Dental Implants
If you're missing a tooth, you might hide your smile. But did you know tooth loss can affect your oral health and even cause bone loss?
Dental implants are the only treatment that replaces an entire missing tooth, providing unparalleled health benefits to the patient.
Learn why Drs. Gerald W. Bird and Jay A. Johnson in Cocoa, FL, recommend implants over other options...
Three Great Reasons to Get Dental Implants
Dental implants are rooted in the jawbone, just like your natural teeth. But what advantages does this offer over tooth replacement options like dental bridges?
Eat with Confidence
With dental implants, you can feel confident biting into and chewing all types of foods. Your restorations are anchored firmly in the jaw, so they will not move out of place if you eat chewy or crunchy foods.
Maintain Your Jawbone Health
Do you know that a missing tooth or teeth can cause your underlying bone to shrink? This can result in dental health problems and an aged appearance. Dental implants can stop bone loss due to missing teeth.
Durability
If you maintain good oral health, your dental implants can last a lifetime. Patients who exercise a good oral care routine at home, visit the dentist every six months, and don’t smoke can prolong the longevity of their implants.
"It was a great experience. Everyone was nice, friendly and helpful. I had two dental implants and everything turned out so well. I never had any pain or problems. I rate it a top 10 experience!" Kathy Hartigh - 5-Star Review on Healthgrades
The Stages of the Dental Implant Treatment Process
The process of having dental implants placed takes a few months. However, with proper care, they can provide a lifetime of support for your dental prosthetics, whether they are attached to crowns, bridges, or dentures. Learn what to expect when undergoing this dental treatment with our dentists and oral surgeons and how we can ensure treatment matches your budget.
Sedation for a More Pleasant Implant Surgery Experience
If you are experiencing anxiety or you are especially sensitive to dental treatment, we offer intravenous (IV) sedation, which induces a deep feeling of relaxation during your implant procedure.
Osseointegration and Healing
During the next four to six months, the dental implant or implants will integrate with the surrounding hard and soft tissues. During this time, it is important to maintain good oral health and not smoke to encourage healing.
Placement of Your Abutment and Restoration
When the osseointegration period is complete, a small incision is made in the gums to access the implant and attach the abutment. The abutment is the hardware that connects the dental implant to your restoration.
The Importance of Good Jawbone Density
Patients that wish to undergo dental implant treatment need to have good jawbone density. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding bone begins to shrink over time. Eventually, there may not be enough healthy tissue to support a dental implant.
Drs. Bird and Johnson offer advanced treatments, including bone grafting, if the integrity of your surrounding tissue has degraded.
Bone Graft Treatment
During the bone graft procedure, natural or synthetic material is used to replace lost bone tissue. Once healing is complete and the jaw is ready, you can proceed with the placement of your implants.
