Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Dental Implants

Questions for Your Lithia, FL Dentist

We are happy to answer questions about our services and procedures.

These are a selection of some common questions that patients have. If your question isn't answered here, please contact our office. It's important to us that our patients understand their dental care.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are intended to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.

One of the advantages of this is that you can brush them and floss them the same as you would with your regular teeth. While implants never get cavities (and never need root canals), you still want to continue brushing and flossing to keep your natural teeth and your gums healthy.

Why Care Still Matters

While the implant itself cannot decay, the health of your gums and surrounding bone is critical to its success. Brushing and flossing are essential to prevent gum disease, which can weaken the foundation of the implant if left untreated. By keeping your mouth clean, you ensure your implant stays strong for a lifetime.

Keep Your Restoration Radiant

Whether you already have an implant or are considering one, we are here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule a visit with Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry today!

Dental implants are often considered the gold standard for tooth replacement because they mimic the entire structure of a natural tooth, from the root to the crown.

Dental implants have several advantages over other tooth replacement options:

  • Natural Appearance: Dental implants appear the most life-like and natural.
  • Superior Stability and Function: The actual implant piece of the dental implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible metal.
  • Protection Against Bone Loss: Dental implants prevent bone loss, keeping your jaw tissue healthy and preventing changes in the shape of your face.
  • A Permanent Solution: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Reclaim Your Confident Smile

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants can restore both your oral health and your quality of life. Our experts are ready to help you determine if you are a candidate for this life-changing procedure. Schedule a consultation today!

A dental implant is a titanium post that mimics your missing tooth’s roots. When we surgically place it into your jaw, it stimulates your jawbone just as your natural tooth does. That way, you won’t experience jawbone deterioration or other negative side effects of losing teeth.

How Implants Restore Oral Health

In addition to preventing bone loss, dental implants can improve your oral health in the following ways:

  • Prevents shifting: Replacing your missing teeth can keep your other teeth from shifting into the open spaces.
  • Improves hygiene: Empty tooth sockets can trap food and bacteria, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Restores function: Dental implants make it possible to bite down and chew all your favorite foods.
  • Maintains facial shape: Gaps in your smile can cause your face to sag and look sunken. Dental implants can help you avoid this issue.

Considering Dental Implants in Lithia, FL?

If you have missing teeth and would like to discuss what dental implants can do for your smile, we’re just a phone call away! At Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry, we think you deserve a smile you’ll be proud to show others, and dental implants can restore your smile and oral health.

Please call our office at (813) 438-5925 to learn more.

Successful dental implant treatment requires a series of steps. In this FAQ, we walk you through what to expect:

Dental Implants Procedure in Lithia, FL: The Steps

  • Initial Consultation: At this stage, you meet with the dentist to determine your candidacy, costs, and whether you require pre-implant procedures, such as gum treatment or bone grafting. This is also a great time to share any concerns with the dentist. 
  • Pre-Implant Procedures (In Some Cases): If you require pre-treatments, the dentist will handle them before your implant surgery. 
  • Dental Implant Surgery: On the day of your implant surgery, we ensure you’re comfortable and use image-guided technology to place the dental implant roots securely into the jawbone. 
  • Recovery and Integration: Over the next few months, the implant posts integrate into the jawbone, creating a stable environment for your replacement smile. 
  • New Tooth or Prosthetic Placement: We can place a single tooth crown or (using up to six implants) secure a custom denture to the jaw.

After the final step, you’re free to enjoy your new smile. 

Schedule Your Tooth Replacement Consultation Today

To learn more or to schedule a consultation with the dentist, call us today to get started.

It’s impossible to predict completely who will be a good candidate for dental implants without an evaluation in our dental office. 

However, the ideal candidate will:

  • Have healthy teeth and gums
  • Be in good or fair general health
  • Be a non-smoker
  • Have adequate jawbone

It’s important to remember that the above list (if you meet some of the criteria) does not rule you out for dental implants. 

Sometimes, you’ll require pretreatments, such as bone grafting, to help make implants a reality. 

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots surgically implanted in the jawbone. These new roots integrate into the bone and provide a solid foundation for replacement teeth or a fixed prosthetic

A dental implant can be a single (one tooth root and one custom dental crown), a fixed denture, or a bridge. For a fixed denture, we use approximately six dental implants. For a fixed bridge, we use approximately one. 

Fixed prosthetics are ideal for significant tooth loss because you don’t need a single implant for every lost tooth. 

Are You a Dental Implant Candidate in Lithia, FL?

To learn more or to schedule a consultation with the dentist, call us today to get started. 

We are happy to work with Cherry and CareCredit financing.

Are You Ready to Book Your Next Dental Visit?