Dental Implants

Missing teeth can change the look of your smile and the function of your bite. Dental implants offer a permanent solution and are one of many treatments available from David M. Martinez, DMD, and the team at First Street Family Dentistry in Fort Myers, Florida. Call today to find an appointment time that fits your schedule, or spend a few moments on the online scheduling page.

Why is it important to replace missing teeth?

When you have one or more missing teeth, it certainly changes the appearance of your smile. Many people find themselves smiling less often in an effort to prevent others from viewing their teeth and feel self-conscious in work or social settings. 

But missing teeth also have serious dental health ramifications. Teeth anchor into the underlying jawbone, and the pressure created while chewing stimulates that bone, keeping it healthy. Losing a tooth means losing that stimulation, and the bone can begin to slowly wear away. 

That weakens the connection between adjacent teeth and bone and can cause additional tooth loss. Missing teeth also destabilizes your bite and places undue pressure on your remaining teeth. 

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants replace missing teeth with artificial components. Individual implants consist of a metal post that replaces your tooth root and an artificial crown that replaces the visible portion of the tooth. Some systems rely on a small abutment piece to connect post and crown. 

There are also systems that replace an entire upper or lower arch of missing teeth using just four implanted posts. This approach is a good fit for people who lack the bone tissue needed for multiple individual implants.  

What are the steps involved in getting dental implants?

The planning stage is an important part of the process. Digital imaging provides the specifications needed to craft your customized treatment plan, including the precise angle of post placement. 

On the day of your procedure, your dentist administers a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. An incision in your gums allows access to the underlying bone, and drilling a small pilot hole guides post placement. Then, your dentist closes the gums around the post, and a period of healing begins. 

Your bone tissue slowly fuses to the metal post, creating a strong bond that not only secures the implant in place, but also preserves your bone health by restoring stimulation. After a few months, you return to have the crown attached, which completes the restoration. Over the coming weeks, your gum tissue adheres to the sides of the crown. 

If you’re ready to learn more, call the office to book a visit. Online booking offers a convenient way to check appointment availability. You’ll learn whether dental implants are a good fit for your needs, and what to expect in terms of treatment timing and expense.