Dental Implants Ponte Vedra Beach
The Gold Standard of Tooth Replacement
Dental implants are widely considered to be the leading method of tooth replacement, and prosthodontists are the go-to experts when it comes to rebuilding the smile following tooth loss. We’re able to offer both here at Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry. Dr. Perry combines his specialty training with 3D imaging to fully plan every treatment to ensure a comfortable experience and strong, lasting results. If you’re ready to put tooth loss behind you, reach out today to schedule a consultation for dental implants in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Why Choose Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry for Dental Implants?
- Board-Certified Prosthodontist with Years of Experience
- Entire Implant Process Completed In-House
- Advanced Dental Technology Ensures Optimal Outcomes
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small metal “roots” that are placed in your jawbone where your tooth root once was. They are placed just beneath your gum line. The bone heals around this dental implant post, securing it in place. Dr. Perry then attaches a dental crown or a prosthetic tooth to the implant. This provides a permanent solution that functions and looks exactly like a natural tooth and is a medically sound treatment.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
- Initial Dental Implant Consultation – The process for getting dental implants begins with a consultation; your oral health and jawbone density will be evaluated to determine if you’re a good candidate. If you need a preliminary procedure like a bone graft or periodontal treatment, that will need to be carried out first.
- Dental Implant Surgery – You’ll be glad to hear that Dr. Perry can complete the entire dental implant process here in our Ponte Vedra Beach office. This surgery is straightforward; the implants are placed directly into the jawbone, where they’re meant to stay permanently.
- Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment – Osseointegration refers to the process where your implant posts fuse with your bone tissue. This will take months to complete, but assuming it goes well, it sets the stage for your implants’ future success. Abutments can be attached to these posts once they’ve fused before you receive your new teeth.
- Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s) – Once everything’s healed, we’ll call you back to deliver your custom-made teeth. Dental implants can be used to support any type of restoration, so your new smile will look and function beautifully!
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have revolutionized the replacement of missing teeth. They are the only tooth replacement option that replaces the roots of the missing teeth. Because of this, they provide an exciting option for patients in need of replacements ranging from one tooth to all teeth. Here are some of the benefits you get with this dental treatment option.
Day-to-Day Benefits
Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth do. You shouldn’t even be able to notice much of a difference in your everyday life. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy every day.
- Bite Force: Dental implants can restore your bite force by up to 90%! This is much more than dental implants or dentures can provide.
- Easy Maintenance: Implants require regular brushing and flossing just like natural teeth do, but they will never decay because they are not made from tooth enamel.
- Confidence: Implants sit below the gum line, with only a crown or prosthetic tooth visible on top. Crowns and prosthetics are made with tooth-colored materials that mimic the look of natural teeth. This means you never have to worry about your implants appearing artificial.
Health Benefits
In addition to daily benefits, your health will be positively affected by your dental implants. Here are some health benefits you can experience.
- Improved Oral Health: Because dental implants replace the lost roots of teeth, they are fully self-supporting, which protects healthy teeth and oral structures from damage.
- Improved General Health: Having excellent oral health will positively influence your general health. Dental implants lower your risk of serious medical issues, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Prevents Bone Loss: When you lose a tooth, the bone beneath it becomes vulnerable and can even begin to melt away. This happens when it loses the stimulation a tooth naturally provides. This can cause a prematurely aged look. Dental implants provide needed stimulation to the bone, making the jawbone more stable.
Long-Term Benefits
When you choose dental implants, you are making a long-term investment in the future of your smile. Here are some of the benefits that you can enjoy for many years down the road.
- Long-Lasting: They can last a lifetime with proper care. Gum disease can be a concern, but regular dental cleanings and exams can prevent this threat. This ensures your dental implants remain in good condition.
- Successful: Dental implants have an incredible success rate of over 95%. Dental implant failure is highly unlikely.
- Save Money: You don’t need to worry about buying adhesives or soaking solutions when you have dental implants. They also don’t require frequent repairs and replacements. Additionally, dental implants help to reduce your risk of additional oral health issues, saving you time, money, and discomfort.
Immediate Dental Implants Are Available
Depending on your unique needs, you may even be able to receive immediate implants. This typically happens when you need to have one or more teeth removed due to periodontal (gum) disease or injury. We may be able to place dental implants immediately after your extraction procedure. If you aren’t able to receive immediate implants, it may still be possible to receive implant dentures. This means you could be fitted for a denture prosthesis to begin wearing immediately after tooth extraction. This lets you maintain your smile while you await your permanent implants.
Implant Dentures Are Available
Dental implants may also be used to support dentures that replace missing teeth. If you are missing many teeth but your jawbone is strong enough to support implants, an implant denture or partial denture may be the option you need. Unlike traditional dentures, this is a type of overdenture that is attached to and supported by dental implants. It is made to look like natural teeth.
Learn More About Full Mouth Dental Implants
Dental Implant FAQs
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
Getting dental implants in Ponte Verde Beach isn’t painful at all! In fact, many patients are surprised by how comfortable the process is. Most tell us that it’s easier than a tooth extraction, or about as intense as getting a dental crown.
The secret to comfort lies in precise planning, techniques, and advanced technology that keep your procedure efficient and pain-free.
At the start, a local anesthetic completely numbs the treatment area, preventing pain signals. If you’re resistant to the anesthetic or still nervous about undergoing the surgery, we also offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation.
After your procedure, you may experience some mild soreness around the implant site, but this is usually manageable with generic pain medication.
How Can I Tell If My Dental Implant Is Failing?
Dental implant failure is rare, especially when placed by a skilled prosthodontist like Dr. Perry, but it’s best to be prepared for any contingency. If you notice persistent pain, swelling, or bleeding around the implant site—or if the implant feels loose—contact our office immediately.
Other symptoms, like gum recession or difficulty chewing, can also indicate potential problems. The good news is that, in many cases, early intervention can save the implant. So, stay vigilant, take care of your smile, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if anything seems off.
Am I Too Old to Get Dental Implants?
You’re never too old to restore your smile with dental implants in Ponte Vedra Beach. Age isn’t the main factor that determines your candidacy. Instead, we look at your overall health and jawbone density.
Many patients in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s are excellent candidates for this permanent tooth replacement. Before your treatment, Dr. Perry will perform a thorough evaluation using advanced imaging to determine your suitability and develop a treatment plan customized to your needs.
Whether you’re missing one tooth or an entire arch, implants can dramatically improve your quality of life by making eating, speaking, and smiling easier and more comfortable.
Will I Have to Take Off Work for Dental Implant Surgery?
Most patients need only a short recovery time after implant placement. You’ll likely be able to return to work the next day if your job isn’t physically demanding. However, if your work involves heavy lifting or strenuous activity, Dr. Perry may recommend taking two to three days off to allow proper healing.
Minor swelling and tenderness are normal and will fade quickly. However, physical strain can cause excessive blood pressure near the implant site, increasing the risk of failure during a critical healing period.
After your surgery, our team will provide aftercare instructions, so you won’t have to memorize any small details. With these in hand, you’ll have a smooth recovery that leads to a strong foundation for your new restoration.