Dental Implants – Orange Park, FL
Seamlessly Replace Missing Teeth
Dental Implants
It’s often easy to take our teeth for granted until they’re gone. If tooth loss has stolen your quality of life, it may be time to invest in a high-quality replacement that will help you get back to enjoying every day to the fullest extent. At Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry, we wholeheartedly recommend dental implants. You can learn whether you’re a good candidate for this treatment by scheduling a consultation with our knowledgeable team.
Why Choose Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry for Dental Implants?
- Implant Placement & Restoration Done In-House
- Discounts Through Our Membership Plan
- Caring & Compassionate Dentists & Team
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed below the gumline and into the jawbone. They’re designed to fuse with the bone, effectively replacing the missing root structure of one or more teeth. Once this process has occurred, which is called osseointegration, Dr. Crovatto can then attach an abutment and restoration to the implants to anchor the replacement teeth firmly within the mouth.
The 4-Step Dental Implants Process
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option out there that replaces the roots of the missing teeth – not just the chewing surface. This allows for all sorts of additional benefits, including additional stability and longevity. However, to achieve this, getting dental implants requires a multi-step process that spans over the course of several months. Everyone’s treatment looks a little bit different, but here are the four main steps that everyone can expect.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
Dr. Crovatto is our in-house dental implant expert. During your consultation, you’ll have a chance to ask him any questions that you may have about the procedure. Our team will also collect necessary X-rays and a health history to help you determine whether dental implants are right for you. Some patients end up needing preliminary procedures before they are able to get dental implants, like gum disease treatment or bone grafting. If any of these apply to you, we can help you get them scheduled. Once your gums and jaw are in good shape, we can move on to planning the rest of your treatment. During your consultation, we will also go over the timeline and cost of your treatment in detail.
Dental Implant Surgery
After receiving your treatment plan, the next step of your process will be to schedule your surgery. Our team is able to complete this part of the treatment in-house as well as the restoration, helping you stick with the same trusted team throughout your entire journey. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, an incision is made into the gum tissue. Then, the implants are carefully placed at strategic angles in the jawbone. Lastly, the gums are closed and protective caps are placed over the ends of the implants to protect them over the coming months.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
Following your dental implant placement, your gums will heal, and your implants will fuse over the following three to six months. This critical part of the process is called “osseointegration.” Successful osseointegration is what allows dental implants to be so strong and long-lasting. When this is complete, you will need to undergo another minor procedure where we will attach abutments to your dental implants. Impressions are taken so your custom restoration(s) can be crafted at the dental laboratory.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
Once your restorations are complete and delivered to our practice, you can return for the final step. At this point, Dr. Crovatto will secure your restoration(s) to your dental implant(s) via the abutment(s). If everything looks and feels great, you will be free to show off your completed smile to the world!
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants in Orange Park have a long list of benefits to offer, which is why they’re such a popular option among patients missing one, several, or all of their teeth! In addition to being versatile and the only tooth replacement solution that restores the roots as well as the crowns of teeth, dental implants also provide a variety of life-changing advantages over other options as a result of this unique trait.
Day-to-Day Benefits
If you’ve spent any amount of time in traditional dentures, you know some of the challenges with these prosthetics. Not only does it take time to adjust to the awkward feeling in your mouth, but these false teeth come with more maintenance. In contrast, dental implants are simple to keep in excellent condition. You take care of them just like real teeth, and they look and feel natural as well!
Because of their secure hold in the jawbone, you don’t have to worry about your dental implants slipping or sliding when you talk or eat. With this confidence, you don’t have to hesitate to communicate or share a meal with others. It’s easy to take this peace of mind for granted, but for those who have prosthetic teeth, it’s priceless.
Health Benefits
Naturally, when tooth roots are removed, the jawbone loses stimulation and density; however, dental implants substitute for the roots, keeping this bone tissue strong and healthy. As a result, you shouldn’t experience deterioration or changes to your facial shape. Retaining a more youthful contour to your face can boost your self-confidence, helping your mental health.
Preserving the jawbone also gives your bite strength, allowing you to eat nutritious foods like raw vegetables and fruit, whole grains, and more. With a balanced diet, you can enjoy better overall health, a higher quality of life, and even a longer life expectancy.
Long-Term Benefits
One of the most amazing things about dental implants is their longevity. While traditional dentures and bridges require adjustments and replacements within 10 years, dental implants can go multiple decades or even the rest of the patient’s life in good, functioning condition when these prosthetic teeth are properly maintained. With this long-term lifespan in mind, the upfront cost of dental implants can even out with time. In fact, when you add up all the replacements for other options, dental implants may prove to be more cost effective than dentures or bridges alone!
Who Can Dental Implants Help?
In addition to the benefits listed above, dental implants are incredibly versatile, allowing them to help patients who find themselves in a variety of tooth loss situations. At your consultation, Dr. Crovatto may recommend any of the treatment pathways listed below, depending on how many teeth you’re missing.
Missing One Tooth
For a single missing tooth, we can secure one dental implant below the gumline in the space within your arch. Once it has fused with the jawbone, we can then attach a free-standing dental crown to secure it in place and complete the arch.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Instead of relying on natural teeth to anchor a traditional bridge in place, we can attach the restoration to two dental implants placed on either side of the gap in your smile. Not only do implant bridges have a longer lifespan, but they also are minimally invasive and allow you to preserve more of your natural dental structure.
Missing All Teeth
Implant dentures look very much like the traditional models, but they’re designed to attach sturdily over placed implants. Instead of replacing each lost tooth with its own implant, Dr. Crovatto can support the denture with a small number of strategic posts instead, which is more cost-effective. Implant dentures are fixed (permanent) in nature.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Every dental implant treatment is customized to meet individual needs, and because of this, there’s no set price associated with the treatment. But don’t worry – our team is here to help with understanding the cost of dental implants in Orange Park. We’ll provide you with a detailed cost estimate during your consultation based on how many dental implants you’ll require, what type of restoration you need, and any dental insurance benefits that may apply to your treatment. We’ll also be happy to discuss financing options with you if you’re interested.
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
It’s important to keep in mind that preliminary treatments like gum disease therapy and bone grafting have their own separate costs. If you need to restore your oral health before receiving dental implants, we’ll be sure to review these expenses with you as well.
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
Dental implants are made of three main parts: the titanium post, a connector piece called the “abutment,” and the crown, bridge, or denture that will replace your missing teeth. Each of these can be fabricated from different materials, meaning the costs can vary. Whether you’d prefer a crown, bridge, or denture will also impact the final treatment price.
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
They might have more expensive upfront costs than other replacements, but dental implants can save you money in the long run. Since they can preserve your jawbone and prevent deterioration, for example, you’ll be much less likely to need corrective jaw treatments. Furthermore, dental implant restorations last several years longer than their traditional counterparts. If you take good care of them, you could go a whole three decades without needing to make an appointment for repairs or a replacement.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
This can be tricky. Most dental insurance plans do cover between 50% and 80% of the costs for a tooth replacement. However, dental implants in particular are usually considered an “elective” solution. Your benefits may reduce what you spend on your final restoration and preliminary treatments, though, so it’s still worth reviewing your plan or asking our team to confirm your coverage.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
We understand that it can be difficult to make a dental implant treatment work with your budget, especially if you’re not covered by dental insurance. That’s why we offer patients other ways to save money on dental care in Orange Park. Here’s how we can help you make dental implants more affordable:
- Smile Network Dental Savings Plan. For a low annual fee, you’ll receive two free checkup and cleanings per year, plus discounts on all of our other services. Our savings plan doesn’t have a deductible, annual maximum, or waiting period, meaning you’ll be able to save money with no strings attached.
- CareCredit Financing. This third-party financier enables our patients to break down their treatment costs into smaller monthly chunks. You’ll essentially pay at your own pace with little-to-no interest.
Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants
After investing so much time, money, and energy into your new restorations, dental implant care in Orange Park is a must. While implants are designed for long-term use, they still need to be properly maintained every day to keep them healthy and stable. Read more below to find some simple habits you can build right now to enjoy the benefits of your dental implants for decades to come.
Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
Implants themselves can’t get cavities, but just like natural teeth, they need to be cleaned thoroughly to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. To do this, brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss around and under your implant crowns.
If this is difficult, you might consider using an interdental brush or water flosser. These tools make the task of flossing easier and sometimes more enjoyable.
Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat can make a big difference in your implant’s longevity. There are some nutrients like protein and minerals, like calcium, that can help keep your implant and the structures around it healthy.
So, stock your pantry and fridge with fresh fruits, veggies, and lean proteins while trying to moderate how much sugar you take in. By nourishing your body with the right foods, you’ll keep your smile strong from the inside out while supporting your overall oral health.
Break Bad Habits
If you have habits like chewing on hard objects, munching on ice, or using your teeth as tools, stopping them can save your smile. These tendencies can chip your restorations and even run the risk of loosening your implant.
Additionally, if you smoke, vape, or use tobacco, quitting is one of the best steps you can take for the future of your investments. Nicotine restricts blood flow, slowing healing and increasing your risk of implant failure.
Protect Your Dental Implants
Even though implants are incredibly durable, they can still be damaged by excess pressure or trauma. If you grind or clench your teeth, Dr. Crovatto or Dr. Edwards may recommend a nightguard to protect your restorations while you sleep.
For athletes, a properly customized mouthguard can shield both your natural teeth and implants from impact-related damage. A little dental implant care and prevention today can save you from costly repairs down the road.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Routine visits to our Orange Park dental office are the best way to ensure your dental implants stay healthy. During your checkups, our team will examine your gums, restorations, and bite alignment to identify potential dental issues before they worsen.
We’ll also remove hardened plaque deposits that can’t be broken down at home. Regular professional care not only extends the lifespan of your implants but also helps maintain a bright, confident smile year after year.