Are Dental Implants Right for You?

So, you have a missing tooth, or maybe a few, and you’re looking to see what your best treatment option is. Are we right?! We know missing teeth can be a point of stress, concern, and even embarrassment for many individuals, but the good news is you’re not alone, and all of us at Fine Dentistry of Downtown Orlando are here to help!

Having a missing tooth or missing teeth is actually more common than you might think, with the American Dental Association reporting that 120 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth, and more than 36 million Americans are edentulous, which means they are missing all of their teeth (ADA, 2023). So find comfort in knowing there are literally millions of other Americans going through the same thing as you. We know that doesn’t resolve the issue, but that’s where our expertise comes into play. Let’s take a look at what your options are so you can move forward with confidence!

The Basics – What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a small, screw like titanium post that acts as a substitute for the root of your tooth and are an anchor for the prosthetic; crown, bridge, etc. that is later attached. They are often the preferred method to treat tooth loss because they are able to not only function the same as natural teeth and solve the cosmetic issue, but they combat jawbone deterioration by stimulating the nerves in your jawbone, preventing additional problems bone loss would inevitably cause.

The Different Types of Dental Implant Restorations

We have more good news, if you’re in the Orlando area and are looking for dental implant restorations, we have you covered! At Fine Dentistry of Downtown Orlando, we have a wide variety of options for the restoration that goes on top of your implant. Let’s do a quick overview of your options!

Single Tooth Crowns: It may be obvious from the name, but single tooth crowns are typically the best option when, well, you’re only missing one individual tooth! A crown is a ceramic prosthetic that attaches to the abutment, which is attached at the top of the implant body. A crown is able to function the same as a natural tooth, and is able to be matched to the color of the rest of your teeth, making it virtually identical to the look of the natural tooth that was in its place before.

Dental Bridges: When you are missing multiple teeth in a row, we typically suggest multiple tooth dental bridges. Another *surprising* fact here, bridges work to quite literally bridge the gap from one remaining tooth to another. However, unlike conventional bridges that only rely on the natural teeth for support, implant supported bridges are able to cover wide spaces from multiple missing teeth because of the support they receive from the implants. We are often able to replace several teeth in a row with as few as two implants, one at each end of the gap, but can add additional implants in between as needed.

Implant Supported Overdentures: This is an option that is great if you’re looking for the affordability that comes with traditional dentures but would like a little more security than they typically offer. Overdentures are a type of denture that snap onto dental implants in order to keep them securely in place throughout the day, and can be removed for cleaning at night. The benefit here is that overdentures can work with as little as 2 dental implants, and because of the security and stability the implants provide, there’s no need for difficult and messy adhesive!

The Benefits and Risks

Like everything in life, there are risks associated with dental implants. Though the risk is low and not something that should deter you from the possibility of dental implants, we want to make sure you’re educated on the full scope of what dental implants may entail. Let’s start with the risks to get that out of the way before we cover all of the great benefits implants can offer.

Risks of Dental Implants:

• Potential damage to the surrounding tissues and / or natural teeth.
• Poor function resulting in the feeling that the teeth do not bite together normally.
• An abutment screw could come loose, giving the feeling that your tooth is loose or even twisting about in place.
• Numbness post-surgery from possible nerve damage.
• Implant failure.

Benefits of Dental Implants:

• They restore your ability to chew properly.
• Prevents the jawbone from deteriorating.
• Keeps the surrounding gum and bone healthy.
• They help to stabilize nearby teeth.
• Improved nutrition – being able to bite and chew properly allows you the ability to eat those nutritious foods. A nice juicy apple anyone?!
• Enhance aesthetics, no missing teeth or sunken facial appearance.
• Improves confidence and mental health.
• They are easy maintain; you simply care for them the same as you would your natural teeth! 
• Improves your overall health!

See, we told you the guaranteed benefits would outweigh the possible risks! (Food & Drug Administration, 2023).

Okay, so are dental implants right for me?

We promise, we’re getting there! Dental implants are a great solution for many individuals suffering from tooth loss, but it’s not one size fits all. What might be a great option for one patient might not be for the next. There are a few ways to identify whether or not they’re right for you.

1. Do you have enough bone? For dental implants to be successful, there needs to be enough bone to support them. If you have been missing a tooth or teeth for some time, it’s possible you have suffered bone loss in your jaw, making it too weak to support an implant. There is a solution to this however, your doctor may suggest a bone graft to help build the bone up enough to support and implant.

2. How is your overall health? This is an important factor when determining whether or not a patient is a good candidate for a dental implant. Your health could effect how long it takes you to heal or have an impact on your risk for infection.

3. Are you a smoker? If so, it’s important to be aware that smoking can have a big impact on not only the healing process, but the long term success of your dental implant!

Of course, the only way to be absolutely sure if dental implants are right for you is to consult with your dentist. At Fine Dentistry, our team is here to answer all of your questions and stand by your side throughout your decision-making process, so give us a call at 407-777-2071 or schedule a consultation today to get started!