Dental Implants

*According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

After dental implant surgery, it is normal to experience some bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. However, it is important that you follow certain recovery guidelines to minimize the risk of complications, such as:

• Taking any antibiotics as prescribed
• Using antiseptic mouthwash
• Maintain proper oral hygiene but brush carefully around implant sites
• Eat a soft food diet for the first few days after the procedure

During periodic check-ups, your doctor will monitor the healing process.

Once you have fully healed and you have received your finalized restoration, you can expect your daily life and confidence to improve. While chewing and speaking might have been difficult and embarrassing before, you can now enjoy complete dental function. Using high-quality materials, implant-supported restorations blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile and can enhance your entire appearance. 

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.

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. 

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.

Bone Grafting

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, Temporomandibular 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.