Dental Implants Tampa

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Many experts consider this treatment the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of its unique advantages. However, before proceeding, you must consult one of our providers to determine whether you’re a good candidate.

For example, our team will examine your mouth to ensure your connective tissues and jawbone are strong and healthy enough to support your restoration. Some patients require additional procedures, such as a bone graft to bulk up their jaw, before they can successfully receive dental implants.

Dental Implant Surgery

Dr. Elikofer and Dr. Holcombe have both completed the required training and certifications to both place and restore dental implants in the office for your convenience. On the day of your oral surgery, our team will begin your procedure by applying a local anesthetic to numb the area. We also offer various options for sedation to help you remain calm and comfortable.

Next, we’ll make an incision in your gums to strategically place the post of your restoration into your jawbone and suture your tissues closed. We also typically put a small, protective cap over this rod to prevent potential damage during recovery.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

Once your gums have healed sufficiently following your surgery, you will need to have a second, more minor procedure to attach the abutment, or connector piece, to the support rod placed in your jawbone.

Then, when your tissues have mended, our team will make impressions of your mouth that will be used to design your completely customized restoration. This information is sent to a special dental laboratory that uses it to begin building your new tooth.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

Once your restoration is delivered, our team will schedule a final fitting to attach it to your implant. This part of the process is often so straightforward that there’s no need for numbing, though you can request an anesthetic or sedation if necessary.

Once your new tooth is cemented over your implant, we’ll check that it fits correctly and that your teeth touch together as intended when you bite down. If everything looks good, we can send you home with your beautifully rebuilt smile!

Day-to-Day Benefits

Let’s start with the benefits of dental implants in Tampa that you’ll likely notice first:

• Lifelike Appearance – Unlike other tooth-replacement options, dental implants are secured to the jawbone. As a result, they look and feel like the real thing. So, you won’t have to worry about unwanted attention being drawn to your smile!
• Restored Bite Force – Are you tired of eating the same bland, boring foods on repeat? If so, we have good news: dental implants can restore the strength of your bite that you lost. So, you’ll be able to eat the foods you love again.
• Easy Maintenance – With dental implants, there’s no need to purchase expensive products. Just use the same best practices you use to keep your natural teeth healthy, like brushing twice a day, flossing consistently, and scheduling a dental visit every six months.

Health Benefits

Another reason this smile-rebuilding solution is so loved is that it can positively impact your oral and overall health in the following ways:

• Preserves the Alignment of Your Bite – Have you heard of dental drift? If not, it’s when the teeth surrounding the gap begin to move. Fortunately, dental implants can help prevent that from happening, reducing your risk of premature wear and trouble chewing in the process.
• Prevents Bone Loss – While other tooth-replacement options rest against the gums or surrounding teeth, dental implants are inserted into the jawbone. The stimulation that occurs when you chew reduces the chances of tooth and bone loss over time.
• Allows You to Eat a Varied Diet – Being able to eat a variety of foods is not only more enjoyable; it also ensures that your body gets the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs to thrive.

Long-Term Benefits

Dental implants also come with several long-term benefits, including that they:

• Help Preserve a Youthful Appearance – The stimulation when you chew doesn’t just prevent bone loss. It also helps preserve your youthful face shape!
• Have a Long Lifespan – Due to the root-to-crown tooth replacement, dental implants accomplish what dentures and dental bridges cannot: permanence and greater longevity. In fact, they can last for several decades with proper care.
• Are Cost-Effective – Oftentimes, patients assume that dental implants are the most expensive. However, they are usually the longest lasting as well. So, there’s a good chance that they are the best choice for your wallet in the long run.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

Right after your surgery ends, leave the forming blood clot alone; upsetting it will delay your recovery and cause other issues. That means you should do the following:

• In the first few days after placement, don’t touch your implant with your fingers or tongue.
• Refrain from using tobacco for at least twenty-four (24) hours after surgery.
• Avoid using drinking straws for several days, as suction can dislodge blood clots.

Common Side Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement

You’ll likely experience some common (but harmless) side effects after implant placement. In particular, you may face:

• Swelling of Face and Gums – Sometimes, a patient’s face and gums will swell after the implant surgery. Apply a cold compress (or an ice pack) to the affected areas if this happens to you.
• Oral Pain – Once your surgery’s anesthesia wears off, your treatment site may ache. You can manage such soreness with store-bought pain relievers.
• Slight Bleeding – If your mouth bleeds slightly post-surgery, apply gauze and gentle pressure to the implant site.

Note that the effects above are temporary, even if unpleasant. They should fade within a few days at most; please call us if they don’t.

Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery

Only have soft foods right after surgery, as hard ones could dislodge your blood clot. Good examples of such fare include:

• Soft Cheese
• Yogurt
• Scrambled Eggs
• (Non-hot) Soup 
• Pasta
• Smoothies
• Mashed Potatoes 
• Pudding
• Sweet Potatoes
• Ice Cream

You can (and should) resume a “normal” diet once you feel up to it. However, do continue to limit the crunchy and tough foods you eat. Avoid chewing directly on the implant site as well.

Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene

You should always keep your mouth clean and healthy, even as you recover from implant surgery. Therefore, please follow the post-op hygiene rules below:

• When brushing twice daily and flossing once daily, be careful of the surgical site(s).
• Please rinse your mouth with salt water twice or thrice daily. If necessary, you can substitute a prescription mouthwash for the salt water.
• Don’t use brands of mouthwash like Scope or Listerine, as they contain a high level of alcohol.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

Once we’ve attached your implant’s crown, bridge, or denture, you’ll be through your treatment’s hardest part. You won’t (or at least shouldn’t) face anything “worse” than gum sensitivity from then on. Indeed, not even symptoms like swelling, bleeding, or pressure should occur by that point. You can just enjoy your restored smile without any worries!