Dental Implants — Daytona Beach, FL

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

We begin by conduction an initial consultation, which allows our team to examine the oral and facial structures and determine the current state of your smile. Using a 3D Cone Beam Scanner, we can capture digital images of your nerves, bone, jaw, teeth, gums, joints, and other areas of the craniofacial region. Compiling this diagnostic information, we can prepare a treatment plan that details your future implant placement. If necessary, we may recommend preliminary treatments to maximize your chances for successful dental implant placement. These preparatory services may include removing one or more damaged teeth, placing a tissue graft, or providing oral health renewing services like gum disease treatment.

Dental Implant Surgery

Once your smile is prepared, we’ll schedule your surgical dental implant placement procedure, which is performed in-house by our very own implant dentist in Daytona Beach. This treatment involves numbing the area around the lost tooth. Then, Dr. Silva will make a small incision in the gums and place the dental implant into the jawbone. Ensuring it is angled correctly for maximum support, he’ll attach a protective cap to the top of the implant post. This cap keeps the soft tissue in the appropriate shape to accommodate the replacement tooth or teeth.

Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment

Once Dr. Silva has completed the surgical procedure, you will be required to spend the next 3-6 months recovering at home. Making sure to follow all the instructions provided by our team, you will need to be mindful of keeping up with your oral hygiene routine and allowing osseointegration to complete. This is the process of your dental implants in Daytona Beach fusing with the bone and surrounding tissues.

When the implant is anchored in place, you’ll return to our office where we’ll place the abutment(s) that attach the final restoration to the implant posts.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations

Once the abutment(s) are in place, we’ll design the crown, bridge, or denture. Based on the impressions we will take of your smile during your initial consultation, lab technicians will work to replicate the color, size, and shape of your regular teeth to ensure a natural appearance when put into place. Once your restoration arrives at our office, you’ll return to have it permanently affixed, creating your newer, healthier, more vibrant smile.

Day-to-Day Benefits

• Chew Foods with Ease. Patients who have had traditional dentures for awhile or who are just starting to get used to having them in their mouth may have difficulty properly chewing their favorite foods, like steak and crusty breads. Not only can this affect your ability to absorb vital nutrition, but it can also mean that you miss out on basic things that make you happy in your life. With dental implants, you won’t have to worry about instability making it hard to chew your foods, because your restoration will be anchored to strong, durable dental implants that are fused with your jawbone.
• Boost Your Confidence. A smile that looks and feels completely natural will definitely boost your confidence. For important events like weddings, job interviews, and social gatherings with friends, having a grin that helps you exude confidence is incredibly important!
• Enhanced Speaking Ability. In addition to being able to properly chew your food, dental implants will also make it easier to speak. Because of the unmatched stability that they offer, you won’t have to worry about your restoration slipping and causing you to slur your words, creating an embarrassing moment for everyone involved.

Health Benefits

• Jawbone Preservation. Your jawbone supports your mouth, facial structure, and your teeth. Once the roots of your teeth are no longer providing the structure with vital stimulation and blood flow, it will begin to deteriorate. Due to the biocompatible nature of dental implants, they’re able to fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration and prevent jawbone erosion.
• Protection for Surrounding Teeth. If you’re missing one or multiple teeth along an arch, replacing them is important in order to maintain the alignment of your surrounding teeth. By restoring them with dental implants, not only will you not have to alter any of the surrounding teeth, but they’ll also maintain the alignment of your arch.
• Better Overall Health. Having gaps in your smile can provide hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in your mouth that can easily collect plaque, tartar, and food debris that attracts oral bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities. These issues can also put you at a higher risk of medical conditions as well. By closing the spaces in your smile, you’ll easily be able to brush and floss these harmful substances away.

Long-Term Benefits

• Long Lifespan. With the proper maintenance, your dental implants can last for over 35 years. That’s four times longer than traditional restorations!
• Prevention of Sagging. Patients who wear dentures or partials may notice that overtime, their cheeks and face begin to start sagging, making them age prematurely. This is due to jawbone erosion because there’s nothing stimulating the structure. Since dental implants are able to prevent bone deterioration, you won’t have to worry about this issue!
• Cost-Effectiveness. Due to the impressive lifespan of dental implants, you won’t have to visit your implant dentist in Daytona Beach as frequently, saving you money and valuable time. All you need to do is visit our team every six months for your routine checkup and cleaning, and keep brushing and flossing at home each day.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Practically any adult with missing teeth can get dental implants! As long as your mouth is free of oral health issues like tooth decay or gum disease and your jawbone is strong, we can move ahead with your treatment. However, many of our patients aren’t good candidates for dental implants initially. Thankfully, we offer a wide range of service including everything from periodontal therapy to tooth extractions, to help you overcome whatever issues are standing between you and your journey towards a complete smile.

Once you’ve healed from any necessary preliminary treatments, we’ll plan out your tooth replacement treatment. How many implant posts and what type of final restoration you’ll need will depend on the extent of your tooth loss.

Missing 1 Tooth

 A biocompatible titanium implant post is surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the root. This stimulates the jaw to encourage new bone growth to create a secure foundation for the dental crown. An abutment is attached to the post to connect a custom-made restoration. Although it requires surgery, it has the potential to last for a lifetime.

Missing Multiple Teeth

A traditional bridge is a tooth replacement prosthetic used to restore the smile after the loss of one tooth or several teeth in a row. The replacement tooth or teeth will be attached to two dental crowns, one on each side. Then, the crowns are affixed to surrounding healthy teeth, recreating the smile. An implant retained bride is similarly crafted, but rather than attaching to surrounding healthy teeth, implant bridges are connected to two dental implant posts.

Missing All Teeth

If you are missing all or most of your teeth throughout an arch, an implant-supported complete denture could be perfect for you. Both fixed and removable implant dentures are available.

Learn More About All-On-4 Learn More About Implant Dentures

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

There is no easy answer to how much you can expect to pay for dental implants without first scheduling a consultation. The amount you pay is determined by your individual treatment plan. You need a consultation with your dentist to ensure you are a candidate for dental implants. Digital x-rays and a CT scan are taken during your appointment to assess the health of your jawbone and to determine the precise location for the placement of your posts. If it is discovered that you require preliminary treatments (i.e., periodontal therapy, tooth extraction, bone grafting), these will be added to the total cost.

Your dental implant surgery will also be included. Fortunately, Dr. Silva is capable of completing the entire dental implant process from start to finish in our office. As an implant dentist in Daytona Beach, his ability to keep the surgery in-house will make it less cumbersome to try and pay multiple professionals for their work.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

Dental implants are similar to any other product in that there are usually different kinds that perform the same function. The type of implant you receive will ultimately be up to your dentist; however, the price your pay is largely based on the materials used, the location of the implant(s), and how many implants you will need.

Most dental implants in Daytona Beach are made out of titanium or zirconia. Depending on where they are to be located inside your mouth, you may need short or long implant posts. Their brand can also make a dramatic difference in the price of your overall treatment, but if you are concerned about it becoming too high, remember that cheaper isn’t always better and discuss your budget with your dentist. It is our job to listen and explain exactly what will be used to create your new smile so that you are fully informed when making the right decision about your dental health.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

Want to save money by choosing dental implants? While this may sound impossible because of the high price tag that comes with the upfront cost, it is actually true that you can experience greater cost savings by opting for these permanent prosthetics. Here’s how:

• Your implant dentist will carefully place each implant to ensure maximum stability. As a result, you will not need to worry about replacing your prosthetic every 5-7 years like you would a denture or dental bridge.
• You will not be required to purchase dental adhesives to hold your implants in place. They’re already fused with the bone and surrounding tissues.
• You won’t need special cleaning solutions to maintain your dental implants. All you require is a soft-bristled toothbrush, non-abrasive toothpaste, and dental floss.

By choosing to move forward with dental implant surgery, you’ll be pleased to know that completing your smile and getting rid of the gaps can extend your lifespan and create a healthier, happier lifestyle. Systemic diseases are commonly associated with tooth loss, so it’s best to replace these teeth with dental implants and minimize your risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or even osteoporosis.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Your dental insurance will not cover the entire procedure, but it can be used to pay for certain aspects of your treatment after you pay your yearly deductible. Depending on your policy, it can lower the cost of the CT scan, anesthesia, and restorations until you reach your annual limit. We work on your behalf with your insurance company to maximize the value of your policy to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

In an effort to keep your dental implants in Daytona Beach affordable, we are pleased to welcome third-party financing to cover any remaining balance. Based on your credit approval, you are given the funds you need through CareCredit or Lending Club. You then repay the balance using a payment plan that accommodates your budget.

We also offer an in-office discount plan that is designed for individuals without dental insurance. Paying one low annual fee, you will receive discounts on various services that are designed to help you repair, restore, and maintain your smile.

CT Cone Beam Scanner

A CT Cone Beam Scanner is an advanced piece of technology designed to capture a 3D X-ray of your entire skull, not solely your mouth. While this device can capture your teeth and gums like a digital X-ray would, it takes it a step further by capturing even more information about your many oral structures. This includes your sinus pathways, nerves, blood vessels, and other areas that we deem important for treatment planning. Because of the increased strength, cone beam scanners do emit slightly more radiation, however, our office takes all the precautions to ensure your safety and health at all times. In less than one minute, we can collect all the information we need to successfully perform your treatment.

Guided Dental Implant Surgery

Guided surgery refers to procedures that use diagnostic CT scans prior to treatment. Once we’ve captured the detailed scan of your skull, we can produce what is called a radiological template. This template is worn in the patient’s mouth and followed by an additional scan from our device. Afterwards, we’ll send this scan to a specialized laboratory so they can create a surgical drilling guide. During your actual surgery, such as dental implant placement, you’ll wear this guide.

Guided surgery is most ideal for patients who need to have multiple dental implants placed, however, they may also be provided when placing single dental implants. With the help of multiple CT scans and a surgical guide, we can improve overall treatment planning, make your surgery more predictable, confirm the presence of bone loss, and determine the exact locations of sensitive oral structures. This includes low sinus cavities and nerve canals. Overall, planning treatment in this way ensures that no damage is done during the actual placement of the implants.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Because dental implants fuse to your jawbone to become a permanent part of your body, they can last up to 30 years and even a lifetime with proper care. At Lakeside Daytona Dentist, we place dental implants with the goal of maximizing their longevity. After receiving them, you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to prevent oral health issues from occurring. Also, you should attend routine visits to our office to maintain the health of your implants, teeth, and gums.

Does Getting Dental Implant Surgery Hurt?

Many hear about the process of placing titanium in their jaw and automatically think it’s painful. However, we make sure you’re completely numb and comfortable before starting the process. Your jawbone also doesn’t contain any pain-sensing nerves, which makes the procedure much more comfortable than it seems. Patients will typically feel the most pain after the treatment is complete, but this can typically be managed by medication.

What Can Cause Dental Implants to Fail?

Dental implant failures are uncommon, but they can happen. Usually, this is for one of two reasons:

• Peri-implantitis: This is a form of gum disease that develops as a result of poor oral hygiene and can damage the bone and gum tissues supporting the implant.
• Failed osseointegration: Occasionally, the dental implant may fail to integrate with the jawbone, especially when a patient has low jawbone density to begin with.

Other causes of dental implant failure include chronic teeth grinding, tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, some medications, radiation to the head and neck, and certain health conditions, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. You will be provided with guidelines in order to minimize your risk of dental implant failure.

Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?

The good news is that there is no upper age limit for dental implants once your jawbone has fully developed. Instead of age, we consider the health of your gums and jawbone, medical conditions that you have, and other factors. However, seniors may be more likely to have other health issues that complicate dental implant treatment. You can find out if you would make a good candidate by seeing us for a consultation.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Dental Implant Surgery?

The day after your placement procedure, you should be able to resume most of your normal activities. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise for the first week or two to prevent delayed healing. Bleeding should cease after the first couple of days, and swelling should stop after three to four days. Be sure that you are taking prescribed and/or over-the-counter relievers as directed. It will take up to six months for your implants to completely fuse with your jawbone.

Can I Get Dental Implants If I’m Diabetic?

If your diabetes is under control, your odds of dental implant success are generally comparable to patients who are nondiabetic. On the other hand, uncontrolled diabetes can slow down the healing process and make it more difficult for your implants to integrate with your jawbone successfully. If you have diabetes but are interested in getting dental implants, talk to your primary care physician or endocrinologist about getting your blood sugar levels under control beforehand.

Care Immediately After Surgery

It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort after your implant posts are placed. To prevent unexpected surprises while you recover, here is what you can expect:

• Bleeding:Slight bleeding or blood-tinged saliva is normal for the first 24 hours after the surgery. If bleeding is excessive, bite on a piece of gauze for 30 minutes.
• Swelling:Swelling and bruising are common, but you can minimize it by applying a cold compress to the outside of your mouth as needed.
• Pain:Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to manage your discomfort.
• Activity:Avoid any strenuous activities for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
• Medications:Take any prescribed medications as recommended by your dentist.
• Diet:It is best to stick to a soft diet, like smoothies and soup for a few days. You can slowly resume your normal diet but avoid anything that may cause irritation to the surgical sites, like hard or spicy foods.

You need to keep your mouth clean to remove harmful bacteria, but you do not want to use a toothbrush and floss to clean the posts quite yet. Instead, the night after surgery, rinse your mouth with a warm salt water or a rinse that is recommended by your dentist. Carefully brush and floss any remaining natural teeth but be careful you do not injure or irritate the surgical sites.

While you heal, it is not common to have complications; however, if something unexpected happens, such as excessive pain or bleeding, do not hesitate to contact our office right away.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

The biggest threat to the success of dental implants is an infection. You can reduce this risk by brushing and flossing your teeth and dental implants every day. Pay extra attention when cleaning around the abutments and posts. When flossing, cross the floss around the abutment to form an X and slide it back and forth to remove harmful plaque and bacteria. If you have difficulty, you may find a water flosser easier to use.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Another way to prevent infection around your dental implants is to eat a healthy diet. Sugary foods and carbohydrates fuel the bacteria in your mouth, which could eventually cause them to attack the supportive tissues that help hold your dental implant in place. Instead, eat plenty of foods with calcium to help keep your jawbone and the foundation of your dental implants strong. Also, eat foods with vitamin C to promote healthy gum tissue that can fight off infection.

Break Bad Habits

There are a range of bad habits that have the potential to dramatically reduce the lifespan of your dental implants. If you practice any of these destructive habits, now is the time to quit!

• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Chewing on hard objects like ice, pen caps, or your fingernails
• Using your teeth as tools to open packages, bottles, and containers

Protect Your Dental Implants

A dental implant could be knocked loose by a blow to the face or from exposure to long-term teeth grinding. If you play contact sports or another recreational activity that runs the risk of sustaining a dental injury, make sure you wear a custom-made sports mouthguard to keep your dental implant and remaining teeth safe. If you grind your teeth at night, which is a condition called bruxism, you should wear a custom-made nightguard to relax your jaw and minimize unnecessary pressure on your dental implant.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

In addition to these habits and precautions at home, do not forget to visit us at least twice a year for routine cleanings and checkups. These regular visits allow us to monitor your dental implant and the health of your remaining teeth, so we can spot any potential issues as early as possible. Or better yet, prevent them from developing in the first place! With a proactive approach, you can rest assured your new smile will last for a lifetime.