Dental Implants in Boca Raton, FL

What is the procedure for dental implants? Are dental implants safe?

The first step is having the dentist consult and visually examine the site in the mouth where the dental implant is being considered. Then the dentist needs to consider if any current teeth need to be extracted and which type of bone graft needs to be conducted. These procedures will take place first, and the patient will be allowed a few months to heal to ensure an adequate and strong bone is present at the site of the implant.

Once this is determined, the dental implant is placed into the bone (this surgical process takes about an hour for a single tooth), and a healing cap is placed over the implant to initiate the healing phase. This is followed by regular check-ups to ensure proper healing and no infection.

At Harris Dentistry, you're safety and comfort is our top priority. We only use high-quality, reputable implant companies. We do most implants using guided procedures which are less invasive, quicker, and with less post-operative pain.

What types of dental implants exist?

The most commonly used dental implants are endosteal implants. They are compromised of a titanium metal rod that is installed into the jawbone and a supporting post that is specifically designed to secure either a dental crown or a dental bridge. All-on-4 implants are a revolutionary dental implant system in which an entire top or bottom denture is supported on just four implants. Each implant is strategically placed so that the replacement teeth remain steady and secure. The advantage of using four implants is that it helps promote faster patient recovery and reduces the likelihood of complications from possible implant failure.

Are dental implants painful?

The most painful part of the dental implant process is extracting any teeth that implanted crowns will replace. However, any extraction will include anesthesia meaning little to no pain during the procedure and only a few days of recovery. Any pain experienced during recovery should also be manageable using over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen.

Are there any aftercare instructions for dental implants?

Immediately after dental implant placement, you should be careful not to disturb the placement site. This means no chewing near the implant. It also requires very careful cleaning for several weeks to a month after placement. The dental implant takes several months to fuse to the jaw, so the fewer disturbances during that period the better. If you have a temporary denture to replace your missing dentition, the denture must not rub on the surgical site.

After implantation and possible extraction or grafting, you may experience typical discomforts associated with any oral surgery. These can include swelling, pain at the site, and minor bleeding. Below are some specific recommendations for the first 2 weeks after any procedure during this process to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Pain Management. Ibuprofen and Advil reduce pain and swelling and is highly recommended after surgery. Tylenol is also a great option for pain relief.

Oral Hygiene. Gentle brushing is important to keep the recovering area clean and to avoid irritation from overly aggressive brushing. Warm salt water rinses can also help keep the area clean and reduce pain and swelling.

Minor Bleeding. After oral surgeries, it’s common to have a small amount of blood in your saliva for a day or two. Gently biting on a gauze pad for 30 minutes can help with this. If bleeding continues for more than a few days, contact our office.

Swelling. Besides ibuprofen and saltwater rinses, using an ice pack for 20 minutes after surgery and 20 minutes at a time on the cheek near the affected area can help.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

A person suffering from tooth loss will experience many challenges. The most obvious of these challenges are difficulties when chewing and speaking clearly. When tooth loss is left untreated it can result in very serious problems like tooth shifts, jawbone deterioration, facial structure loss and bite imbalances. These issues usually develop over time when there is no root system to maintain bone health and alignment. Dental implants provide an artificial root system to maintain order and keep the remaining teeth in line.

They can not only help a patient overcome short-term challenges; they can also prevent long-term problems linked to tooth loss. They are the most effective method for treating tooth loss because dental implants serve as an artificial root system for supporting a prosthetic tooth and allow replacement teeth to feel more natural.

Can I replace all my teeth with implants?

Yes, by placing multiple dental implants in strategic positions in the jaw bones all of your teeth can be replaced. This process is typically called all-on-4 or all-on-x implants. These procedures can transform an unhealthy mouth with many lost or damaged teeth into an esthetic, functional, and healthy mouth.