you back your smile. But what exactly are dental implants? How do they work and what are the benefits? Discover your range of options and the benefits of Dental Implants with our comprehensive guide.

Dental Implants in Tampa, Florida

Most people associate dental implants with installing titanium posts to support artificial teeth in place of missing teeth, which is generally correct. When getting dental implants, dentists surgically place titanium implants into your jaw bone where you have a missing tooth or teeth. These posts act as anchors for the new artificial teeth.

A single implant for one tooth can make a great difference in your smile’s aesthetic appearance. For those patients who are missing multiple teeth, they can look into dentures, which offer several options in different types.

For example, traditional dentures are removable. Implant-supported dentures are also removable dentures, but are much more stable because dental implants anchor them in place. Another option is an implant-retained denture, which is not meant to be removed.

Other Related Dental Services

There are other types of dental work that some patients commonly mistake for dental implants. Here are some services other than implants that dentists offer to help you get a healthy smile.

Veneers

These are thin pieces of porcelain that dental experts place on the front surface of natural teeth to improve their appearance in the case of discoloration or slight bone loss. Veneers are not surgical implants in the same way that dental implants are, although the procedure to place them is still done in a dental office. Instead, getting veneers is a cosmetic procedure, which means that your dental insurance provider may not cover it.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, plastic aligners that are removable to gradually straighten teeth. This dentistry service is an alternative to metal braces. Patients might consider Invisalign if they have crooked teeth and want to opt for a more comfortable tooth straightening method.

Same-Day Crowns

Crowns are tooth implants that fit over the entire surface of a natural tooth. Some people refer to them as caps. They are most often placed following a root canal to cover and protect decaying teeth. Patients with cracked or severely discolored teeth may also benefit from getting a crown.

The crowns will protect adjacent teeth from related damage, thus improving overall oral health. Accordingly, insurance companies may offer financing options because they are not strictly cosmetic.

A patient with a busy schedule will appreciate same-day crowns because they can undergo and finish a crown implant process all in one day without having to schedule multiple sessions. Other mouth dental implants take weeks for an off-site lab to create the crown, not to mention the several dental appointments needed to prepare for the implant, create a mold, and then install the crown. Same-day crowns are produced right in the dentist office and installed as soon as they are ready.

Root Canals

A root canal is a surgery that involves the removal of infected pulp from inside a tooth. Sometimes, people refer to root canals as nerve extractions. The surrounding tooth structure remains after the infected pulp is removed. The goal is to prevent total tooth loss.

Root canals may require general anesthesia, depending on the severity of the infection. Sometimes, a single root canal session is all it takes to treat the problem. But in other cases, a few more removal sessions may be necessary.

Smile Makeovers

Smile makeovers are comprehensive treatment plans that may involve a combination of different dental procedures and possibly surgery. For example, some patients may need to get their some teeth replaced with mouth dental implants and others straightened and whitened.

The point of smile makeovers is to give patients the smile they have always wanted. These procedures could take weeks or even months to complete, depending on the patient’s needs. Still, getting dental implants or full makeovers are a safe and effective way to get new teeth, making it worth the wait and any discomfort.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

Some people may need full mouth reconstruction if their bone structure and gum health require comprehensive dental implants. There will be full mouth examinations involved, including X-rays to determine the extent of the problem. The exam will check the jawbone, teeth, and soft tissues.

Through the findings, dentists will determine possible tooth replacement options. Bone grafting may also be necessary to make sure that the implant surgery will be successful. Full mouth reconstruction targets not just the function, but also the aesthetics of the mouth.

When Should I Get Dental Implants?

You must already have a fully grown jawbone before considering dental implants. By age 25, you should have a completely formed jaw. Other than the age restriction, there is nothing else keeping you from getting implants. There is a stigma that associates dental implants with older individuals, but people of all ages can and do benefit from having implants.

Even as a younger individual, you can have suffered from tooth loss. Perhaps gingivitis evolved into periodontal disease, affecting your gums and causing teeth to fall out. Thus, you are looking for ways to get new teeth. Dental implants are great options if you have missing teeth and want to restore your smile.

How Much Does a Full Mouth of Dental Implants Cost in Florida?

Tooth implant costs vary and depend on your needs. For example, partial dentures will cost less than a full arch implant procedure. To know exactly how much you will pay to secure a new smile, it is best to schedule a consultation with an implant dentist in Tampa.

Schedule an Appointment Today with a Seasoned Implant Dentist in Tampa, FL

As there are several ways to get new teeth, it is best for a new patient set an appointment if you want the best dental implants Tampa has to offer. General and Cosmetic Dentistry of Tampa is ready to deliver all your dental needs at affordable rates. Call our Tampa office at 813-370-1014 and our South Tampa office at 813-331-0364 or reach out online to contact us today.