If you’re missing teeth or have decaying teeth that need to be replaced, dental implants could be right for you. Having gaps caused by tooth loss can affect more than just your appearance. This could also cause bad dental hygiene and even affect the way you eat and speak.
A dental implant is made up of a screw-like fixture that integrates with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. We then attach a connector abutment and complete your smile with a porcelain crown that allows you to leave our office with a healthy, new smile.
Some of the advantages you receive from dental implants include enhanced facial features, refined tone of your jaw muscle, and improved eating and speaking abilities. Many people have also found that they gain more confidence after having their teeth restored with dental implants.
The single and multi-tooth replacement process is the foundation for all implant solutions. This procedure is completed after Dr. Kontos creates a customized treatment plan using our advanced implant technology. During your procedure, Dr. Kontos will offer a form of anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain.
When multiple teeth need to be replaced at a time, Dr. Kontos will implant a bridge. We call it a bridge because implant fixtures are used to bond on the outside teeth so they can connect with the tooth in the middle.
Placing your single tooth replacement or implant bridge is made up of three main steps:
First, a titanium implant fixture is inserted directly into the jawbone.
Second, a connector piece called the abutment is attached to the titanium implant fixture.
Third, a porcelain crown designed to look like a tooth is attached to the abutment.
When someone needs a full arch of teeth replaced and restored, we use 4 to 6 implants to secure your new restorations. This method is more effective than replacing each tooth individually and offers a permanent solution compared to removable dentures.
Sometimes, the number of implant fixtures used depends on the existing jawbone density you retain. We generally use at least four implants to replace a full arch, but the number of implants can go up to six based on the amount of lost jawbone.
For patients who would rather keep their removable dentures but want them to be more secure throughout the day, we offer implant-supported dentures. Traditional dentures are attached to the gums and can cause bone loss, but implant-supported dentures help preserve it.
During this procedure, Dr. Kontos will use the same steps as the full arch replacement. Instead of the porcelain crowns, however, he will attach a thin metal bar to the abutments so your dentures can fit over the bar securely.
If any of these implant solutions sound beneficial for you, then you may be a candidate for dental implants. We also offer supplemental procedures available if we need to better prepare your mouth to successfully secure your dental implants.
Contact us to schedule an appointment or if you have any more questions about the implant process.
No matter how many teeth you need to replace, our Tarpon Springs dental implant provider can customize a solution that will fit your smile needs. Our options include single implants, implant-supported bridges and dentures, and All-on-4. In some cases, Dr. Kontos can even provide same-day dental implants for patients who want to save time. Each implant solution is designed to act as a natural tooth root, helping restore health, functionality, and confidence to your smile.
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution for tooth loss, acting just like a natural tooth root to support your choice of restoration. Made of biocompatible titanium, dental implants integrate naturally into your jaw for unmatched strength and durability. Once the implant properly fuses with your bone, Dr. Kontos can place your customized dental restoration, which is typically a porcelain crown or dentures.
Emanuel Kontos
2605 Keystone Rd
Tarpon Springs, FL
USA 34688
New Patients:
727-361-0326
Current Patients:
727-939-2099
Monday: 7:30AM – 5PM
Tuesday: 7:30AM – 5PM
Wednesday: 7:30AM – 5PM
Thursday: 7:30AM – 5PM
Friday: 8AM – 12PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed