Learn About Dental Implant Options in Palm Bay

Understanding Dental Implants: Basic Facts and How They Work

A dental implant is a replacement tooth made up of three main parts working together. The first part is a small metal post, usually made of titanium, that gets placed directly into your jawbone where a tooth is missing. This post acts like the root of a natural tooth. The second part is an abutment, which is a connector piece that sits on top of the implant post. The third part is the crown, which is the visible tooth that looks and functions like a real tooth.

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The process of getting a dental implant takes several months. First, a dentist examines your mouth and takes X-rays to see if you have enough jawbone to support an implant. If you do, the dentist places the titanium post into your jawbone during a surgical procedure. After this surgery, your body does something remarkable: the bone grows around the metal post and fuses with it. This process is called osseointegration and typically takes three to six months. Once the bone has grown around the post, the dentist attaches the abutment and then places the crown on top.

Research shows that dental implants have a success rate of about 95 percent when placed by experienced dentists. This high success rate is one reason why many people in Palm Bay and across the country choose implants over other tooth replacement options. Unlike dentures, which sit on top of your gums, implants become a permanent part of your mouth.

One important thing to understand is that getting an implant requires good oral health. Your gums need to be healthy, and you need to have enough bone in your jaw. If you have gum disease or significant bone loss, your dentist may recommend treatments before placing an implant. This is why the first step is always a consultation with a dental professional who can look at your specific situation.

Takeaway: Dental implants are a three-part system that replaces missing teeth by anchoring a titanium post to your jawbone, then attaching a tooth-like crown on top. The process takes several months but offers a permanent solution that feels and functions like a natural tooth.

Types of Dental Implants Available in Palm Bay

There are several different types of dental implants, and understanding the options can help you have a better conversation with your dentist about what might work for your situation. The most common type is the endosteal implant, which is placed directly into the jawbone. This type works well for most people and comes in different shapes, including screw-shaped, cylinder-shaped, and blade-shaped designs. Endosteal implants are popular because they have high success rates and work well for people with adequate jawbone height and width.

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Another option is the subperiosteal implant, which sits on top of the jawbone but under the gum. Dentists use this type when a patient does not have enough jawbone height or does not want to undergo a bone grafting procedure. Instead of anchoring into the bone, this implant rests on the surface of the bone under the gum tissue. Subperiosteal implants are less common than endosteal implants, but they remain an option for people with specific needs.

Some dental offices in the Palm Bay area may also discuss zygomatic implants, though these are less frequently used. Zygomatic implants are longer than standard implants and anchor into the cheekbone rather than the jawbone. They are typically reserved for people who have significant upper jawbone loss and cannot have bone grafts.

Mini implants represent another option that some dentists offer. These implants are smaller in diameter than standard implants. Some dentists use mini implants to support dentures or bridges, or occasionally to support single teeth in people with narrow jawbones. However, standard implants remain the most researched and predictable option.

The material used in implants also matters. Most implants are made from titanium, which has been used successfully for decades and has excellent biocompatibility, meaning your body accepts it well. Some newer implants are made from zirconia, a ceramic material that is white and does not contain metal. Both materials have shown good results, though titanium implants have a longer history of use and more long-term data available.

Takeaway: The main types of dental implants include endosteal (placed in the jawbone), subperiosteal (placed on the jawbone surface), and specialty options like zygomatic or mini implants. Your dentist can explain which type might work based on your jaw structure and tooth loss situation.

Assessing Your Jaw Structure and Implant Candidacy

Before you can receive a dental implant, your dentist needs to evaluate whether your jawbone is strong and large enough to support one. This is one of the most important factors in determining if implants are right for you. Your dentist will use X-rays and sometimes a CT scan to measure your jawbone's height and width. These measurements tell the dentist whether the bone can hold an implant safely.

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If you have been missing teeth for a long time, your jawbone may have shrunk. When a tooth is lost, the bone that held it in place slowly breaks down because it no longer serves a purpose. This is called bone resorption. The longer teeth have been missing, the more bone loss typically occurs. If significant bone loss has happened, your dentist may recommend a bone grafting procedure before placing an implant. A bone graft builds up the jawbone so it can support an implant. Bone grafts can come from your own body, from a donor, or from synthetic material.

Your general health also matters. Certain conditions make implant surgery riskier. For example, uncontrolled diabetes can slow healing after surgery. Smoking also affects healing and increases the chance of implant failure. Severe heart disease or certain cancers may make surgery inadvisable. If you have any significant health conditions, tell your dentist before surgery so they can assess whether implants are safe for you.

The health of your remaining teeth and gums is crucial. Gum disease (called periodontitis) can cause implant failure. Before getting an implant, your dentist will treat any gum disease and make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible. Some people have a condition called bruxism, where they grind their teeth at night. Grinding can put extra stress on implants. If you grind your teeth, your dentist may suggest wearing a night guard to protect your implant.

Age is not actually a barrier to getting implants. Older adults can receive implants as long as they are healthy enough for the surgery. Young adults can also get implants, though sometimes dentists recommend waiting until the jawbone has finished growing.

Takeaway: Your dentist will evaluate your jawbone size, overall health, gum health, and healing ability to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Bone loss may require a grafting procedure first, and certain health conditions may affect your suitability.

The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect from Start to Finish

The dental implant journey involves several distinct phases, and understanding each one helps you prepare mentally and practically for the experience. The entire process from consultation to finished implant typically takes four to nine months, though this timeline varies based on individual circumstances.

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The first phase is the consultation and planning stage. During this visit, your dentist examines your mouth, takes X-rays or CT scans, and discusses your medical history. Your dentist will explain the procedure, answer questions, and go over costs. This is when you and your dentist decide whether implants make sense for you and which type would work best. The dentist may also discuss any preparatory work needed, such as treating gum disease or extracting severely damaged teeth.

If bone grafting is needed, this happens next. If you require bone grafting, the dentist or a specialist performs this procedure first. After the graft, you wait several months (typically four to six) for the new bone to integrate with your existing jawbone before the implant can be placed. If no grafting is needed, you move directly to the implant placement surgery.

During implant placement surgery, the dentist makes an incision in your gum to expose the jawbone. Using specialized drills, the dentist creates a hole in the bone and carefully inserts the titanium implant post into it. The gum is then closed with stitches. This surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, though sedation options are available if you prefer. Most people experience some swelling and mild discomfort for a