The only choice for missing teeth used to be removable and fixed dental bridges or removable dentures. Today, the dental implant process and therapy provide a better alternative in nearly all situations.
“Dental implants are improving many of our patients’ lives,” says Dr. Jamie Alexander of Boynton Beach, FL. “When prosthetic teeth are attached to dental implants, the slipping, discomfort and embarrassment commonly associated with dentures is eliminated. Biting strength is restored so you can eat your favorite foods. And, the implant inserted to replace a missing tooth’s roots stimulates the surrounding bone tissue to help maintain the shape and strength of the jawbone”
“Before dental implants, patients suffered from bone resorption,” says Dr. Alexander. “This is a process during which calcium is depleted, bone diminishes, and there are accompanying changes in the gum tissue covering the bone. Their facial structure took on an aged appearance, and their denture or bridge became ill fitting. As a consequence, they had to replace their original denture or bridge with a better fitting one. This could happen multiple times over the years. With dental implant therapy to replace missing teeth, the long-term cost of dentistry is actually lower. This is because prosthetic teeth on dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, and the jawbone doesn’t lose calcium and diminish in size but retains its shape.”
“Most patients don’t realize that dental implant therapy is a conservative approach when compared to traditional crown and bridge treatment,” says Dr. Alexander. “This is because healthy teeth don’t need to be crowned to fix the prosthetic tooth in place. The healthy teeth on either side of the prosthetic tooth remain intact. In the case of a removable partial denture that is held in place by attachments on the adjacent teeth, I often see damage to those adjacent teeth caused by the force of attaching and un-attaching the denture. For these reasons, as well as many additional benefits, I recommend a dental implant to secure a single prosthetic tooth (crown) or multi-tooth prosthesis (bridge) in almost all circumstances.”
“Our patients who have unfortunately lost teeth regain the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that their facial contours are preserved,” says Dr. Alexander.
About Our Dental Implant Process
A dental implant is typically made of titanium, looks somewhat like a screw, and replaces a tooth’s natural roots. It is surgically placed in the jawbone, and the surrounding bone tissue heals tightly around it over a four to six month period. This bone integration process is known called osseointegration. An abutment goes on top of the dental implant. A prosthetic crown or multi-unit bridge can then be attached to the implant abutment. Replacement teeth on dental implants immediately look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They also help maintain bone health and your facial structure. Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable so they last many years. Occasionally, an attachment or prosthesis may need to be retightened or replaced due to normal wear—but with good home oral hygiene and regular dental visits for teeth cleaning and checkups, your dental implant can last the rest of your life.
Stabilizing Full Dentures on Implants
For individuals who have lost all their teeth or will do so soon, a full overdenture can be fixed on as few as four dental implants in either the upper or lower jaw. The quality of life improves dramatically when this is done. This All-on-4 treatment is highly sought after, and Dr. Alexander will be happy to discuss this option with you.
The Dental Implant Process
X-rays and impressions (molds) will be taken of your jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. Dr. Jamie Alexander will collaborate with an oral surgeon to plan and execute your interdisciplinary treatment. You will receive personalized attention every step of the way.
Dental implant surgery is usually carried out under local anesthesia (numbing the area where the implant is to be placed) and is a relatively comfortable procedure. Because Dr. Alexander uses custom implant abutments and prostheses, your gum tissue will be closed over the implant. Since there are no open wounds and the surgery is minimally invasive, there will be little post-operative discomfort.
A single implant usually needs to be left for a period of two to four months to fuse to the bone before a prosthetic crown can be attached. The actual healing time depends upon the bone density at the site of the implant. Low bone density requires a longer period of osseointegration. Following successful bone integration, your gum tissue will be opened and the custom abutment placed on the dental implant. After the gum tissue has healed around the abutment for approximately two months, Dr. Alexander will cement your custom prosthesis in place and make any needed adjustments to make sure your bite and appearance are optimal.
At this point, your replacement tooth or teeth should look and function exactly like healthy normal teeth. You will receive detailed care instructions when your treatment is complete.
Some patients need to have a bone enhancement procedure performed before they can go through the dental implant process. In this case, the oral surgeon performs a bone graft or sinus lift. Although bone enhancement procedures may sound difficult, they are routine and predictable when you are in the care of an oral surgeon. If you need to have a compromised tooth extracted prior to implant therapy, the oral surgeon can often remove the tooth and perform a bone graft at the same time.
Dental implants are titanium roots, that are replaced with in the jawbone to resemble a tooth or group of teeth. A screw is inserted through the gums and into the jawbone. A porcelain crown is then attached to the screw to become the new tooth or teeth. They can be used to support dental prosthesis including crowns, dentures, and bridges. Today’s treatments are so natural looking, no one will know you had surgery. There’s approximately a 95% success rate for all implants. With modern advances in dentistry, some implants can be restored immediately with life like all porcelain crowns. For more details ask your dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
What exactly is a dental implant made of?
A dental implant is a small post, most commonly made of medical-grade titanium, that is placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Titanium is widely used in dentistry because it is strong, lightweight, and biocompatible, meaning the body can accept it naturally. Over time, the implant integrates with the surrounding bone, creating a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
How long does the dental implant process usually take?
The dental implant process is a multi-stage procedure that typically takes several months to complete. After the implant is placed, a healing period is required to allow the bone to fuse with the implant. Once healing is complete, a custom restoration is attached. The exact timeline varies depending on the individual’s bone health, whether extractions or grafting are required, and their healing response.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable dental implant placement feels. Local anesthesia is used during the procedure, and many patients report only mild soreness afterward, similar to the discomfort experienced after having a tooth extracted. Any post-treatment discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief and resolves within a few days.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants are suitable for many adults who are missing one or more teeth and have healthy gums and adequate jawbone support. Patients with certain medical conditions or those experiencing bone loss may still be candidates, but may require additional planning and consideration. A comprehensive dental evaluation is crucial for determining whether implants are suitable and for designing a personalized treatment plan.
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
Leaving a missing tooth untreated can lead to shifting of the surrounding teeth, bite problems, and gradual bone loss in the jaw. Over time, this can affect surrounding teeth and facial structure. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants helps maintain alignment, support jawbone health, and preserve overall oral function.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth. With proper oral hygiene, routine dental visits, and healthy habits, implants can last for many years—often decades. The attached restoration may eventually need replacement due to normal wear, but the implant itself is intended to be durable and stable.
What is the recovery process like after implant placement?
After implant surgery, patients may experience mild swelling or tenderness for a short period of time. Most people return to normal activities within a day or two. During the healing process, patients are advised to follow specific care instructions, maintain good oral hygiene, and attend follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and implant stability.
Can dental implants fail?
While dental implants have a high success rate, no procedure is entirely risk-free. Factors such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, uncontrolled medical conditions, or insufficient bone can increase the risk of complications. Choosing an experienced dentist and following post-treatment instructions can significantly enhance long-term success.
How do dental implants compare to other tooth replacement options?
Dental implants function independently and do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, unlike some other options. They are placed directly into the jawbone, helping maintain bone structure. This makes implants a unique solution for restoring missing teeth while supporting long-term oral health.
How do I get started with dental implants in Boynton Beach, FL?
The first step is to schedule a consultation to discuss your goals, evaluate your oral health, and determine whether dental implants are right for you. Dr. Jamie Alexander provides personalized implant care for patients in Boynton Beach, Florida. To schedule an appointment, call (561) 739-4778.
