Dental Implants Before and After-All You Need To Know

Research shows that there are millions of adults in the United States that are missing one or more teeth. Missing teeth can have a major impact on your oral, mental, and overall health. However, the good news is that you have options for replacing missing teeth to resolve these issues.

Dr. Michail Zakher at Precision Dental in New Port Richey offers implant-based and non-implant-based options. In this article, we’ll explain more about implant-based tooth replacement solutions and what you should know before and after the procedure.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution made up of three parts:

Implant screw: the implant screw is inserted into the jawbone where it will become like a tooth root once the jawbone heals around and fuses with it.
Abutment: the abutment is the piece that connects the restoration to the implant screw, it may be fixed or removable
Restoration: the restoration is the piece that is visible above the gumline, looks like a natural tooth, can be a single crown or a full overdenture

The process usually takes a minimum of several months from start to finish, but with proper care and maintenance, should last a lifetime.

Things to Know Before Getting Dental Implants

Before you can get dental implants, you will need a comprehensive exam, which will include X-rays and other necessary imaging. In order to qualify for dental implants, you must be in good oral and overall health. You must also have adequate jawbone density to support the implants. If you do not, you will not qualify.

In addition, there are certain medical conditions and medical treatments/medications that may disqualify you from treatment. You will need to consult with your medical provider to be sure.

If you need additional treatments such as gum disease treatment, tooth extractions, or bone grafting, those will need to be completed prior to implant placement. In some cases, the implants may be able to be placed immediately following extraction- but in most cases, full healing is required following any of these procedures.

Things to Know During the Healing Process

The healing process takes a minimum of several months and may take up to a year or more depending on your body’s ability to heal. During this time, you will need to stick to a soft food diet to avoid damaging the implants or causing implant failure. You will also need to practice proper oral hygiene habits to prevent bacteria and plaque buildup around the implant site. Some soreness and tenderness should be expected- but if you experience excruciating pain, you should seek emergency dental treatment.

Dental Implant Options

If you are interested in a tooth replacement option that looks, feels, and functions more like natural teeth, dental implants are the best way to go. We offer several dental implant options at Precision Dental:

Single Tooth Implants

A single-tooth dental implant is designed to support a single crown or a 2 tooth dental bridge.

All-on-4 Dental Implants

All-on-4 dental implants is a restoration solution designed to replace a full arch of missing teeth with the support of 4 dental implants. The implants are strategically placed in the jaw to provide the strongest bite and chewing force. This is often known as “teeth in a day” because the entire process can be completed in a single visit. You will need to return in a few months for the permanent overdenture to be placed.

All-on-6 Dental Implants

All-on-6 dental implants is a restoration similar to the All-on-4 system, only it uses 6 evenly spaced implants instead of 4.

Implant-Supported Bridge

A dental bridge is a fixed tooth replacement solution that is typically supported by adjacent natural teeth. An implant-supported bridge is secured with dental implants placed on each side of the gap.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are designed to replace most or all missing teeth in a single arch with 2 or more dental implants. An overdenture is attached to the implants and can be fixed or removable.

Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implants

We offer both dental bridges and dental implants at Precision Dental. While there are a few similarities between the two, there are also several differences:

Dental Bridge	Dental Implants
Fixed, not removable	Fixed, not removable
Costs an average of around $2,500+ depending on the type of material chosen and the number of teeth required- another factor is the type of bridge	Costs $5,000+ for a single implant and up to $60,000+ for full-mouth restoration Hybrid options cost an average of $12,000 per arch
Requires 2 or more appointments over the course of a few weeks	Requires multiple appointments over several months to a year or more
Usually requires replacement after about 10 to 15 years, may last about 10 with proper care and maintenance	Implant screw should last a lifetime but the restoration may need to be replaced after about 20 years

Dental Bridge

Fixed, not removable

Costs an average of around $2,500+ depending on the type of material chosen and the number of teeth required- another factor is the type of bridge

Requires 2 or more appointments over the course of a few weeks

Usually requires replacement after about 10 to 15 years, may last about 10 with proper care and maintenance

Dental Implants

Fixed, not removable

Costs $5,000+ for a single implant and up to $60,000+ for full-mouth restoration. Hybrid options cost an average of $12,000 per arch

Requires multiple appointments over several months to a year or more

Implant screw should last a lifetime but the restoration may need to be replaced after about 20 years

Choose the best doctor Dr. Michail Zakher, DDS for Your Missing Teeth Treatment

If you are in or near New Port Richey, Florida, contact Precision Dental. Dr. Michail Zakher and the team have the experience and expertise to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. In addition to tooth replacement, we offer a variety of general, cosmetic, and restorative dental services for the entire family. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about your options.

We are located on Rancho del Rio Drive in New Port Richey. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We are available after hours for dental emergencies. We accept both walk-in patients and scheduled patients. We look forward to working with you to create your perfect smile.

Dental Implant FAQs

Dr. Zakher and the team at Precision Dental understand that it’s important for you to understand your procedures before undergoing them. Therefore, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your oral health, we will be happy to address them. Below are some of the most common questions that we’ve been asked about dental implants:

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution. The implants themselves should last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. On average, the crowns last about 10 to 15 years, but may last 20 years or longer with proper care and maintenance.

Do dental implants hurt?

Patients are given local anesthesia to numb the area prior to the surgery. This means that you should feel no pain. Many patients do report feeling some minor discomfort as the anesthesia wears off or during healing. However, this discomfort is easily remedied with an OTC pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.