Smile Big
Missing one or more teeth can make anyone feel uncomfortable about smiling, eating, or speaking in public. Over time, people begin to feel isolated and lose self-confidence. This can lead to avoiding social situations which can impact your quality of life.
Dental implants are a life changing solution to replace missing teeth. Whether you have a single missing tooth or an entire set, dental implants restore your appearance, speech, nutrition, oral and general health, and self-esteem. The goal is to smile big, eat what you want, and be confident.
Why replace missing teeth?
The more teeth that are missing, the more negative impact this can have on your health. Having gaps due to missing teeth will cause shifting and changing in the bite. Over time, this will affect the ability to chew properly and can alter diet and nutrition.
When a tooth is lost, the bone beneath shrinks away. When this happens, the skin around the mouth does not have the support it needs, and it will start sagging, giving a premature aging appearance.
There are several options to replace missing teeth. However, dental implants are the only solution that will prevent the bone from melting away.
Are Implants Safe?
Dental implants have an impressive safety record with a success rate exceeding 95%. Made from biocompatible titanium, implants are designed to integrate naturally with human bone tissue. At our practice, we take additional safety measures:
- Comprehensive pre-procedure evaluation
- Advanced 3D imaging for precise implant placement
- Sterile surgical protocols
- Regular monitoring throughout the healing process
For patients with specific health concerns, we conduct thorough assessments to ensure implants are a safe option for your individual circumstances.
Dental Implants Pros and Cons
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Preserve jawbone health by preventing bone loss
- Look and function like natural teeth
- Can last a lifetime with proper care
- No adhesives or removal for cleaning
- No impact on adjacent healthy teeth
- Improved ability to eat all foods
- Enhanced speech compared to removable dentures
- Boosted confidence and self-esteem
Considerations
- Higher initial investment than temporary solutions
- Requires surgery (though minimally invasive)
- May need supplemental procedures like bone grafting
- The healing process takes several months
Are Implants Worth It?
When considering the long-term value of dental implants versus alternatives, most patients find implants to be the superior investment. While the initial cost may be higher than options like conventional dentures or bridges, implants offer significant advantages:
- Longevity: Implants can last decades or even a lifetime, while bridges and dentures typically need replacement every 5-10 years
- Bone preservation: Only implants prevent the jawbone deterioration that occurs with tooth loss
- Quality of life: The comfort, stability, and natural feel of implants cannot be matched by removable options
- Cost over time: When factoring in replacement and maintenance costs of alternatives, implants often prove more economical in the long run
Our patients consistently tell us their implant investment was among the best decisions they've made for their health and quality of life.
Are there options other than implants to replace missing teeth?
Yes, there are several options.
A removable option such as dentures, partial dentures, and flippers can be adequate for short term cosmetic solutions. However, the denture is not fully secured and can cause speech problems, discomfort, gag reflex, and difficulty chewing and eating. With a removable denture, the jawbone will continue to shrink.
A dental bridge is a fixed solution that is secured in the mouth, but it does present some problems. In order to place a dental bridge, at least two teeth around the space will be filed down and capped. Over time, those supporting teeth may be weakened and are more susceptible to decay. It is also more difficult to maintain home care hygiene with a dental bridge than single teeth.
Replacing a single tooth with an implant has advantages over other options. The dental implant is anchored in the bone, giving you a tooth that feels and looks natural. You can floss around the implant tooth, so it is easier to maintain over time. Dental implants are the only solution that will prevent the bone from shrinking away.
Implant Treatment options at Family Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry (FICDentistry):
According to epidemiological studies, it is estimated that 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and about 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. As we age, the problem gets worse, as 30 percent of adults between 65-74 years old have no natural teeth. The main causes of tooth loss are dental decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
Single and Multiple Teeth replacement:
Implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Advantages of dental implant teeth are they cannot decay and will never need root canal treatment. In order to have a dental implant, your dentist will not need to remove healthy tooth structure on adjacent teeth.
The implanted tooth has three parts:
- Implant – a synthetic tooth root, commonly referred to as a screw that is placed in the jawbone and beneath your gums
- Abutment – the part that connects the implant and the crown
- Crown- the part that you visibly see when you smile
The process does require minor surgery. However, implant placement is far less traumatic than removing a tooth. Once an implant is placed, it requires 3-6 months of healing time before the permanent tooth can be placed on the implant. No worries, you do not have to go without a tooth. There are options for temporary teeth that are placed during your healing time.
Replacing all teeth:
Gold option- Fixed implant-supported denture
If you are losing your teeth or all of your upper or lower teeth are missing, there is a solution. Depending on the location, quality and quantity of available bone in each unique case, several implants are placed. Typically, 4-6 implants on the upper and 4-6 implants on the lower arch. A new set of teeth will firmly attach to these implants and will not have to be removed by patients. These teeth will look natural, and more importantly, are very secure in your mouth, giving you the ability to chew normally and to smile with confidence.
Things to note about fixed implant supported dentures:
- Patients report 90-95% of normal, healthy function
- Sedation options are available for a more relaxing surgical visit
- Patients will never go without teeth throughout the whole process
- Teeth are stable and can not be removed by the patient
Silver option- Removable implant-supported denture
For the removable implant option, typically at least 4 implants are placed on the upper jaw and 2 implants are on the lower jaw. The denture can now snap on and off the implants and can be removed by patients for cleaning.
- Patients report 70% of normal, healthy function with removable implant supported teeth
- Sedation options are available for a more relaxing surgical visit
- Patients will never go without teeth throughout the whole process
- A lower cost treatment compared to the gold option
- Existing dentures can often be used to snap onto the implants
- No need to cover the palate to stabilize the denture.
Bronze option- Full upper and lower dentures.
The bronze option is the traditional upper and lower dentures. They are removable and are not secured by dental implants. Patients typically tolerate an upper denture better than a lower denture, so at FICDentistry, we highly recommend at least two dental implants for the lower jaw.
- Patients report 5-10% of normal, healthy function with conventional dentures
- Patients will never go without teeth throughout the whole process
- Lowest cost compared to Gold and Silver
- Teeth look natural
Renew your smile with our experienced Brandon implant dentists at FICDentistry.
It starts with an implant consultation visit. Our caring team will take advanced 3D x-rays, models of your mouth, and formulate a treatment plan specifically for you. Our implant dentists take pride in being able to easily explain the process from start to finish. In some cases, bone and gum grafting may be necessary for long-term success of dental implants.
The procedure will be planned around your schedule. Dental implants will be placed into the bone and allowed time to heal. The Brandon dental team is trained to make patients feel at ease. We understand anxiety and dental phobia and we are prepared to take good care of you. Sedation options are available for relaxing and comfortable dental implant procedures.
After some time for healing, your final crown will be placed on the implant, restoring your natural smile.
Dental Implants FAQs
Most adults are candidates for dental implants. The main considerations for implant placement are the amount of bone and the medical history.
It is crucial that your implant dentist uses a 3-D x-ray to evaluate the amount of bone. Bone grafting procedures are needed in some cases.
Typically, yes. A medical evaluation is necessary before any dental implant treatment. Some medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes may affect the success rate of dental implants. However, our trained clinicians will communicate with your physician and determine a plan for you.
Remember, there are three parts to a dental implant procedure. Our FICDentistry locations offer both surgical and restorative treatment under one roof. This allows us to have competitive pricing. The first part is the surgical placement of a dental implant and then there is the restoration, the abutment and crown. The total cost of a dental implant, from surgery to final restoration for a single tooth starts at approximately $3,500.
FICDentistry offers payment plan options with low interest rates, and monthly payments to fit your budget.
The cost depends on the number of teeth remaining, number of implants planned, and the amount of bone and soft tissue remaining. Implant treatment that replaces all teeth can range from $15,000 to $50,000 depending on the type of treatment. However, a consultation would be the next step to give an accurate price.
Depending on the location and number of implants, it typically takes around 30-45 minutes per implant.
No. We have a saying at FICDentistry, if you are feeling pain, then we are not doing our job correctly. Local anesthetic will be used to eliminate any pain while your implant dentist is working with you. FICDentistry also offers intravenous (IV) sedation for anxious patients.
Zero time. You will never have to go without teeth. In all cases, we can offer some type of temporary solution until full healing and placement of the final restoration.
Depending on the type of treatment, it is typically 4-7 months. Remember, you will have a temporary tooth/teeth during this time.
Dental implants have been extremely successful. There are studies showing success rates over 95%.
Longevity depends upon home care and dental hygiene visits. With the proper maintenance and good oral hygiene habits, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Brushing and flossing as you would for your natural teeth. The gums around the implant have to stay healthy. Regular visits to your dental hygienist will help ensure long-term success.
Depending on the type of treatment, it is typically 4-7 months. Remember, you will have a temporary tooth/teeth during this time.
Yes! From single-tooth replacement to full-mouth restoration with All-on-4, implants provide solutions for any tooth-loss situation.
Why choose Family, Implant, and Cosmetic Dentistry?
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Both surgical AND restorative treatments under one roof
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Sedation options available
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Experienced clinicians and team
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In-house maintenance/cleaning around your implants every 3-12 months
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3-D x-ray technology available and used
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High quality labs and implants
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Payment plans available
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Established dental practice for over 30 years
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We offer FREE implant consultation and FREE second opinions
Pricing and Insurance
We understand that financial considerations play a role in your decision-making process. While dental implants represent a significant investment in your long-term health, we make this transformative treatment as affordable as possible:
- Flexible financing options with low monthly payments
- Multiple implant package options to fit different budgets
- Assistance maximizing insurance benefits (many plans provide partial coverage)
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Remember that when comparing options, consider the lifetime value and quality-of-life improvements that come with choosing the best solution rather than the cheapest alternative.
Call Us Today to Schedule Your Consultation
Take the first step toward a permanent solution for missing teeth by contacting Family, Implant, & Cosmetic Dentistry at 813-684-7888. During your consultation, Dr. Raffoul, Dr. Klaib, or Dr. Patel will evaluate your specific needs, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. Experience for yourself why our patients rate us as the best implant provider in Brandon, FL!
