727-361-0326
Complete Your Smile With Dental Implants
You might think missing teeth only impacts your ability to eat, speak, and socialize, but the affects of tooth loss don’t end there. Patients living with missing teeth are not only at a higher risk for developing periodontal disease but may also suffer additional tooth loss due to the lack of support and jawbone deterioration. This is why our Tarpon Springs dentist Dr. Kontos recommends dental implants for patients seeking a long-term solution to gaps in their smiles.
At the office of Emanuel Kontos, DMD, our primary goal is to help patients across Florida in Keystone, Trinity, East Lake, and the surrounding area reach optimal oral wellness with a healthy, whole smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that are surgically implanted into your jaw so that they look and function like your natural teeth. Unlike other restoration options, they’re designed to replace the tooth from root to crown which provides you with unmatched comfort compared to other options. Not only are they a permanent solution to missing teeth, but they’re also the only tooth replacement option that actively regrows jawbone and prevents bone loss which is why they’re highly recommended.
Dental implants are made of three parts:
- The titanium post — acts as the new tooth root beneath the gum line.
- The porcelain crown — the prosthetic tooth and the only visible part of your restoration.
- The abutment — connects the two pieces.
Although dental implants are a permanent, effective way to restore missing teeth, they may not be suitable for everyone. You must have a strong jawbone to support the implant, a healthy immune system, and your oral health must be in good standing. Our implant dentist ensures that you’re a good candidate beforehand so that your treatment is successful and you can continue smiling.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant placement process occurs in just five stages and takes place over the course of a few months. Here are some additional details about the process used at Emanuel Kontos, DMD to get you amazing results with dental implants.
Stage 1: The Consultation
The five-stage process starts with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Kontos. During this appointment, we’ll use our extensive experience to analyze and measure the precise details of your smile. X-rays or CAT scans may also be taken and you’ll be given the chance to ask questions.
This allows us to create a treatment plan that specifies exactly where your new dental implants will be placed for the optimal appearance, function, and health of your smile.
Your consultation is a great time to ask Dr. Kontos any questions you have about the procedure and allows us to determine if dental implants are the best replacement option for you. In order to be a good candidate for dental implant surgery, you need to have enough jawbone and gum tissue to support the implant as well as good oral health. However, if you suffer from gum recession or lack jawbone density but still want to enjoy the benefits of dental implants, Dr. Kontos may recommend a supplemental procedure first in order to increase your candidacy.
Stage 2: Attaching The Fixture
The second stage of the placement process involves surgically implanting the titanium post into your jawbone. This titanium post acts as an artificial tooth root. Tooth roots not only keep your teeth in place but also keep your jawbone strong and stimulated so the post serves as a crucial part of your restoration.
Dr. Kontos will start by thoroughly cleaning your mouth before administering a local anesthetic so that your procedure is painless. Once you’re comfortable, he’ll make a small incision along the gum line where your new tooth will be placed.
Next, the fixture or artificial tooth root is gently eased into your jawbone in the small hole that was just drilled. After the fixture has been properly placed, Dr. Kontos will carefully suture your gum tissues and you’ll be sent home for a period of healing.
Stage 3: The Healing Period
This healing period can take anywhere between four to six months and depends on the patient’s natural healing process which is why this is the most time-consuming part of the dental implant procedure. However, the healing period is extremely important to the success of your procedure so it’s important that you follow post-op instructions carefully.
During the healing period, the titanium post will fuse with your jaw bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. This process allows the post to secure itself into the jaw just as your natural tooth roots do and will not only ensure your jawbone stays strong, but also keep your implant secured in place so you’ll never have to worry about removing your restoration.
While you heal, we’ll use this time to craft your porcelain crown (artificial tooth) using the skill and experience necessary to precisely match the shape, color, and texture of your natural teeth.
Stage 4: Connecting The Artificial Tooth
Once your implant site is completely healed, you’ll return to our Tarpon Springs dental office to have an abutment attached to your implant fixture. An abutment is the middle piece of the dental implant connecting the artificial root or fixture to the crown. After this part of the procedure, you’ll be sent home to heal once more while we wait for your crown to be completed.
Stage 5: Finishing Your New Smile
Once your implant area has healed sufficiently, you’ll return one last time so that we can attach your crown to the abutment piece. Once this is done, your stunning new smile will be complete!
Taking care of your new restoration is simple and easy. Dental implants can be cared for just like your natural teeth which means brushing twice a day, flossing before bed, and rinsing after meals can prolong the longevity of your implant. Paired with routine visits at our Tarpon Springs office, Dr. Kontos can ensure your implant lasts a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the dental implant procedure take?
Is getting dental implants painful?
Why is good oral health important for dental implant surgery?
What happens after implant placement?
How long does the dental implant procedure take?
The dental implant process typically requires anywhere from six to eight months to complete. Most of this time is to allow your gums and jaw to fully heal after the initial surgery. However, the treatment time for dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including the number of implants being placed and whether a supplemental procedure is required.
At your initial consultation, Dr. Kontos will provide you with a customized treatment plan that includes an outline of all necessary procedures, as well as a time estimate.
Is getting dental implants painful?
Before placing your dental implants, Dr. Kontos will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around the surgical site so you won’t feel a thing. We’re also happy to offer nitrous oxide or oral sedation for any patients who have sensitive teeth or suffer from dental anxiety.
You may experience some soreness and discomfort after your surgery, but this should fade quickly as your mouth heals. If necessary, you can use over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen to provide relief.
Why is good oral health important for dental implant surgery?
The success of your dental implant is dependent on the process of osseointegration which is when the titanium post fuses with your jawbone. This is what makes the implant extremely secure. When you undergo any sort of invasive surgery, your body works to repair and heal. If you have oral issues such as tooth decay or gum disease, that means unhealthy bacteria are present in your mouth. If you undergo oral surgery, the bacteria will have easy access to the surgical site which can lead to many problems including the rejection of the dental implant.
Ensuring your mouth is decay-free before the procedure can not only help the success of your implant but also protect your overall wellness.
What happens after implant placement?
After dental implant placement, you’ll be sent home with a list of after-care instructions from the doctor. These instructions usually involve minimizing pressure on your implant site as it heals, restricting your activities, and resting for the first day after your procedure. Additionally, a visual inspection of the site for any abnormalities should be done regularly and any unusual signs should be reported to us immediately.
Come To Emanuel Kontos, DMD Today!
We’re here to answer any questions you may have about dental implants and how they can repair, restore, and improve your smile. Dr. Kontos and the rest of our team are happy to support your journey to a better smile with a permanent, effective dental implant.
We proudly serve patients in Keystone, Trinity, East Lake, and the surrounding areas thanks to our convenient Tarpon Springs, FL office. Just call (727) 361-0326 to reach us or fill out the form at the bottom of this page and one of our dedicated staff members will reach out to you.
