Dental Implants in West Melbourne
A dental implant is a small post placed in the jaw to act as an artificial tooth root. A crown, bridge or denture attached to it replaces the visible part of the missing tooth or teeth.
The implant and the replacement tooth
The implant is the part placed in bone. A connector and a restoration, such as a crown, complete the replacement above the gum. These are separate treatment steps, and the plan should explain what each involves. Implants are not right for every person or every site, and results vary.
Evaluation and planning
Planning involves a three-dimensional evaluation of your jaw to assess bone and anatomy, and surgical guide planning to place the implant accurately. Dr. Bailey will explain how the plan applies to you, including the steps, the expected timeline and the cost, at your consultation.
Placement and healing
Implant placement involves surgery, usually with local anesthetic. The location of care and whether referral is needed are discussed after assessment. Healing commonly takes several months before the final restoration, but there is no fixed schedule for everyone. A graft or other preparatory treatment can add steps and time.
Benefits, limits and risks
Implants can provide stable support for replacement teeth and help maintain bone around the implant. Possible problems include infection, gum disease around the implant, and failure to integrate. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and poor oral hygiene raise risks. Comfort, healing and lifespan vary; follow-up and cleaning are essential.
Care and follow-up
Brush and floss around the implant, attend regular visits and report looseness, bleeding or pain.
What the timeline can look like
The usual sequence is evaluation, planning, any needed extraction or graft, implant placement, healing, and then the crown. Each step can add time, and your timeline depends on your bone, your health and how your mouth heals. Dr. Bailey will walk you through your own sequence at your consultation.
Factors that affect suitability
Dr. Bailey looks at the amount and quality of bone, gum health, the bite, other teeth, general health and medications, and whether you smoke. Active gum disease or untreated decay should be addressed first. Some patients may be referred elsewhere for part of the treatment, and some may be advised that another option fits better.
Long-term care
Implants cannot decay but the gum and bone around them can become inflamed or infected. Cleaning around the implant daily, and regular professional visits, are what protect it. Crowns on implants can still chip or loosen and may need repair.
Common questions
Am I a candidate?
It depends on bone, gums, health and habits. Only an assessment can say, and not every case is eligible.
How long does the process take?
Allow for assessment, any preparatory treatment, placement, healing and the final restoration. Healing commonly takes several months; the overall timeline depends on your health, bone and treatment plan.
Does placement hurt?
It is done with local anesthetic. Soreness afterward varies, and we explain what to expect.
Will I know the cost before treatment?
Dr. Bailey discusses your options and gives expected treatment costs in writing before care begins. Questions about cost are welcome at any point.
What if I do not have enough bone?
A graft may be discussed, or another replacement option may fit better. It depends on your assessment.
Related care
Dr. John T. Bailey, DMD · West Melbourne Dentist · 917 South Wickham Road, West Melbourne, FL 32904.
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General dental education, not a diagnosis. Treatment recommendations depend on an individual examination.
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