Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants
Living with missing teeth can be a debilitating and embarrassing ordeal. Not only does tooth loss hinder your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, but it may also put your health at risk. Untreated tooth loss leaves you vulnerable to a host of oral health issues that can negatively affect the rest of your body.
Tooth loss is a common dental issue that affects millions of Americans. Fortunately, advancements in modern dentistry mean you don’t have to settle for non-permanent treatments that may fall out, need frequent replacement, and may not protect your oral health. At Comfy Smile Dental, Dr. Cortes is proud to offer durable dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth made of three parts:
- Titanium fixture: The foundation that mimics the root of the tooth.
- Abutment: The piece that connects the replacement tooth to the fixture.
- Restoration: The replacement for the missing tooth connected to the fixture by the abutment.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a number of advantages over non-implant solutions like traditional dentures and bridges, such as:
- Stability — The titanium fixture is surgically inserted into your jawbone, where it fuses to the bone through a process called osseointegration.
- Durability — Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
- Health Benefits – Dental implants provide added protection against tooth loss related health issues such as loss of jawbone density (resorption) and TMJ (temporomandibular disorder).
- Natural Appearance – Our stunning dental crowns sit atop your titanium implant and are the only part of your restoration visible above the gum line. They look and feel as comfortable as your natural teeth, so you can smile with confidence.
- Easy Care – Caring for your implants is easy — simply brush twice a day, floss once a day, and rinse between meals to keep your implants clean. We also strongly recommend visiting our Davie, FL office at least twice a year for routine dental exams.
The Dental Implant Process
- You’ll attend an initial consultation with Dr. Cortes during which he’ll give you a thorough dental exam, review your medical history, and discuss your budget and oral health goals with you. With the information he collects during your consultation, Dr. Cortes will be able to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants.
- At your next appointment, we’ll prepare your mouth for implant placement surgery by applying a local anesthetic. This will help ensure you don’t feel any pain while Dr. Cortes works.
- Once we’ve ensured the anaesthetic is working properly, Dr. Cortes will make a small incision into your gums where the titanium fixture will be inserted.
- Next, he’ll insert the titanium fixture into your jawbone through the incision. You’ll return for your next appointment once the osseointegration process is complete. This may take anywhere from three to six months, but the timeframe can vary based on several oral health factors.
- When you return for your final appointment, Dr. Cortes will attach your restoration to the titanium fixture with an abutment piece.
- After Dr. Cortes has made any necessary adjustments, you’ll be able to walk out of our Davie office with your new smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideal candidates for dental implants have sufficient bone density and overall good oral health. If you’re interested in dental implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cortes by calling (954) 251-0804. He’ll examine your oral health and determine the best plan of care.
To help your implants heal properly, you’ll need to avoid certain foods and drinks for up to two weeks. Before eating again, allow your anesthetic to wear off. This will prevent you from unknowingly biting down too hard and damaging your lips, cheeks, tongue, or your new implants.
When you do start eating again, stick to soft foods like:
- Jell-O
- Soft and ripe fruit
- Cooked vegetables
- Soup
- Smoothies
- Cooked pasta
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
As for what you should drink, stick to liquids that are:
- Low on sugar
- Non-carbonated
- Room temperature
- Non-alcoholic
Following these rules for at least two weeks after your dental implant surgery will reduce tooth sensitivity, help preserve your dental implants, and keep the healing process on schedule.
Dental implants can replace as little as one tooth or as many as a full set. If you choose to get a full set, you’ll need as little as four implants to secure a complete smile. If you’re interested in completing your smile, contact our office by calling (954) 251-0804.
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. They are the most advanced method of restoring your smile because they’re more resilient and durable than bridges and dentures.
By following a regular oral hygiene routine and scheduling biannual checkups and cleanings with Dr. Cortes, you can expect your implant to last a lifetime.
Dental Implants For Lifelong, Healthy Smiles
With dental implants, you can have a permanent tooth loss solution that preserves your oral health and well being and allows you to take pride in your smile. To learn more about dental implants, or to schedule a consultation at our Davie office, call us at (954) 251-0804 or request an appointment. Dr. Cortes and his skilled team are happy and eager to assist you in completing your smile.