Dr. Uttma Dham is a highly-educated dental implant dentist in Plantation, FL. Her team at Westside Dental Center offers complete dental implant services under one roof. Dental implants are the number one solution for the replacement of missing or damaged teeth. To understand why, it’s important to learn what they are and how they work.
Dental implants are the most natural way to replace missing teeth because they replace missing teeth at the root. This reduces the risk of developing future oral health issues such as bone deterioration and gum disease. Replacing missing teeth supports oral health, increases self-confidence, and helps patients live a better quality of life. Westside Dental Center offers several types of affordable dental implant solutions near you in Plantation, FL.
Dental Implants in Plantation, FL
Dr. Dham encourages patients to choose dental implants when possible for their long-term benefits. Dental implants provide exceptional support for lasting oral health. They are also the most naturally functioning option for tooth replacement.
Dental implants provide a wide range of benefits including:
- No dietary restrictions
- Natural looking and comfortable
- Affords bite stability
- Prevents shifting of teeth
- Promotes natural bone regeneration
- Prevents facial sagging
- Reduces risk of gum disease & gum recession
- Minimizes risk of additional tooth loss
Your dentist will provide you with a personalized dental consultation to determine if you are eligible for dental implants. Dental implants require substantial healthy bone tissue for successful results. If you don’t have enough bone tissue, bone grafting can correct this issue before placing implants. Our affordable dental implants replace a single missing tooth using a dental crown, and secure dental bridges or dentures.
Parts of a Dental Implant
Dental implants consist of 3 separate parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the dental prosthesis. Below, you will learn about these parts to help you understand what implants are and how they work.
Implant Post
The implant post looks like a screw with threads and is the most vital part of the dental implant restoration. The metal post sets this advanced missing teeth treatment apart from the other options. The implant post consists of a titanium alloy that the human body does not reject. They are light weight yet super durable.
Implant posts come in many shapes, diameters, and lengths to accommodate different locations along the upper and lower arch. Our implant specialist surgically places the implant post into your jaw bone to properly support a dental prosthesis.
Abutment
The abutment is simply a small connector piece that also consists of titanium. A dental implant abutment attaches to the implant post and provides an anchor for a dental prosthetic. The abutment will sit right at the gum line, on top of the implant post, and aid in securing the dental prosthesis. The dentist attaches the abutment after your mouth heals over the implant post and the post fuses with the surrounding bone.
Sometimes the dentist can place the abutment immediately after surgically placing the implant post into the jaw. This is sometimes called a healing cap. When your permanent prosthesis is ready, your dentist will remove the healing abutment and replace it with a permanent one.
Prosthesis
The prosthesis is the visible part of the dental implant that will replace the crown portion of the tooth. With all the advances in dental technology, your new teeth will look, feel and function just like real teeth. Dr. Dham will determine the type of prosthesis you need based on number of missing teeth and location.
For example, Dr. Dham will place a dental crown if you are only missing one tooth. She will secure a dental bridge to the implant if you are missing several consecutive teeth. If you are missing several nonconsecutive teeth and just need to fill in those gaps, Dr. Dham will secure a partial denture. She may place a full denture for patients missing all their teeth.
Dental Implants Process
Dental implants provide the closest option to the equivalent stability and function of a natural human tooth. The implant consists of high-quality biocompatible medical-grade titanium. The dentist surgically places the implant post to act as a prosthetic root structure. This reduces the risk of future jaw bone loss.
To begin the dental implant procedure, Dr. Dham will first conduct a dental exam. She will decide if you are a candidate for dental implants before approving you for oral surgery. Candidates for this procedure are free of periodontal disease and have an otherwise healthy mouth.
The next step is to place the dental implant post into the jaw. It takes about an hour for an oral surgeon to preform the surgical procedure. As your mouth begins to heal, the jawbone naturally fuses with the post (osseointegration). The healing process promotes natural cell regeneration for long-term support and stability.
Your mouth typically takes about 3 to 6 months to fully integrate with the dental implant. Once Dr. Dham determines that the implant is stable, she attaches an abutment to the implant past the gum line. The abutment is the anchor that holds the final dental restoration firmly in place.
Dr. Dham will build the dental restoration or prosthetic using 3D digital scanning and modern dental materials. The result will be a beautiful and natural-looking restoration, custom-fit to your mouth specifications. We can also show patients what their final restoration will look like before building it using these scans.
Once your mouth completely heals, we will secure the final restoration to the abutment. Many patients will wear a temporary restoration in the interim while waiting for their mouth to heal. Patients can choose between a dental crown, bridge, or dentures depending on their needs.
Each restoration is custom-made to match the exact color, shape, and size of the patient’s natural teeth. We guarantee that the restoration will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your mouth. Once Dr. Dham places the final piece, you will leave our dental office with new teeth that look and function just like natural teeth.
To learn more about our dental implant services in Plantation, visit:
- Benefits of Dental Implants
- Dental Implant FAQ
- Cost of Dental Implants
- All on Four
- Implant Supported Dentures
- Single Tooth Dental Implants
- Dental Implant Process
Dental Implant FAQs
Are dental implants right for me?
With advancements in implant technology, dental implants are now more accessible to a wider range of patients. The only way to know for sure if you are a candidate for dental implants is by visiting your dentist. Dr. Dham can discuss all your missing tooth replacement options in detail with you so you can make an informed decision.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of your dental implant treatment plan will vary depending on the number and location of implants needed. Cost will also depend on additional dental services you need to fully restore your oral health. Dr. Dham will fully disclose all of your treatment options, payment options, and the possibility of phased treatment plans to optimize your insurance benefits.
Can dental implants secure a denture?
Yes, dental implants are a great way to secure an ill fitting denture in place. Implant-supported dentures reduce the risk of slippage, increase confidence, and make it easier to eat a healthy diet. Whether you need your first denture, or have an existing denture, ask Dr. Dham about permanent implant-supported dentures.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Dr. Uttma Dham is a comprehensive dentist in Plantation FL, who has undergone extensive training in implant dentistry. Dr. Dham has built her dental practice on the principle of patient wellness.
She strives to help patients maintain and restore their most natural, beautiful smile through high-quality, personalized dentistry. Give us a call to schedule an appointment at (954) 251-0640 today.