Dental Implants

*According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

The decision to have your missing teeth replaced is an important one, and your choice of implant dentist should not be made lightly. Dr. Gapuz and his dental team have the expertise necessary to ensure your new smile is the best it can be with state-of-the-art dental implants placed at our Orlando, FL, practice.

The Art of the Dental Implant

Dental implants provide the opportunity not only to replace your missing teeth, but to create a custom-made smile that feels and looks natural. Implants are anchored so they do not move in your mouth. There is no bulky plastic artificial palate to get used to, nor is there any need for dental adhesive. You will have a complete artificial root attached to a crown or bridge which will beautifully complement your natural smile.

Are Dental Implants Right for You? 

Generally, dental implants are a good option if: 

• You are missing one or more natural teeth
• Your current bridge or denture is no longer fitting properly 
• You want your restoration to look as natural as possible 
• You can commit to a treatment spanning four to six months 
• You are in good oral and overall health 

Many patients think they are too old to receive dental implants. While old age does not disqualify you from getting dental implants, young children and teens are not considered good candidates because their smiles are still developing and changing. 

How We Evaluate Your Candidacy 

During your consultation, we will perform: 

• Imaging: X-rays and 3-D imaging allow Dr. Gapuz to assess the health of your jawbone and the position of your sinuses. Based on these images, we can determine whether a bone graft or sinus lift is necessary prior to implant treatment. 
• Dental Exam: Your initial exam is an opportunity to diagnose and treat oral health concerns such as gum disease. Because periodontal disease increases your risk of implant failure, Dr. Gapuz will need to treat gum disease prior to your implant surgery. 

These assessments help us diagnose and treat preexisting issues to establish your candidacy for dental implants. Dr. Gapuz takes advantage of state-of-the-art techniques in implant dentistry to ensure your dental implants have the highest rate of success. This includes assessing the condition of your mouth and jaw, ensuring your gums are healthy, and screening for issues that could compromise your healing.

Overcoming Obstacles

Although patients with deteriorated jawbone were previously considered ineligible for dental implants, advancements in dentistry have made treatment an option for virtually all patients. Some problems can be treated before the implant process begins, but others might indicate you are not a good candidate for this treatment option. If this is the case, Dr. Gapuz will discuss alternatives that will also provide you with a beautiful new smile.

Addressing Jawbone Atrophy

Using detailed x-rays and 3-D imaging techniques helps Dr. Gapuz map out the landscape of your jawbone to determine if the bone is sufficient to support an implant. To ensure the implant procedure has the best chance of succeeding, Dr. Gapuz can perform bone grafting prior to dental implants. During this procedure, he will use bone tissue to augment atrophied areas. This procedure is common and very effective.

Even if you are diabetic or a smoker, Dr. Gapuz can recommend lifestyle changes that restore your candidacy for dental implants.

According to a study performed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), more than half of patients receiving dental implants also needed bone grafting. In a separate study evaluating the efficacy of bone grafting, the NCBI found that the success rate of implants placed in grafted tissue was similar to the success rate of implants placed in natural bone. 

Your Implant Consultation

Your journey towards a restored and healthy smile begins with a consultation. During this visit, Dr. Gapuz will discuss your goals and the stages of the implant process so you will have a good idea what to expect. Any health issues that could affect the success of your implants, such as teeth requiring root canal therapy or existing Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), should be addressed first. The process of placing implants varies depending on each patient’s unique situation, so it is important to have realistic expectations about the treatment timeline.

If you are undecided about dental implants because of costs, Dr. Gapuz and our team can walk you through the various factors affecting the cost of dental implants. A number of considerations can influence the final expense of treatment, including the number and type of implants you receive, as well as the type of restoration you require. Final cost for treatment varies drastically from patient to patient, so a consultation is required to better understand your unique treatment plan. We can provide all the information you need to make an informed decision about your dental health.

Cost of Tooth Loss

Missing teeth affects much more than your financial expenses. Tooth loss can affect your life in a number of ways, including: 

• Low self-image and confidence
• Avoidance of social situations and interactions due to lack of self-esteem
• Limited diet options that lead to poor health
• Shifts in remaining teeth, leading to malocclusion, bruxism, Temporomanidublar joint (TMJ) disorder, and other oral health concerns
• Jawbone deterioration that negatively affects denture fit and facial shape

Not treating tooth loss can effect your oral health, requiring more expensive restorative treatment in the future. Your overall physical and mental health are also effected by tooth loss, so it is important to consider life-changing restorative options such as dental implants as an investment in your future.

Dr. Gapuz takes advantage of state-of-the-art techniques in implant dentistry to ensure your dental implants have the highest rate of success. 

Factors to Consider

Dental implants are often more expensive than more traditional restorative options, but expense should not be the deciding factor. The cost of full treatment will vary from patient to patient and depends on multiple factors, such as:

• Number of implants needed
• Type of implants used
• Type and size of restoration
• Special surgical techniques
• Sedation used
• Preparatory procedures

Patients should remember that implants can offer significant life-changing benefits over other treatments. 

Implants are an investment that can last for the rest of your life, not just a solution for the next few years. 

Implants vs. Traditional Prosthetics

Dental implants offer a number of significant benefits when compared with traditional restorative solutions. This advanced approach requires no healthy tooth alteration, as is necessary with traditional dental bridges or crowns. Implants also send regenerative signals that prevent jawbone deterioration and changes in shape of facial features. Your preserved jaw shape eliminates the need to have dentures relined or replaced. In addition, implants require no messy daily care routine, as with a removable prosthetic. 

Your restorations will also receive superior support than traditional prosthetics, leading to improved confidence and comfort when eating and speaking. In addition, implants are an investment that can last for the rest of your life, not just a solution for the next few years. With proper daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to our office, dental implants can last for the rest of your life. All of these superior benefits can enable you to have a healthier smile and better quality of life for years to come.