How long does a dental implant procedure take?

Each patient is different. Total treatment time can be as short as one day or can take upward of a year. The difference depends on how complex your case is and whether there are underlying oral or physical issues that need to be addressed before implantation can be performed.

After your dental implant consultation, Shapiro will provide you with a treatment plan that outlines the estimated amount of time to complete the process. Your team of implant dentists will also factor in your medical and dental history, jawbone condition, and the technique and materials best suited to your mouth. Treatment can last for as little as a few short months, or it can last for more than a year if you have a more complex condition.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

To determine whether implants are right for you, a consultation with your dentist, oral surgeon, and/or periodontist or prosthodontist will be needed.

An ideal candidate for dental implants has one or more teeth missing, has good bone density, doesn’t smoke, and has adequate bone tissue to secure an implant or is able to have a bone graft. Certain medical conditions, such as active or unmanaged diabetes, cancer or periodontal disease might also need to be addressed before the implant procedure can be performed.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants have a success rate over 95% and, when cared for properly, can remain in place for a lifetime.

What type of dental implants do I need?

Your doctors at Shapiro Family Dentistry will make a dental implant recommendation based on your unique needs, which is why we recommend scheduling a dental implant consultation at one of our South Florida offices. We’ll give you a thorough exam, discuss your oral and health history, and recommend the best dental implant options specifically for you.

Shapiro Family Dentistry offers dental implant options to suit most needs—

Endosteal dental implants are the most popular dental implant option because they are the longest lasting, most secure, and are nearly indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Endosteal dental implants are most commonly performed using a 2-stage treatment procedure that begins by securing a titanium dental implant base directly into the jawbone. Once the jawbone fuses to the implant and heals, Shapiro performs a second minor procedure a few months later to attach the dental implant abutment and a porcelain crown.

If your jawbone is not able to support dental implants, Shapiro offers corrective treatment options such as bone augmentation and ridge expansion to rebuild bone, restore your natural jawline and provide a sturdy foundation for implant-supported teeth.

Subperiosteal dental implants are secured on top of the jawbone, but under the gums and are most commonly recommended for patients who do not have enough healthy jawbone to secure an implant.

What does recovery look like after dental implant surgery?

Depending on the complexity of your implant procedure, healing from the initial procedure to place the implant(s) can take up to six months, while the fitting and seating of the crown(s) can take up to two more months. Follow-up appointments with your dental implant team is essential for monitoring your progress.

After the initial surgical procedure, discomfort should be minimal. Swelling of your gums and face may occur, as well as minor soreness, bleeding and bruising at the implant site. Prescription pain medications are usually prescribed to relieve any pain or discomfort you feel immediately after the procedure.

For five to seven days after surgery, avoid the use of drinking straws and restrict your diet to soft foods as much as possible. Shapiro uses self-dissolving stitches and recommends that patients avoid chewing around the site of the surgery until they are dissolved.

How do I care for my dental implants?

Dental implants require the same care and maintenance as your regular teeth & gums.

Immediately after dental implant surgery, it is crucial that patients practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. This minimizes the risk of infection and helps ensure that proper healing and fusing between the implant and jawbone occurs.

Smoking also is attributed to high failure rates and should be avoided following implant procedures.

Follow-up visits will also be needed to monitor the implants and make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy and healing. If cared for properly, dental implants can remain in place for a lifetime.

How much do dental implants cost?

On average, the expected cost of a single dental implant typically ranges between $3000 – $5000 or more. Full-mouth dental implants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 or more.

The cost range of dental implants depends on a number of factors— the number & type of dental implants, the location of your implants, the complexity of your unique case, whether you need pre-implant treatment to prepare the jawbone for dental implants, the types of materials used, the type of sedation, and a number of other variables.

To keep dental implants affordable to most patients, Shapiro Family Dentistry accepts most major dental insurance plans and we offer financing