701 State Road 60 East Lake Wales, Florida 33853 (863) 676-6021

Dental Implants

Dental Implants – Lake Wales, FL

Restore Your Complete Smile, Naturally!

 

Diagram of an integrated dental implant in Lake Wales.If you are dealing with tooth loss, then you know how difficult the situation can be. Eating foods you enjoy, smiling with confidence and speaking clearly all become difficult challenges. But did you know that there is a tooth replacement that looks and performs exactly like one of your natural teeth? Dental implants replace missing teeth with a prosthetic that mimics the entire structure of a tooth from root to crown. If you’d like to learn more about this procedure, don’t wait to give Forni Dental a call!

Why Choose Forni Dental for Dental Implants?

  • Dental Implant Placement Done Entirely In-House
  • Advanced Dental Technology Utilized for Better Planning
  • Affordable Financing Options Available for All Budgets

What Are Dental Implants?

Diagram of an integrated dental implant in Lake Wales.

A dental implant is the only tooth replacement option to replace the root using a titanium post, which is inserted into your jaw. It stimulates your jaw to encourage new bone growth. As a result, your bone will fuse to the post, allowing it to potentially remain in place for the rest of your life. After your jaw has healed, an abutment is placed on the post to connect your custom-made restoration, which will match your natural teeth. At the end of your treatment process, you can expect a smile that not only looks lifelike, but functions almost identically to your previous tooth!

The Dental Implant Process

Implant dentist in Lake Wales showing patient an X-ray.

A dental implant differs from any other solution because it rebuilds the tooth from the root up. This process requires multiple steps over several months. Each phase of your treatment is essential to achieve a nearly perfect imitation of your real tooth. It will look and function naturally while also having the potential to last for a lifetime.

Nowadays, you have more options than ever to replace your missing tooth. As an alternative to traditional options, many patients are choosing a dental implant because it is almost an identical replica of your natural tooth structure. Not sure how dental implants work in Lake Wales? Here are the steps you can expect while on your journey to a complete smile.

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Initial Consultation

Implant dentist in Lake Wales performing oral exam

Dental implants can treat all severities of missing teeth – from a single tooth to an entire arch. Generally, if you have good oral and overall health, you can rehabilitate your smile with dental implants in Lake Wales; however, you’ll still need a thorough consultation with your dentist.

Besides a visual examination, we’ll review a CT scan of your oral structures to look for any potential concerns, like infection or low bone density. We will also take the time to discuss your medical and lifestyle history. Based on the results of the examination, you might need additional treatments before moving forward with your plan.

Dental Implant Surgery

Patient holding model of integrated dental implant in Lake Wales.

You will be scheduled for your implant placement surgery after you’ve healed from any previous procedures. Your oral surgeon uses sedation or anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable as your gum tissue is opened to gain access to your jawbone. Computer-guided technology is used to pinpoint the precise location to create a small hole in your jaw. Then, a titanium post is placed in the hole, and your gum tissue is stitched closed.

Osseointegration & Abutment Placement

Implant dentist in Lake Wales explaining how dental implants work.

With the post acting as a root, it stimulates new bone growth. Your jawbone will fuse to the post through a process called osseointegration. While this step will take several months to complete, it’s time well-spent to ensure your replacement tooth has a strong foundation to function naturally.

After your jaw has healed, you’ll need a second procedure to attach an abutment to the post. This is a connector piece between the crown and the implant. During this time, we will also take a digital impression of your mouth to begin creating your restoration.

Delivery of Final Restoration

Dentist designing restorations for dental implants in Lake Wales.

While you’re recovering from your abutment procedure, the dental lab will be making your new tooth. It’s made to match your exact specifications while also being durable. Once it’s finished and your gum tissue has healed, you’ll return to our office to have it attached to your abutment.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Older man with dental implants in Lake Wales smiling outside.

Dental implants come with a list of benefits to both your oral and general health. In addition to filling in the gap in your smile, implants also replace the missing tooth root. Your jawbone needs stimulation and circulation to stay strong and well formed. But when a tooth is missing, the root no longer provides stimulation when you bite down. Dental implants are the perfect substitute, holding your new tooth restoration in place and stimulating your jaw.

In addition, dental implants are independent prosthetics that do not have any effect on adjacent teeth. They simply allow you to smile naturally and eat a balanced diet for health and nutrition. Plus, dental implants have a 98 percent success rate!

Who Dental Implants Can Help

An older man with dental implants in Lake Wales smiling.

Dental implants are appropriate for a variety of tooth loss circumstances. Whether you need to replace a single tooth, a few in a row or an entire arch, there is a dental implant prosthetic that can restore your complete smile. Millions of people enjoy the benefits of dental implants right now and chances are you can too!

Missing One Tooth

If you are missing one tooth, then the dentist will place a single implant in your jaw to support an implant crown. This implant will be strategically positioned to take advantage of the greatest bone volume at the site.

Missing Multiple Teeth

For several missing teeth, a bridge can be designed. In most cases, at least two implants are necessary to properly support the bridge. These are positioned on either side of the gap. Once in place, the bridge will blend in seamlessly with your other teeth.

Missing All Teeth

If you are missing all of your teeth along your top or bottom jaw, then an implant denture could be perfect for you. With this, you’ll enjoy all the beauty of a natural looking denture and the security of dental implants.

If you have had several missing teeth for a long time, you may have relied on a full or partial denture to replace them. However, many patients note that these dentures do not stay in as well as they would like them to, making them quite difficult to use after many years of wear. With TeethXpress, you can get your smile restored with long-lasting dental implants, all without having to worry about your smile’s appearance while the implants heal!

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Learn More About Teeth Xpress

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Dentist explaining the cost of dental implants in Lake Wales to a patient.

Suffering from tooth loss can take a massive toll on your daily quality of life. That’s why, at Forni Dental, we offer dental implants, considered to be one of the best restorative solutions. As opposed to traditional restorations, dental implants are an investment that can last for decades with the proper maintenance. They come highly recommended by patients and professionals alike because they have so much to offer, making them cost-effective and well worth it! Of course, there are several different factors that go into the cost of the procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Forni will discuss each of these details and walk you through a timeline so you know exactly what to expect.

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Types of Dental Implants

Diagram highlighting components of a dental implant in Lake Wales.

One primary factor that influences the cost of the dental implant procedure is what type of restoration you require. For patients who are missing a single tooth, the gap can be filled with the placement of a single implant and a customized dental crown. However, for patients missing an entire arch of teeth, they’ll likely require the placement of between four to eight implants and a customized denture. A good rule of thumb to follow is the more teeth you need to have replaced, the higher the price of the procedure. This is also the case for traditional restorations as well, like with fixed bridges and dentures.

What are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?

Group of implant dentists in Lake Wales smiling in dental lab.

A great benefit about the dental implant procedure is that patients aren’t required to pay for the entire treatment up-front. This allows financial flexibility, because you’ll be able to pay for each individual portion of the treatment as it occurs. Some separate services that incur fees include:

  • Consultation
  • Sedation
  • Dental implant surgery
  • Abutment placement
  • Crafting and placement of restorations

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

Dental instruments resting on a stack of money.

Many patients wonder whether the cost of dental implants is worth it. The answer is yes! They have countless unique advantages that make them a more cost-effective and hassle-free solution for tooth replacement to many patients. Not only do they last for over 30 years with the proper daily maintenance, but they also preserve your jawbone density and provide you with a better quality of life.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Wooden blocks spelling out the phrase “dental plan.”

Many people ask whether their dental insurance covers the cost of dental implants. In most cases, dental insurance benefits don’t cover the cost of implants because they consider them a cosmetic procedure. However, this is beginning to change. The best way to learn whether dental implants are covered by your provider is to contact them directly. At Forni Dental, we also offer additional financing through CareCredit to provide an easy and hassle-free payment option.

Dental Implant FAQs

Man looking unsure and touching his face with his hand.

Dental implants are the best solution to treat tooth loss because they closely look and function like your natural teeth. By replacing the entire structure, you’ll enjoy a variety of benefits that aren’t possible with other dental prosthetics. It’s normal to have several questions about the procedure before you’re ready to commit to it. Your dentist will explain the process during your initial consultation. While you wait for your visit, here are the answers to a few of the top questions we hear to help determine if dental implants are right for you.

Will I need bone grafting?

Dental implants have the potential to last for a lifetime with the right foundation and aftercare. For many patients, this will mean an additional procedure prior to their placement surgery. Bone grafting is needed for patients who have experienced decreased density in their jaw, often from advanced periodontal disease or untreated tooth loss. Although it adds an extra step to your treatment plan, it’s time well spent to ensure your jaw can support the posts long-term.

Are dental implants painful?

You’ll need oral surgery to insert your posts into your jawbone, so it’s natural to worry about a painful process. You have nothing to fear because sedation or anesthesia is used during your procedure to ensure your comfort. There may be some tenderness and swelling for a few days while you recover, but you can easily manage it using an over-the counter pain reliever and cold compresses.

Can dental implants fail?

Dental implants are the most predictable and reliable solution to treat tooth loss. They are proven to last for decades with the right aftercare. Unfortunately, dental implants can fail, but it is rare. Generally, the risk for complications is less than 5%.

There are several things you can do to ensure your new smile thrives, like maintaining your oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. It’s also best to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol in excess. If you develop any concerning symptoms, like redness or pain, don’t wait to contact our office. Immediate treatment can often prevent complete implant failure.

How long will the process take?

There is no way to determine how long the process will take without first having your consultation because each case differs; however, most plans are spread out across several months. There are various stages in your treatment plan to promote the success of your new smile. We value your time, which is why we provide many advancements to make your treatment more convenient, like Teeth Xpress.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants

Woman using floss to clean her dental implants in Lake Wales.

If you’ve lost one or more teeth, you don’t need to settle for anything less than the best. You can enjoy a nearly perfect replica of your natural smile using dental implants. They are the most reliable option to treat tooth loss with over a 98% success rate. They are proven to last for a lifetime with the right dental implant care in Lake Wales. Here’s how to protect your investment to ensure your new smile lasts for decades.

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Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Woman holding toothbrush and smiling with husband.

The biggest threat to the long-term success of your dental implants is a preventable infection called peri-implantitis. It’s like gum disease as it results from bacteria found in plaque and tartar buildup. It can cause the gingival tissues to be inflamed and infected. If it’s not treated, the infection can also destroy your bone.

You can prevent dental implant failure by brushing your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes each session. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a nonabrasive toothpaste to clean your natural teeth and dental implants. Besides brushing, you’ll also need to floss your teeth and dental implants nightly. You might find a water flosser to be easier to clean the hard-to-reach places than traditional floss to ensure you don’t have any harmful bacteria lingering in your mouth.

Protect Your Dental Implants

Nightguard for dental implants in Lake Wales next to boxing gloves.

Next to poor oral hygiene habits, trauma or injury can also affect the success of your smile. If you play sports, it’s best to wear an athletic mouthguard. This provides a protective barrier for your teeth, dental implants, lips, tongue, and jaw if there’s any impact to the face.

If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, it’s best to ask your implant dentist in Lake Wales about using a nightguard. We’ll create the custom-fit device you need to provide a cushion between your upper and lower teeth. It will protect your dental implants from unnecessary pressure that can lead to failure.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Implant dentist in Lake Wales smiling at a patient.

You’ll still need to maintain regular appointments with your dentist for a cleaning and checkup. We’ll remove any buildup left behind by your toothbrush and floss to keep your gum tissue healthy. In addition to checking your teeth and gums, we’ll also examine your dental implants to look for anything concerning, like inflammation. This allows us to quickly intervene when an issue arises to help prevent your dental implants from failing. It’s best to schedule an appointment at least every 6 months, unless we recommend more frequent visits.