Dental Implants: What You Must Know

Unleash a beautiful, confident smile with dental implants offered by Dr. Blanca Fernandez and her highly skilled team in Lakeland, Florida. They are committed to ensuring that your smile looks great and functions seamlessly. Patients considering implant dentistry often take the time to discuss their expectations with a trusted provider. Here are some common questions about dental implants and how they can restore and transform your smile.

What is a dental implant?

As Dr. Fernandez explained, dental implants are synthetic tooth roots surgically positioned in the jawbone to create a solid base for artificial teeth. Crafted from lightweight yet robust titanium, these implants are designed to be safely accepted by the body while promoting long-term natural bone retention.

What are the many benefits of choosing dental implants for smile restoration?

There are several advantages when patients are thinking about using dental implants to restore their smile instead of dentures and bridges:

  • Real feel and function. Dental implants uniquely resemble your natural teeth in both look and feel, restored with crowns tailored to match your existing teeth.
  • Durability. With proper oral care, dental implants prove to be a lifetime investment.
  • Flexibility. Dental implants can substitute single or multiple missing teeth or support full-mouth restorations like overdentures or bridges. These implant-supported restorations augment chewing ability and uplift the smile’s aesthetics.
  • Enhanced oral health and wellness. Dental implants embedded into the jawbone help maintain the natural bone structure, thereby preventing dental bone loss typically associated with tooth loss.
  • Overall economic savings. Dental implants do cost more during the initial placement and restoration, but because they can last a lifetime, they are often a smart investment compared to replacing dental bridges and dentures regularly.
  • Confidence boost. Live life fully without any insecurities about your teeth with dental implants!

Who is a proper candidate for dental implants?

Patients with healthy gums and sufficient jawbone support are ideal candidates for dental implants. Dr. Fernandez and her team at Highland Dental Clinic of South Lakeland, Florida, would complete a thorough assessment of your oral and general health to determine your eligibility for quality dental implants and discuss any of the potential risks or complications associated with the treatment. Her approach incorporates some of the latest technical advancements, like CT scans, to evaluate bone quality and quantity. If your bone cannot support an implant, a bone grafting procedure might be recommended for effective results.

Book an upcoming appointment and initial evaluation at Highland Dental Clinic to learn more about dental implants “near me!”

If you want a sturdy and trustworthy solution for missing teeth, consult Dr. Fernandez in South Lakeland, FL, to learn more about how dental implants can effectively transform your smile! Reach out to our team today by visiting our convenient location at 5163 US Highway 98 South or calling (863) 457-1954.

FAQs

How do I know if I am a good candidate for a dental implant and restoration?

The best candidates for quality dental implants at Highland Dental Clinic are individuals who want to replace one or more teeth and have sufficient jawbone structure to hold the implant in place.

During a consultation appointment, Dr. Blanca Fernandez and her team evaluate patients to determine candidacy. Medical history first, CT scan is the way to evaluate in 3 dimensions frontal, sagittal,and axial views and is often used to assess bone quality and quantity and check to see if the jawbone structure can ensure successful implant placement.

If not, patients who are set on having dental implants placed will want to ask about preparatory procedures to increase the odds of placement, such as bone grafting.

Why do patients choose dental implants to restore missing teeth?

Dental implants have many advantages, making them a popular choice for many patients. These restorations can replace teeth more permanently, allowing for lifelong repair. They are also easy to care for and maintain the natural jawbone structure–which avoids bone resorption that can lead to bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss.

Will my dental implant look natural?

Absolutely! Dr. Blanca Fernandez prides herself in offering dental implants and restorations that look completely natural to restore the smile’s appearance, health, and overall functionality. Dental implant restorations placed over the abutment are made with materials that appear similar to natural tooth enamel for aesthetic repair.

How long will my dental implant last?

When patients take good care of their dental implants and visit Highland Dental Clinic regularly for cleanings and evaluations with Dr. Blanca Fernandez, they can expect their dental implant post to last a lifetime. However, the restorations used over the abutment of the implant may need to be replaced occasionally, depending on wear and tear.

How do I take care of my dental implant to ensure it lasts a lifetime?

Brushing, flossing, and regular appointments with Dr. Blanca Fernandez are the best ways to maintain the longevity of a dental implant over the years. When we evaluate patients for dental implants and other restorations, we discuss ways to keep their restorations functioning at their best and how to enjoy their restorations for many years to come!

Blanca Fernandez, DMD
Blanca Fernandez, DMD

Dr. Blanca Fernandez is a skilled dentist in Lakeland, FL. She studied general dentistry at the Colombian Dental College and studied prosthodontics and received a Master of Science at the Dentistry Foundation of San Martin in Bogota, Colombia. She earned her Doctorate in Dental Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. With specialized training in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and oral surgery, Dr. Fernandez is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and member of the American Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, and Polk County Dental Association.