A dental implant is a small titanium screw that replaces the root portion of a missing natural tooth. These implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaw. Thanks to titanium's biocompatible properties, the implant fuses naturally with your jawbone, creating a strong, stable foundation for your replacement tooth. Dental implants provide effective solutions for replacing single teeth or multiple missing teeth.
There are several compelling reasons to consider dental implants:
Preserve facial structure: Without a natural tooth root, your jawbone begins to shrink over time. This bone loss can make your face appear prematurely aged. Dental implants help maintain your jawbone and facial support.
Stability and comfort: Unlike removable dentures, dental implants have no loose parts to worry about. Once placed, they're stable, comfortable, and typically require no adjustments. With proper care, they can last a lifetime.
Natural function: Implants allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, just like you would with natural teeth.
Absolutely. With over three decades of clinical experience and more than one million patients treated worldwide, dental implants boast a success rate greater than 95% for individual implants, with even higher success rates for implant-supported bridges.*
*Results based on dental implants and bridges remaining functional over a five-year period.
While some general dentists can place dental implants, you may be referred to a specialist like Dr. Hughes, a periodontist, if your dentist isn't experienced with implant procedures. Periodontists have specialized training in implant placement and the supporting structures of teeth.
The cost of dental implant treatment varies based on several factors:
To provide you with an accurate estimate, we need to conduct a thorough examination of your mouth. After this diagnostic evaluation, we'll recommend the treatment option that best meets your needs and provide detailed cost information.
Most people who are missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or decay may be candidates for dental implants. The primary determining factor is having adequate bone structure to support the implant. During your consultation, we'll evaluate whether dental implants are the right solution for your specific situation.
Age alone rarely prevents someone from receiving dental implants. Your overall health is much more important than your age. If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're likely healthy enough to receive dental implants. While certain chronic health conditions may affect treatment options, we'll carefully evaluate your medical and dental history to determine if implants are right for you.
Enhanced appearance: When you lose a complete tooth (crown and root), jawbone shrinkage can make your face look older. Dental implants help prevent this bone loss, while traditional dentures and bridges cannot.
Preserve healthy teeth: Traditional bridges require grinding down adjacent healthy teeth to serve as anchors. Dental implants eliminate the need to alter your remaining natural teeth.
Permanent solution: With no loose parts to worry about, dental implants are stable and comfortable. They require no adjustments after placement and, with proper care, typically last a lifetime.
Dental implant-supported teeth look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. This means you can eat and drink whatever you choose without worry. Most importantly, dental implants often dramatically improve quality of life. Patients who felt embarrassed or self-conscious about their tooth problems frequently report feeling overwhelmed by the positive impact their new permanent teeth have on their self-confidence.
When dental implants are combined with modern restorative techniques, the appearance, comfort, and function often exceed patient expectations. In most cases, implant-supported teeth are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Yes. After a brief adjustment period, your chewing capacity will be comparable to that of natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods.
We offer two approaches:
Modern guided surgery: State-of-the-art guided surgical techniques allow us to place dental implants in a single session using minimally invasive keyhole surgery. This advanced method significantly reduces tissue manipulation, leading to faster healing and less discomfort compared to traditional techniques.
Conventional approach: This process typically takes three to six months. The implant is placed and allowed to heal and integrate with the jawbone over this period. You'll receive a temporary replacement tooth during healing, followed by placement of your permanent crown.
The best approach for you depends on factors such as your oral health, the number of teeth involved, and which teeth need replacement. These factors also determine the total number of appointments required.
While any surgical procedure involves some discomfort, most patients report that the experience was much more comfortable than they anticipated. Placing a single implant typically causes less discomfort than multiple placements. We use local anesthesia and sedation options to minimize any discomfort during the procedure. Most patients find that over-the-counter pain medication is sufficient for managing any post-treatment discomfort.
We encourage you to speak with other patients who have undergone implant treatment to hear about their personal experiences.
Some mild bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues is normal following implant placement. Any discomfort is typically manageable with standard pain medication. Most patients feel well enough to return to work the next day.
Caring for your dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. You'll need to:
With proper care and regular professional maintenance, your dental implants can provide a lifetime of comfortable, confident smiles.
Phone: (561) 272-5858 Fax: (561) 272-5615 Address: 505 S.E. 6th Ave., Suite A Delray Beach, Fl 33483
Hours: Monday and Wednesday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., Friday: 8:00 A.M. - 12 P.M.