Misch Implant Dentistry - Can my dental implants be made to blend in with my natural teeth?
Misch Implant Dentistry - Dental Implant FAQs
Misch Implant Dentistry - Which are better: dentures or implants?
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer a strong, long-lasting option for replacing missing teeth, composed of three primary parts: a synthetic root, an abutment, and a dental restoration. Typically made from titanium or zirconia, the implant resembles a small screw and is surgically placed into the jawbone where the natural tooth once was. Over time, the implant bonds with the bone through a process called osseointegration, forming a solid base that can withstand the forces of chewing and biting.
After the implant is stable, an abutment is added to connect the implant to a custom-made restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. The restoration is designed to look and function just like a natural tooth, blending seamlessly with your smile. Dental implants can replace one or multiple teeth and can even support dentures, offering a more stable alternative to traditional removable options.
Considered one of the most reliable and effective treatments in modern dentistry, dental implants provide a natural appearance and promote bone health by preventing the bone loss that often occurs after tooth loss. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, making them a better choice compared to dentures or dental bridges.
Interested in dental implants in Sarasota? We are here to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision and help restore your smile.
What Our Patients Are Saying
- Video testimonials
- Google reviews
I am Delighted!
Very Comfortable and Friendly People!
Absolutely Thrilled With My Implants!
Why Should You Get Dental Implants?
There are several ways to replace missing teeth, but what makes dental implants unique? The key factor is a process called bone resorption.
Natural tooth roots help stimulate the growth of new bone cells in your jaw, keeping the bone strong. However, after tooth loss, the surrounding bone can begin to break down in a process known as bone resorption, where the body reuses the minerals elsewhere.
This gradual bone loss can cause your gums to appear sunken, and over time, it can result in the entire jaw shrinking, altering the height of your smile and even the structure of your face. Unlike dentures or dental bridges, which don’t address bone loss, dental implants function like natural tooth roots, helping prevent this deterioration and offering the closest thing to having real teeth.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the additional advantages that dental implants provide.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Experiencing tooth loss can be tough, but it doesn’t need to define your smile. Dental implants are an excellent solution to regain control over your oral health and confidence.
- Enjoy the Foods You Love – Implants are strong and durable, making it possible to eat foods that are often difficult with dentures. From steak to apples, you can chew comfortably without restriction, improving both your dining experience and nutrition.
- Maintain Your Facial Structure – By filling the gaps left by missing teeth, implants prevent further facial collapse, helping you maintain a youthful, natural appearance. This helps you avoid the sunken facial look often seen as we age.
- Smile and Laugh with Confidence – With dental implants, you don’t have to worry about your dental restoration slipping. They securely stay in place, allowing you to smile and laugh freely.
- Enhanced Denture Stability – Even with just two implants, you can achieve better support and stability for dentures, ensuring a more comfortable and secure fit than traditional adhesives.
With the right care, dental implants can provide a lasting solution for many years, making them an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth. If you’re looking to restore your smile, dental implants are a great way to move forward.
Dental Implant Restorations
The dental implant is placed beneath your gums and bone, but the visible part—the restoration—rests above the gumline. This restoration allows you to bite, chew, and function just like a natural tooth. Here are the different types of implant restorations:
- Dental Crown – Perfect for replacing a single missing tooth, a crown fits over the implant to restore one tooth’s function and appearance.
- Dental Bridge – A great option for replacing several missing teeth, a bridge is supported by one or two implants and can replace multiple teeth at once.
- Full-Arch Dental Bridge – Replace all the teeth on the upper or lower jaw with a permanent implant-supported arch. This option uses four or more implants for added stability and serves as a strong alternative to traditional full dentures.
- Implant Denture – Using just two implants, an implant denture offers superior support and stability compared to traditional adhesives, providing a more secure fit.
These implant restorations are carefully designed to match the appearance of your natural teeth, offering a strong and comfortable solution to replace missing teeth.
Your New Life with Dental Implants
Once you receive a dental implant, your smile will be significantly improved, giving you a more confident look.
Maintaining your oral health with dental implants is simple. Just continue brushing your natural teeth with a gentle, non-abrasive toothpaste and add gentle flossing around your implant to your daily routine. We’ll guide you on the best cleaning methods, including how to care for an implant bridge. If you play sports, it’s important to protect your implant, as a strong impact could dislodge it, similar to a natural tooth. Regular dental visits are key to ensuring the health of the tissues surrounding your implant. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants don’t require frequent adjustments or replacements.
With proper care, your dental implant can last a lifetime, providing you with years of strength and beautiful smiles!
Start by booking a consultation today
How It Feels to Get an Implant
The process is usually more comfortable than you might think.
First, we ensure the surgical area is completely numb using a local anesthetic, so you won’t experience pain during the procedure. We also use the latest dental techniques and planning technology to make the surgery as efficient and minimally invasive as possible. For your added comfort, we offer sedation options that can help you feel so relaxed you may not remember much of the experience.
Patients without significant dental anxiety typically do fine without sedation, with some even describing the procedure as a bit uneventful. Placing a single implant usually takes around 30 minutes or less.
Following the surgery, mild swelling and bruising are common, but they are easily managed. We will provide you with thorough instructions to minimize discomfort and swelling, helping the healing process start even before the anesthetic fades. Most patients see improvements in the surgical area within a week.
It’s important to remember that dental implants have an extremely high success rate, making them one of the most predictable and reliable dental procedures available.
Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey: What to Expect
Here are the key steps in your journey to a new smile with dental implants:
Assessment
Your journey begins with a consultation to assess if dental implants are the right solution for you. We’ll use X-rays and a 3D CT scan to examine the bone structure of your jaw and develop a detailed plan for where the implants will be placed. By gathering important diagnostic information, we ensure that your treatment plan is customized for the best results.
Implant placement
After numbing the area with anesthesia, a small incision is made in the gums to expose the bone. A precise hole is drilled into the bone to place the implant screw. Depending on your case, we may either cover the implant with your gums to allow it to heal or attach a healing abutment before closing the gums to promote healing and integration.
Implant restoration
Once healing is complete, we’ll schedule a follow-up to check the implant’s progress in bonding with your bone. If everything is healing well, we’ll proceed with fitting your new restoration. After the final touches, you’ll have a fully functional, lifelike tooth that will restore your smile.
Craig M. Misch, D.D.S, M.D.S.
Specialist in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics and Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry
Your Dental Implants Specialist in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics and Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry
With over 70 published scientific articles and 22 textbook chapters, Dr. Misch is an expert in dental implants, bone grafting, and implant prosthodontics. He has delivered keynote addresses at numerous respected conferences, including those held by the American Dental Association, Academy of Osseointegration, and many more.
Dr. Misch has shared his knowledge globally, lecturing throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His contributions to education have earned him recognition from Dentistry Today as one of the “Leaders in Continuing Dental Education.”
Additionally, Dr. Misch works as a consultant and has conducted clinical research for a variety of dental manufacturers. He also advises the Michigan-Pittsburgh-Wyss Regenerative Medicine Resource Center, supporting research initiatives focused on tissue engineering for dental and craniofacial applications.
Contact Us Today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
We need to have a complete picture of your oral health and esthetic smile goals before we can provide you with a treatment quote and get you on the road to a new life with dental implants. Contact us and we will get right back to you to help you schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants are designed to be discreet—no one will be aware unless you choose to share this information. Even then, an X-ray would be the only way to confirm it. The implant screws are placed beneath your gums, and the restorations are crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
In most cases, dental implants supporting a bridge or false teeth are considered a superior option compared to traditional dentures. Implants avoid direct contact with the gums, reducing irritation and helping prevent bone loss in the jaw. However, implants may not be suitable for everyone, and dentures can sometimes be a simpler, safer option. It’s important to discuss the pros and cons of each with your dentist to determine the right solution for you.
When implants aren’t a feasible option, alternatives like dental bridges or full/partial dentures can be effective in replacing missing teeth. These options can help restore your smile and improve function when implants aren’t possible. To explore all the available solutions, scheduling a consultation with our team is the best way to discuss your concerns and find the right treatment for you.
To qualify for dental implants, you must be an adult with a fully developed jaw and skull. It’s also important to have healthy bone tissue and no medical conditions that could interfere with the implant procedure. Ideal candidates maintain excellent oral hygiene. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact us for a consultation. Even if you don’t immediately qualify, we can help you improve your oral health to potentially make you eligible for implants in the future.
Yes, they can. Whether you opt for a dental crown, bridge, or other types of restoration, the goal is to achieve a result that closely resembles your natural teeth. Your feedback during the planning phase is crucial to ensure the restoration aligns with your expectations. Once the process is complete, your implant will seamlessly integrate with your existing teeth.
Modern dental techniques make the implant procedure highly predictable and generally pain-free. Using advanced surgical planning, the process is minimally invasive, which leads to a smoother recovery with minimal bleeding and quicker healing.
In most cases, patients are able to return to work the day after their procedure, depending on how they respond to the surgery. While the procedure is minimally invasive, it’s a good idea to take a day or two off to rest and allow your body to recover. If the procedure involves extractions or multiple implants, you may need a longer period to heal.
Dental implants require regular care, just like natural teeth. Most patients will need a dental checkup every six months to ensure their implants are in good condition. However, if any other dental health issues arise, more frequent visits may be needed.
Taking care of your dental implant is simple. Brush your teeth daily, floss gently around your implant, and attend regular dental checkups. Although dental implants can’t develop cavities, the surrounding gums can become irritated if oral hygiene is neglected, so it’s important to maintain healthy habits.
In most cases, no. Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. Maintaining good oral health will help ensure the longevity of your implant.
Smaller than traditional implants, mini implants are designed to be inserted into the gums and bone with minimal surgery. These implants typically require less invasive techniques, as they don’t need bone reshaping or cutting. While they can be quicker and less expensive, mini implants usually do not offer the same level of strength or long-term stability as full-sized implants. Additionally, they may not be as effective in areas with softer bone tissue.
However, mini implants can be useful in certain cases, such as temporarily supporting a restoration while a regular implant heals or when space is limited—such as between two front teeth—where a standard implant might not fit.
