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
The process of getting dental implants in Ponte Vedra Beach can be boiled down to four different steps. Thanks to his unique qualifications as a board-certified prosthodontist, Dr. Perry can complete everything in-office, meaning you won’t have to drive to a separate location for oral surgery. Our team will be able to guide you through the entirety of your dental implant journey, so please don’t hesitate to ask us questions about any aspect of your restoration plan!
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
A consultation is a more casual appointment between you and your implant dentist. The goal is to make sure you’re on the same page about your overall treatment plan. To that end, Dr. Perry will review your health history, perform a thorough oral exam, and take X-rays. If his findings reveal that you would benefit from preliminary treatments like bone grafting or gum disease therapy, rest assured that our team will help you make the proper arrangements.
Dental Implant Surgery
Before starting your dental implant surgery, Dr. Perry will help you feel more at ease with a local anesthetic or dental sedation, as discussed during your consultation. Once he confirms that you’re comfortable and relaxed, he’ll make a small incision in your gumline, place the dental implant posts at strategic points along your jawbone, and suture the incision closed.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement
Osseointegration refers to the process where your implant posts fuse with your jawbone. This can take between three and six months to complete, but is well worth the wait, as it sets the stage for your implants’ future success. When you’ve made a complete recovery and we’re confident that your implants and bone are properly merged, we’ll attach abutments to your implant posts. These small connector pieces will enable Dr. Perry to secure your final restoration to the implants.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
As soon as we receive your fully-customized restoration from our partners at the dental lab, we’ll call you back to our office so we can complete your treatment. Dr. Perry will attach your restoration to the abutments, and after making sure everything feels good and functions well, you’ll be free to enjoy your new smile!
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
Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants
Dental implants may be able to keep your smile strong, complete, beautiful, and functional for a lifetime if you take excellent care of them. Here’s a quick guide to a few of the best ways to maintain your implants and protect them from harm from the friendly team at Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry, but please contact our office online if you’d like to learn more.
Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
While the components of your dental implants are immune to cavities, the gum tissue supporting them can still be compromised by oral infections. To keep your natural and artificial teeth healthy, stick to a rigorous oral hygiene routine that includes daily brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouthwash to prevent accumulations of infection-causing plaque and food debris.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Dental implants are strong enough to chew anything real teeth can, but failing to enjoy a healthy diet can set them up for early failure. Be sure to eat plenty of nutritious items that provide your body with the vitamins, minerals, proteins, and complex carbs it needs for excellent oral health such as lean meat, fresh fruits and veggies, and white dairy products. Be sure to limit your intake of excessive sugary, starchy, or acidic foods that can lead to tooth decay and oral infections.
Break Bad Habits
It’s best to abstain from tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption after receiving dental implants since these habits can erode your gum tissue. It’s also important to never use your teeth to open packages or bottles or chew on non-food items like plastic, ice, wood, or metal.
Protect Your Dental Implants
If you grind your teeth at night, the team at Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry will be happy to fit you with a customized nightguard designed to protect your natural and artificial teeth from harm. It’s also best to wear a mouthguard when engaging in intensive physical activities such as sports or riding a bike.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Even if you have replaced all your teeth with dental implants, you will still need to visit our office every six months for routine exams and cleanings. These visits play a key part in preserving the health of your dental implants because they allow our dental team to monitor your oral health, clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, address problems in their early stages, and advise you as to better hygiene habits.
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.