Implant Dentistry

St. Petersburg Surgical Dentist

When a tooth has decayed beyond retrieval, there is still hope to save the overall function and appearance of your mouth. With dental implants, you can regain the use and visual impact of a tooth that has been severely worn down.

Dental implants begin with a surgically implanted tooth root that functions as any natural root would. While this is a metal root, its durability and strength is the same as your natural tooth root. Once the root has been implanted, a replacement tooth is made to match your natural teeth and will be fitted onto the root.

Why dental implants?

Visual improvement and regained self-esteemAt Rosemarie Marquez, DMD, we have seen patients experience the benefits of dental implants time and time again. With the technology that has been made available in this age, dental implants are virtually the same as regaining the life and use of a natural tooth. Other benefits include:

  • Improved speech
  • Painless and effortless chewing
  • Overall improved oral health
  • Lasting durability

 

Fixed Dentures

If you have lost an entire arch of teeth (top and/or bottom), or are soon to have your remaining teeth removed because they are too unhealthy to save, you may be able to replace them with fixed dentures supported by dental implants. Doctors and patients alike prefer fixed over removable dentures because they:

  • Look, feel and function just like natural teeth
  • Don't slip when you eat or talk
  • Prevent bone loss in the jaw
  • Last a lifetime

How It Works

Dental implants serve the same purpose as the roots of natural teeth: anchoring the replacement teeth to your jawbone. Just like natural tooth roots, they lie under the gum line and therefore are not visible in the mouth. Only the lifelike prosthetic teeth attached to them (the fixed denture) can be seen by you or anyone else. Because dental implants are made of titanium, a metal that has the unique ability to fuse to living bone, they are extremely stable and reliable. How many implants are needed? The number varies because each individual has unique conditions: Depending on the volume and density of the bone in your jaw, you will need as few as four implants or as many as six for your new teeth to function as well as a set of healthy, natural teeth.

To learn more about dental implants and whether you are a candidate, contact us by calling (727) 345-1774 today to schedule a free consultation.