If you have one or more missing teeth and do not want to replace them with bridges or partial or full dentures, there is a third option. Dental implants are a permanent solution to replacing missing teeth, and they function just like regular teeth with no need for removal or special cleaning procedures.

Dental Implant Candidates

Individuals who are considering dental implants will need to have a thorough dental examination in order to check the health of the gums and jaw. In general, individuals must have healthy gums and enough jaw bone to insert the implant, or they must be good candidates for bone grafting prior to the insertion of the implant.

Healthy Gums

Individuals must have healthy gums that show no signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. If gums are diseased, the condition must be corrected and another evaluation will be needed to determine if the implants would be successful.

Fully Developed Jaw

Individuals must have a fully developed jaw that has stopped growing. If the patient is young and/or their jaw is still growing, the dental implant process must wait and other options for tooth replacement may need to be considered.

Healthy Jaw

Since implants are inserted into the jaw, there must be enough jaw bone available to securely hold the implant. If there isn’t enough bone, bone grafts may be able to increase the jaw enough to support the implant.

Good Overall Health

Individuals must be in good overall health. If the individual has diabetes, high blood pressure or another chronic disease that affects healing, dental implants may not be the best option. Our dentist evaluates individuals with chronic conditions on a case by case basis.

Good Health Habits

Individuals must have good overall health habits or willing to change bad habits. Individuals who smoke or drink alcohol will need to be willing to abstain during the implant process. These habits can slow the healing of the jaw or make correct healing impossible and lead to complications.

Properly Functioning Immune System

Individuals must have a healthy immune system in order to be considered a candidate for dental implants. Individuals who have a compromised immune system due to a disease of chronic condition and individuals who take immune-suppressing drugs may not be good candidates for the dental implant process.

Committed to Excellent Oral Hygiene

In order to ensure the success of the dental implant and to maintain the health of the remaining teeth, the individual must be willing to commit to a healthy oral hygiene routine that includes thoroughly brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. Our dentist in Jacksonville can give you product recommendations and tips to improve your oral hygiene routine in order to maintain the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw.

Dental Implant Benefits

• Can replace one or more missing teeth
• Improved chewing ability
• Better speech
• Very little adjustment period once fully healed
• No need to avoid certain foods
• No need to change oral hygiene habits

Dental Implants with our Dentist in Jacksonville, FL

Our dentist in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Tiffany K. Shields, offers dental implants, which are a permanent way to replace missing teeth. We offer titanium and ceramic implants, depending on your tooth replacement needs. The process involves inserting a screw-like post into the jaw and putting a false tooth over the plant. Depending on the condition of your jawbone, the implanted post may need time to heal and fuse with the jawbone before more work can be done. If your jawbone is in good condition, we may be able to place the abutment, which provides the base for the artificial tooth, on the implanted post. Other times, we may have to wait for the implanted post to heal and fuse with the jaw. Once all the tissues have healed, our dentist will then place the artificial tooth over the abutment. This process can take many months, but once fully healed, the dental implant looks and function just like your natural teeth.

To schedule an appointment with our dentist to see if you would be a good candidate for dental implants to replace missing teeth, call us at 904-731-0777.