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. They replace missing teeth at the root, reducing 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 do not have the bone tissue available, bone grafting can correct this issue before implants are placed. Our affordable dental implants can replace a single missing tooth using a dental crown, or multiple implants to secure a dental bridge or denture.
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 is the most vital part of the dental implant restoration. It is what sets this advanced missing teeth solution apart from the other options. An implant is a metal post that looks like a screw with threads.
The implant post consists of a titanium alloy that the human body does not reject. They are very light weight yet very durable. They come in a variety of 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. A dental implant abutment is a metal piece that attaches to the dental implant post and provides an anchor for a dental prosthetic, such as a crown. The abutment also consists of titanium. It 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 fully 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 will need based on the location and number of missing teeth that you want to replace.
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. For patients missing all of their teeth, she may place a full denture.
Dental Implants Process
Dental implants provide the closest option to the equivalent stability and function of a natural human tooth. The implant, made of high-quality biocompatible medical-grade titanium, is surgically placed as a prosthetic root structure. This reduces the risk of bone deterioration.
The dental implant post is surgically placed into the jaw. As the implant post begins to heal it fuses with the bone, promoting natural cell regeneration for long-term support and stability. The process in which the implant fuses with the jaw bone is known as osseointegration.
Implants typically take about 3 to 6 months to fully integrate with the jaw. Once Dr. Dham determines that the implant is stable, an abutment is attached to the implant, extending the small screw past the gum line. The abutment is used as an anchor holding the final dental restoration firmly in place.
Dr. Dham will build a dental restoration that will be secured using the dental implants. Using 3D digital scanning and modern dental materials, a natural, beautiful restoration will be custom fit to your oral specifications. Using these scans we can show patients what their final restoration will look like before it is placed.
Once the implants are healed, the final restoration is placed. Many patients will wear a temporary restoration in the interim while waiting for their implants 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 so that the restoration blends in seamlessly with the rest of their mouth. Once Dr. Dham places the final piece, you will leave our dental office with new teeth that looks and functions just like natural teeth.
To learn more about our dental implant services, 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 Westside Dental Center for a comprehensive oral health exam. Dr. Dham can discuss all of your missing tooth replacement options in detail with you so can 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 be dependent upon additional dental services required 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 be used to secure a denture?
Yes. Dental implants are a great way to secure an ill fit denture in place. Implant supported dentures reduce the risk of slippage, increase patients confidence and make eating a healthy varied diet easier and more comfortable. Whether you are in need of your first denture, or have an existing denture, as Dr. Dham about dental implant supported dentures for a better fit denture.
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.