Dental implants are a way to replace missing teeth. They help restore your ability to chew and speak properly and prevent issues with your bite and gums. These implants are titanium screws that Dr. Rebecca Benedict places in your jawbone. Dr. Benedict is trained in implant surgery and can place one or more implants at her dental office in Tampa, FL.
If needed, Dr. Benedict can also perform bone grafting. This procedure ensures there’s enough bone in your jaw to support the implant. She works closely with each patient to make sure they’re a good fit for implants and helps them replace missing teeth permanently. Whether you’re missing just one tooth or several, dental implants can be a great solution.
Why Choose Dr. Benedict for Your Implants?
Dr. Benedict is highly skilled in using implants to secure dentures and other restorations. She earned her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale and then continued her education in implant dentistry.
She’s an active member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) and keeps up with the latest in implant technology and techniques. Dr. Benedict’s approach to care is focused on providing effective, personalized treatment for each patient.
Our dental implants offer many advantages for replacing missing teeth, including:
- Replacing the Tooth Root: Implants replace both the root and the visible part of the tooth.
- Strong and Stable: Because they bond with your jawbone, implants provide a strong anchor for dental restorations like crowns or dentures. They won’t move around when you talk or chew.
- Improving Your Smile: Implants fill in gaps left by missing teeth, giving you a complete, beautiful smile.
- Restoring Facial Shape: Implants help maintain the natural shape of your face by providing support to the surrounding structures.
- Long-Lasting Solution: Implants are very durable and can last for many years. While you may need to replace the attached crown, bridge, or denture eventually, the implant itself stays in place permanently with proper care.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
You might be a good candidate for dental implants without even knowing it. Implants are a great option for adults with one or more missing teeth.
Before starting implant treatment, Dr. Benedict will check if you have enough jawbone to support the implant. If not, she might suggest bone grafting to add healthy bone tissue where needed.
She will also make sure your mouth is in good health, addressing any gum disease or tooth decay first. Even if you already have a bridge or denture, implants might be a better, more stable option if you’re tired of your current restoration slipping around in your mouth.
If you think dental implants could be right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Benedict to discuss your options.
Dental Implants in Tampa, FL
A dental implant is a titanium screw that acts like a new tooth root. It connects to an abutment piece, which then attaches to a dental crown, bridge, or denture. This setup replaces the missing part of your tooth with a secure, natural-looking false tooth.
Dr. Benedict makes sure patients are ready for treatment by making sure they are in good oral health and that they have enough bone to support the implants.
Placement
After placing the dental implants, it takes a few months for each titanium post to bond with the jawbone. Dr. Benedict will provide healing caps to protect the implants during this time.
To help the healing process, avoid smoking, using straws, or spitting, as these actions can slow down recovery. Keep up with brushing and flossing, but be careful around the surgical site.
Impression
Dr. Benedict will take an impression of your teeth to create your custom implant-supported restoration. She can make custom dental crowns right in her office using CEREC and CAD/CAM software. With this technology, she creates a 3D image of the crown and then manufactures it from that digital model.
For dental bridges or partial and complete dentures, Dr. Benedict works with local labs. She sends them an impression of your mouth, and the lab technicians create the custom restoration based on her specifications.
Abutments
After about three to six months, Dr. Benedict will check your implants to see if they have fully healed. If you need more time to heal, we will schedule another follow-up appointment. Once the healing is complete, Dr. Benedict will place the abutments. These pieces connect the implant post to the dental restoration.
Final Restoration
After your gums have healed, Dr. Benedict will place the custom crown, bridge, or denture. She ensures the restoration looks and feels natural, making adjustments as needed to ensure a proper fit.
Dental Implant FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about dental implants and implant-supported restorations.
Can I Smoke After Getting Dental Implants?
While you technically can smoke two months after getting your implant, we strongly advise against it. Even after your implants have healed, smoking or using tobacco is still risky. Tobacco use can increase your chances of getting gum and tooth infections around the implants.
If you continue to smoke, you might develop peri-implantitis, an infection that inflames the tissue around your implants. This can cause the implant to loosen.
How Painful Is Dental Implant Surgery?
You won’t feel pain during dental implant surgery because we’ll numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. You might feel some pressure, but not pain.
We also offer sedation if needed. After the surgery, you’ll need pain medication as you heal. Eating soft foods can also help minimize discomfort during recovery.
When Can I Get Dental Implants After a Tooth Extraction?
You’ll need to wait about 10 weeks to three months after a tooth extraction before getting dental implants. This allows time for your soft tissues to heal properly before the implant surgery. However, don’t wait too long, as the jawbone can begin to shrink without the support of a tooth.
Restore Your Teeth Today
Are you missing teeth and want a fuller, natural-looking smile? Consider dental implants from Historic Hyde Park Dentistry. Call Dr. Benedict and her team in Tampa, FL, at 813-733-6981 today.
You can also schedule an appointment online. If you have any questions about dental implants, Dr. Benedict will be happy to help.