Dental Implants in Sarasota, FL

 

Dental implants are not just a tooth replacement option but a gateway to a world of new possibilities. Thanks to advanced technology, you can achieve a beautiful, healthy, and confident smile, enjoying full form and function. Replace your missing teeth and embrace a new beginning with dental implants at Lakewood Ranch Oral & Facial Surgery in Sarasota, FL.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants provide a second chance for a healthy smile, even if you have experienced tooth loss due to disease, decay, or a traumatic accident. Each implant is a small threaded titanium screw inserted into the jawbone, where it functions as an artificial root. The implant heals in place, fusing with the bone to ensure long-term stability. After a period of healing, custom replacement teeth are secured to the implants, made to replicate the look and feel of your natural teeth. With dental implants, you can enjoy long-lasting oral health and a full smile, no matter your history.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are widely considered to be top-of-the-line for replacing missing teeth. The benefits include:

  • Holistic health. Unlike other tooth replacement methods, dental implants help prevent jaw resorption, promoting overall oral health and physical well-being.
  • Supporting neighboring teeth. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that maintains the integrity of surrounding healthy teeth, which do not need to be sanded or shaved down.
  • Secure fit. Once fully healed, implants remain anchored, without the slipping or looseness you typically experience with dentures.
  • Normal diet. Following your initial recovery, dental implants will allow you to enjoy all of your favorite foods as normal.
  • Custom aesthetics. Each replacement tooth is carefully made to match the appearance of your existing teeth, promoting a seamless smile.
  • Long-term results. With the right dental hygiene and care, your dental implants can last a very long time.

Why are Dental Implants the Preferred Method of Tooth Replacement?

At Lakewood Ranch Oral & Facial Surgery, our priority is whole-person health. We love restoring beautiful smiles, but more than that, we love helping you to look and feel your best at every level, enjoying a long and comfortable life. For this reason, we often recommend dental implants over other methods of tooth replacement. Dental implants provide full smile restoration while simultaneously promoting the health of your jawbone, gums, and surrounding teeth.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you have experienced tooth loss or have a non-viable tooth that you know needs extraction, you almost surely qualify for dental implants. We invite you to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Lyman to determine if dental implants are the right choice for you and whether you will need additional procedures, such as a bone graft. He will take the time necessary to learn about your health history, discuss tooth replacement goals, and answer any questions you may have about the treatment journey.

Getting Started with Dental Implants

Dr. Lyman strives to provide you with total confidence and peace of mind so you can comfortably move forward with treatment. He may recommend pausing certain medications or supplements if there is any risk of them compromising your recovery. These and other guidelines will be provided during your consultation.

How are Dental Implants Placed and Restored?

Every person is different, and our team goes to great lengths to customize the dental implant experience. What remains consistent is our laser focus on your comfort, safety, and quality of results. Dive into the step-by-step process of dental implant placement and restoration, and discover how they can revolutionize your smile.

Implant Placement

 Dr. Lyman will begin by administering anesthesia to promote your comfort throughout the process. If a nonviable tooth is still in place, the first step is to remove it. In some cases, Dr. Lyman will perform a socket preservation bone graft to strengthen your jaw and provide a sturdy anchor for the implant. Each dental implant is then carefully placed into the jaw and left to heal, but this recovery time highly depends on your needs. The healing process after dental implant surgery is crucial and should never be rushed, as it ensures the longevity and effectiveness of your new smile. If there are aesthetic concerns, Dr. Lyman may provide temporary replacement teeth for a seamless smile while your implant heals.

Abutment Placement

 It usually takes about four or five months for the dental implants to integrate into the surrounding bone, promoting long-term stability. At this point, the abutment can be placed on each implant. This small connective piece will hold your permanent replacement tooth in place.

Replacement Teeth

 The final step in your dental implant journey is the addition of your custom replacement teeth. Dr. Lyman works closely with local dentists and lab technicians to design and fit your prosthesis. It can be delivered and installed on the same day if you require immediate replacement. At Lakewood Ranch Oral & Facial Surgery, our goal is to give you a personalized dental implant experience meant to last.

Post-Op and Recovery Timeline

Following your implant placement, you will be able to rest and heal at home for a few days. Dr. Lyman may also provide solutions to promote comfort and accelerate recovery. He often uses Exparel® during surgery, a gum injection that significantly reduces discomfort and eliminates the need for narcotics. Dr. Lyman also recommends StellaLife®, a kit of homeopathic treatments to reduce inflammation and promote natural healing post-surgery.

Dr. Lyman uses the calming technique of box breathing to ease anxiety and aid recovery. This practice not only offers immediate relief, but also equips you with a lifelong tool for managing stress and promoting overall well-being.

Initially, you will want to stick to soft foods and liquids, avoiding anything too spicy, hot, or cold. As your mouth heals, you will feel ready to resume your normal diet as dental implants make it possible to enjoy all of your favorite foods.

Post-Op Dental Implant Home Care Guide 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Eat While the Implants Heal?

 For the first 24 to 48 hours, your gums will be a little tender, making it important to limit your diet to soft foods and liquids. Good examples include bone broth, pureed soup, mashed potatoes, mashed bananas, applesauce, pudding, instant oatmeal, flaky fish, cottage cheese, and scrambled eggs.

Within the first week or so, you will gradually feel more and more like eating a broader array of foods. Dr. Lyman advises a balanced and nutritious diet to promote healing, including lean proteins, healthy carbohydrates, and beneficial fats.

How Long Will the Implants Last?

 Dental implants are intended to last for a long time, assuming proper care and hygiene. By adhering to your aftercare guidelines, maintaining healthy habits, and getting regular dental cleanings, you can extend the life of your dental implants.

Request a Consultation with Us Today

For a confident smile and optimal whole-body health, dental implants represent a gold standard of oral care. At Lakewood Ranch Oral & Facial Surgery, we invite you to experience total smile restoration with an emphasis on comfort, safety, and quality of results. Schedule a consultation with us in Sarasota, FL, today at Sarasota Office Phone Number (941) 212-2328.