Approximately 120 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth, a number that is expected to grow in the next two decades. About 23 million people are completely edentulous (i.e. they have no remaining teeth), while 12 million are edentulous in one arch. Tooth loss can happen for a number of reasons, including cancer, wear, injury, and as a result of gum disease and decay.

If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be interested in dental implants. Dental implants are a wonderful option for people missing teeth and struggling with the impact of this. In this blog post, we are going to highlight everything you need to know about this popular dental procedure, including how much do dental implants cost in Florida.

We will also look at the main types of dental implants, the benefits of getting implants, the process of getting implants, how to care for your implants, and much more. For the best dental implant treatment, your premier choice for Florida dentist is always Aura Dental Spa. Let's get started.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, which are used to support false teeth in the mouth. As noted above, it is a wonderful option for people who are missing teeth, whether they wish to have a single tooth replaced with an implant or require a complete set. Most dental implants are manufactured from titanium, a suitable metal given that it is compatible with body tissues.

Dental implants are a safe and well-established type of dental treatment in the United States and around the world. There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. The most common is endosteal, though it does require the patient to have good enough oral health; otherwise subperiosteal may be chosen.

Let's take a closer look at these types of dental implants.

Endosteal

As noted above, endosteal is the most common type of dental implant, though not everyone will be eligible for this option. The main criteria for this type of dental implant include:

  • Health gum tissue
  • Good overall oral health
  • Fully grown jawbone
  • Sufficient bone in the jaw

A good candidate for dental implants is also someone who is either unwilling or unable to wear dentures. Endosteal dental implants are usually made of titanium, resembling small screws and are placed in the jawbone. These screws then protrude up through the gum and hold the replacement tooth in place.

Below, we will take a look at each of the steps involved in this process.

Subperiosteal

For a person who does not meet the above criteria for an endosteal implant, this option may be recommended instead. Whereas an endosteal implant is inserted into the bone, a subperiosteal implant is placed on or above the bone. Generally, it is a good option for people who are missing teeth but do not have sufficient healthy jawbone.

It should be noted that this type of implant does not offer the same level of stability as an endosteal implant. However, the treatment time is shorter compared to an endosteal implant.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Florida?

The cost of dental implants in Florida varies due to a number of factors. These include the specific case and the specific dental clinic. Nationally, the average cost of a dental implant is between $2,000 and $3,000. This is the cost for the implant only and does not implant the cost of the crown or abutment (with these added in, the cost may rise to up to $6,000).

The best way to get a clear understanding of the cost of dental implants is to speak to our expert team at Aura Dental Spa. We pride ourselves in being completely transparent in our pricing and answering all and every question that our patients have.

We accept insurance plans, which help our patients to reduce the cost of getting dental implants. We also offer financing options to our patients and work with a number of third-party lenders such as Care Credit, Lending Club Patient Solutions, and Green Sky to help our patients get the dental treatment they need.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

There are a number of real benefits to getting dental implants if you are missing one or more teeth. Let's highlight the main advantages here.

Improved Speech

Many people who are missing teeth opt to get dentures. However, poor-fitting dentures may end up slipping within the mouth. This can cause a person to slur or mumble their words. With dental implants, a person is able to speak confidently without fear that their teeth might slip.

Improved Appearance

One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is that they feel and look just like a person's own teeth. They are also permanent, given that they are fused with the bone. If your facial appearance is affected due to you missing one or more teeth, dental implants are an excellent solution.

Easier Eating

This is another area where dental implants have the upper hand on dentures. Because dental implants function just like a person's own teeth, they are able to eat all types of foods without experiencing any difficulty or pain. Unfortunately, dentures do have a tendency to slide, which can make chewing difficult.

Improved Oral Health

Unlike with a tooth-supported bridge, nearby teeth do not need to be altered to support a dental implant. This means that more of a person's existing teeth are left intact. This helps to improve long-term oral health.

Below, we will highlight how a person can effectively look after their dental implants.

Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence

More than half of Americans say that they feel insecure about their teeth, with many people choosing to either cover their mouths when they smile or else smile with their mouths closed. This is true for people who have crooked teeth, discolored teeth, and missing teeth. With dental implants, people with missing teeth are able to recover their smile and boost their self-esteem and confidence.

Durability

Dental implants are incredibly durable and designed to last for many years. With proper care (as we will highlight below), dental implants can last a lifetime. This also ensures a convenience factor in choosing this dental procedure.

Highly Successful

This dental procedure is highly successful, with a success rate of up to 98%. With around 500,000 dental implants being placed each year in the United States, it is clear that this is one of the most effective and trusted dental procedures around.

Understanding the Process of Getting Dental Implants

Let's take a step-by-step look at the process of getting implants, from evaluation to placing the tooth.

Evaluation

The first step is for the dentist to inspect and evaluate the patient's teeth, gums, and jawbone. The step helps to determine if the jawbone is sufficiently healthy to maintain the implant and if an endosteal implant is possible.

In some cases, another dental procedure (such as a bone graft) may be recommended before the process of getting a dental implant can begin. It's also important that a patient's gum are free from periodontal disease before the procedure can proceed.

Placing the Implant

This process differs depending on whether the patient receives an endosteal or subperiosteal implant.

In the case of an endosteal implant, the first step is to cut the gum in order to expose the jawbone underneath. Next, holes are drilled deep into the bone (this is where the implant post is inserted). Until the permanent tooth can be attached to the implant, a temporary and removable denture is often placed over the hole for aesthetic purposes.

In the case of a subperiosteal implant, the jawbone is not drilled. Rather the implant post is placed on or above the bone. It's normal to feel some discomfort after the implant is placed, regardless of which method is used, though patients are usually able to resume daily activities within one day.

Osseointegration

Once the dental implant is placed, it will take time for enough bone growth to occur around the screw. This process may take between 2 and 6 months in total.

During this stage, the natural jaw bone strengthens and grows around the dental implants, helping to keep it firmly in place. This allows the implant to function as the artificial tooth's root.

Abutment Placement

An abutment is a metal extender that is usually added to a dental implant. It can be done either during the initial procedure or at a later date. The purpose of this step is to connect the replacement tooth to the dental implant.

Placing the Tooth

Once the healing is complete, the next step is to take an impression of the teeth. This is so that the permanent replacement tooth/teeth are made to properly fit. These replacement teeth can be either fixed or removable.

In the case of a fixed tooth, it is permanently screwed or cemented onto the abutment. In the case of a removable tooth, it is mounted onto a metal frame and attached to the abutment (a removable tooth allows for daily at-home cleaning).

Are Dental Implants Painful?

The good news is that most people who receive dental implants experience very little discomfort during the process. Local anesthesia may be used during the procedure.

If you are worried about this aspect of the procedure, don't hesitate to speak to our team. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about dental implants.

How to Care for Dental Implants

As noted above, with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. There are a number of steps that you should follow to ensure that your dental implants continue to serve their purpose as effectively as possible.

You may need to switch toothbrushes after getting dental implants, as nylon toothbrushes are recommended. This is because they are gentle on dental implants. Be sure to avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes, which may scratch the surface of the implant/s. A Proxabrush is also effective at cleaning the hard-to-reach areas around dental implants.

It's also important to floss daily, something that most Americans do actually do. In fact, just 30% of people in the United States floss daily. If you have dental implants, it is very important to remember to floss, given that plaque may accumulate around the implants, potentially leading to other oral hygiene issues.

People with dental implants should also aim to avoid sticky and hard foods, which may result in damage. These foods include caramel, ice, hard candies, carrots, potato chips, hardshell tacos, dried fruit, crusty bread, apples, and steak.

For general health purposes, it is recommended that people avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. However, this is especially important during the healing stage of the process.

We also recommend regular visits to the dentist to maintain your overall oral health and check on the condition of your dental implants.

Guide to Getting Dental Implants in Florida

The bottom line, in terms of understanding dental implants cost in Florida, is that a single dental implant generally costs between $2,000 and $3,000, not including the crown or abutment. Depending on your insurance, your procedure may be covered, while we also work with our patients to find a solution that matches their budgets.

In Orlando and wider Florida, your leading choice for dental implants is Aura Dental Spa. Along with dental implants, we provide a wide range of cosmetic and general dentistry procedures, including crowns, bridges, root canals, dentures, extraction, and more.

Click here to request an appointment with our expert team. We look forward to speaking with you.