Boca Mission Bay Dentistry

Dennis Sierra, DMD

Cosmetic Dentist & General Dentist located in Boca Raton, FL

If you’re missing one, several, or all of your permanent teeth, and you don’t want to wear removable partial or complete dentures, consider dental implants. At Boca Mission Bay Dentistry in Boca Raton, Florida, cosmetic dentist Dennis Sierra, DMD, uses dental implants to restore his patients’ smiles and confidence. To schedule an appointment, call the office and speak with a friendly staff member or book a consultation online today.

 

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Dental Implants Q&A

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small metal posts that Dr. Sierra surgically places into small incisions in your gum line. They act as artificial tooth roots to support crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures.

The prosthetics that Dr. Sierra attaches to your dental implants are natural-looking and enhance your biting and chewing abilities. Additionally, they’re long-lasting and don’t require any special care. If you brush and floss regularly and visit Boca Mission Bay Dentistry every six months for a cleaning and exam, dental implants can last a lifetime.

What are some advantages that dental implants provide?

Dental implants provide many advantages compared to more traditional oral prosthetics like crowns and bridges. These advantages include:

  • Easier eating
  • Improved confidence
  • Improved speech
  • Increased comfort
  • Easy maintenance  
  • Durability
  • Convenience

Dental implants also improve your oral health. If you’re missing one or more permanent teeth, you’re more likely to experience gum disease and gum recession. Dental implants prevent these and other similar issues from taking place.

Do I qualify for dental implants?

To determine if you qualify for dental implants, Dr. Sierra conducts an oral exam, reviews your oral health history, and asks about your goals for treatment.

Afterward, he takes digital X-rays to look for signs of gum disease and to observe your jawbone volume. If gum disease is present, or you have a weak jawbone, Dr. Sierra may recommend periodontal treatment or a bone graft before moving forward with implant surgery.

Make sure to let Dr. Sierra know if you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure or diabetes. Although these conditions won’t necessarily disqualify you from getting dental implants, they may increase your risk of complications.

What is the dental implant treatment process?

Getting dental implants takes six to 12 months and several appointments. 

At your first appointment, Dr. Sierra takes X-rays and molds of your teeth and jaw to determine the gum tissue, bone, and spacing available for each implant. Next, he administers a local anesthetic to numb your gums. Once the anesthesia sets in, he places a series of implants into your gum line.

Following your procedure, you return home for three to four months while your mouth heals. During this time, your bone grows around each implant, fusing them in place. 

Once your mouth heals, you return to Boca Mission Bay Dentistry. Dr. Sierra takes impressions of your remaining teeth and sends them to a laboratory that makes your crowns, bridge, or implant-supported dentures. 

Several weeks later, you return for your final appointment. At this appointment, Dr. Sierra attaches your crowns, bridge, or implant-supported dentures to your implants, securing them in place. You leave the office with a healthy, brilliant smile.

To see if you’re a candidate for dental implants, schedule an appointment at Boca Mission Bay Dentistry. Call the office and speak with a friendly staff member or book a consultation online today.