Dental Implants in Naples & Bonita Springs
Dental implants are one of the most important oral health innovations in the last fifty years. With dental implants, patients who have lost their natural teeth can now restore full function and a beautiful smile. Individuals struggling with eating, speaking, and socializing due to missing teeth can now get implants that are indistinguishable from their natural teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium or ceramic posts that act as the roots for permanent replacement teeth. The implants resemble screws and are surgically placed in the jawbone. Over several months, the jawbone fuses with the implant for a permanent foundation for artificial teeth.
After the implants are in place and integrated with the jawbone, dental restorations are attached. The restorations or crowns are crafted by your dentist and attached to the implants using abutments (slender metal pins that fit into the implants and secure the prosthetic teeth in place).
Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment. Our caring and dedicated staff can't wait to hear from you!
Naples: 239-263-7474 Bonita Springs: 239-992-9201 Schedule an AppointmentAdvantages of Dental Implants
The most apparent advantage of dental implants is comfort. No other method of replacing missing teeth comes close to the comfort of dental implants, which feel and function just like your natural teeth. Tooth implants also improve your appearance and preserve the natural contours of your face. If you do not replace the roots of missing teeth with implants, the jawbone begins to deteriorate, leading to a sunken appearance that can age you. Preserving your facial contours and having natural-looking replacement teeth restores your self-confidence.
Dental implants are also more convenient than other forms of artificial teeth. Dentures must be relined every few years, often need repairing, and rarely fit well. Removing your dentures at night and using special cleansers is a hassle and can be embarrassing. If you have ever had your dentures slip or shift, you will appreciate the permanence and stability of dental implants. They require no special care; brush and floss them like your natural teeth and have a checkup twice yearly and your dental implants will last for years.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant placement surgery requires precision. Your surgeon uses a computer-guidance system to ensure precise placement for optimal results. Temporary teeth can be worn during this stage, which usually takes three to six months to heal. Dr. Contino, Dr. Reed or Dr. Winokur will check the area and give the go ahead to your restorative doctor to begin the fabrication of your crowns or final prosthesis. Implants are a team effort between WestShore, your restorative doctor, and a dental laboratory.
Once osseointegration is complete, Drs. Contino, Reed or Winokur will attach the artificial teeth to the implants using slender pins called abutments. When this is done, your new teeth will restore your ability to eat all the foods you love and socialize confidently. Although the process can take several months, most patients go about their regular routines comfortably during the healing process.
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
Why WestShore OMS is Your Best Choice for Implant Dentistry
Implant dentistry is a highly specialized form of oral surgery. Although a general dentist may be able to place dental implants, they do not have the extensive surgical training and experience our oral surgeons can provide. For simple procedures, a dentist trained in implant dentistry is an option. However, oral surgeons have an additional four to six years of training and residency as surgeons. Drs. Contino, Reed and Winokur are recognized as implant dentistry experts with experience handling even the most complex cases.
Oral surgeons are best equipped to handle dental implants surgery and any complications such as:
- Bone loss requiring bone grafting prior to implant placement
- Traumatic injury leading to the need for implants
- The need for sinus lift surgery before implant placement
- Unexpected complications during surgery
Although a general dentist may occasionally place tooth implants, it is not something they do routinely. Oral surgeons perform implant dentistry regularly, perfecting their technique and refining the procedure for optimal results and reduced healing times. At WestShore OMS, we invest in the latest tools and technology, including CBCT scanning, digital surgical guides, and digital imaging, to ensure exceptional results.
Our surgeons have placed dental implants for hundreds of satisfied patients and are ready to transform your smile and oral health through implant dentistry. To arrange for your dental implant consultation, contact our Naples office at WestShore OMS Naples Phone Number 239-263-7474 or our Bonita Springs office at WestShore OMS Bonita Springs Phone Number 239-992-9201.