An Introduction to Dental Implant Procedures in Tampa Florida

Dental implants can often be the best and most natural tooth replacement option. Dental implant procedures involve placing a titanium implant into the jaw bone, to replace a missing or extracted tooth, and attaching a ceramic crown once the bone has fused to the implant, securing it in place.

The methods of achieving this are varied, according to the condition of the implant site. The fastest procedure is done in a single day and can be performed if a tooth is replaced in a healthy gum over good bone. Many dental implant procedures involve grafting, or growing new bone, and can take six months or more to reach the end of treatment, as it is completed in stages.

If a tooth is broken or is decayed and needs to be removed, as long as the surrounding gum and bone is healthy and strong, the implant can be placed on the same day as the tooth is extracted. A permanent crown is usually placed about 4 months later, once the bone has healed around the implant- creating a stable, long-lasting base.

Typical implant placement occurs in stages. Often if a molar or larger tooth is removed, bone grafting may need to be completed due to the size of the tooth socket prior to placing the implant “post” into the bone. Bone grafting can be done with many different methods, but the common method now is to use bone from a cadaver source or an animal source to replace the missing bone. This stimulates the patient’s own bone to grow and the new osteoblasts replace the grafted bone. After this process, it may take several months, usually 3-5 months, to grow enough new bone to support the placement of a dental implant. Once the bone has completed healing the placement stage is next. The dental implant is placed into the jawbone and left to fuse for approximately 4 months. After the implant has fully fused in the bone, a post, called an abutment, is placed onto the implant. Impressions are then taken of the implant abutment and teeth and a beautiful new crown made to match the existing teeth, which can be cemented or screwed onto the abutment and implant.

If the bone structure is not suitable, another option may be the subperiosteal dental implant procedure, where a custom-fit plate is made to sit between the jawbone and the gum. Measurements may be taken by CAT scan or by exposing the jawbone and taking a cast.

A consultation with your Tampa dentist will tell you which is the right dental implant procedure for you.

Call Florida Special Care Dentistry for all of your dental needs – (813) 251-2314.