Missing teeth can significantly impact your life, not only aesthetically but also on your oral health. Dental implants can restore your smile and bring many benefits, such as easier eating, improved speech, and comfort. At Gentle Dentistry in Tampa, we provide premium care during the dental implant procedure. We invite you to contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
A dental implant is a root replacement that replicates the root portion of a natural tooth. Because of its compatibility with the bone, a process called osseointegration, the dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes the foundation for placing a replacement tooth. Dental implants can also replace a single tooth or multiple missing teeth.
Dental implants are by far the best replacement for missing teeth. Because they anchor into the jawbone, just as your natural teeth, implants will function and feel like natural teeth. They will also usually last the remainder of the patient’s life.
If you miss more than a couple of teeth, implants dramatically improve bridges and partial dentures by providing an unparalleled anchor. A traditional bridge uses crowns on the adjacent healthy teeth on each side of the missing teeth to anchor the bridge. However, to place those crowns, the healthy teeth need to be shaved down to make room for the crowns. If implants are used as anchors, the bridge or partial denture snaps down onto them. It is a much more robust way to support the prosthetic.
Real Results
Real patients, real transformations. See the life-changing results of dental implants at Gentle Dentistry.
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Patient Testimonial
“What Dr. Tong and his staff were able to do for me was they replaced a broken bridge because of the fall and a crown that was missing and some teeth that needed to go anyway. And it was a full upper on 6 implants and the lower were 3 separate implants. And I can eat better, I feel better, I can give my phony smile and not be worried about it. So yeah, they can do that for you too.”
— Gentle Dentistry Patient, Implants
The cost of your implant can vary depending on whether your jawbone has lost mass due to the tooth being missing for a long period. If this situation arises, Dr. Loc Tong may need to use bone grafts to reconstruct your jawbone so that the implant base can anchor properly. During your consultation, we will assess your specific needs and provide you with an accurate estimate of the cost of your implant.
Dental implants are the longest-lasting dental prosthetics. In many cases, they will last the patient’s life. As long as you don’t allow gum disease to occur, your jawbone will remain healthy, and the implant base will be firmly anchored for decades. The artificial tooth attached to the implant base may crack or become damaged over time, but it is simple to have a new porcelain tooth made and attached to the existing implant base and post.
Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone will shrink, making your face look older than it is.
There are no loose parts to worry about moving or slipping. The dental implants are stable and comfortable. Typically, it will serve its owner for life.
Dental implants prevent bone resorption and bone loss that follows tooth loss.
Dental implants protect the jawbone from bone loss, protect the adjacent healthy teeth, and allow you to maintain a more youthful, natural look.
Not everyone can have a dental implant, at least not immediately. If a person has been missing a tooth or teeth for some time, the jawbone below the gap may have resorbed to the point that there isn’t enough bone mass to hold the implant safely. In that case, Dr. Tong will need to build up the jawbone with bone grafts before placing an implant. If not, just about any adult can have an implant.
The implant process involves four distinct steps:
Advantages
Dental implant replacement teeth look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Sense of taste and, consequently, appetite improve with dental implants.
Dental implants help maintain a youthful, attractive smile.
The ability to chew without pain or gum irritation is restored.
Dental implants reduce or eliminate bone shrinkage commonly associated with tooth loss.
With dental implants, there is no worry of teeth slipping, as with removable dentures or partials.
With over 50 years of clinical experience and more than a million patients treated, statistics confirm a 95 percent success rate for individual dental implants, and even higher for the bridges they support. Implants provide an effective long-term solution to tooth loss. If you take care of your teeth and maintain good oral health, then there is no reason your implants shouldn’t last a lifetime. That makes dental implants a wise decision and an efficient long-term solution.
Real Patient Results
See the life-changing results we achieve for our patients every day.
The patient came to the office with several broken and missing upper teeth. He was unhappy with his smile and, most importantly, unable to eat the foods he once loved.
After meticulous planning, design, and implementation of a treatment plan, the patient received five implants to support a brand-new, beautiful, and functional smile.
Before
After
Whether you are considering mini dental implants, full-mouth dental implants, or other dental implant options, our team can help you make the right decision for your smile! Dr. Loc Tong has years of experience providing high-quality implant dentistry. Please get in touch with our Tampa practice to schedule a consultation and learn how dental implants can benefit you.
Ideal candidates for dental implants usually have healthy gums, sufficient bone support, and no uncontrolled medical conditions that might hinder healing. We prioritize patients with good oral hygiene and emphasize the importance of not smoking, as these factors contribute to more predictable outcomes. If you’ve been previously told that implants were not an option for you, advancements in our diagnostic imaging and surgical planning may provide new possibilities. Our comprehensive evaluations, which include digital X-rays and 3D imaging, will help us determine the suitability of implants tailored to your specific needs.
At our office, we provide a range of dental implant solutions to meet your needs, whether it’s to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or to support implant-retained dentures. We also offer mini implants for certain cases, in addition to traditional full-sized implants, for enhanced stability and improved aesthetics. The choice will depend on your bone density, the location of the missing teeth, and your long-term restorative goals. During your consultation, our team will discuss which implant option aligns best with your oral health and lifestyle.
The timeline for dental implants varies based on your treatment plan, healing process, and any additional preparatory work required. While some patients complete the entire process within several months, others may need more time for healing after the initial procedures. Our overall timeline generally includes the placement of the implant fixture, a healing phase, and the attachment of your final restoration. We will create a personalized timeline for you based on your specific situation during your initial consultation.
Post-surgery, most patients experience mild swelling, minor bleeding, or tenderness for a few days. These symptoms usually resolve quickly and can be effectively managed with over-the-counter medications, in line with our postoperative care instructions. We recommend starting with soft foods and maintaining good oral hygiene to encourage proper healing. Most patients can return to their normal activities shortly after surgery, although we may suggest postponing any strenuous exercise temporarily.
While many insurance plans may not cover the entire cost of dental implants, some policies may contribute toward related services, such as exams, extractions, or restorations. We encourage you to request a benefits review so we can provide a detailed estimate and help you maximize your available insurance coverage.
The dental implants we provide help maintain stable chewing patterns, prevent excess wear on nearby teeth, and improve alignment by preventing neighboring teeth from shifting into vacant spaces. Additionally, they contribute to a balanced distribution of bite forces, reducing strain on your remaining natural teeth. These benefits ultimately contribute to a healthier and more functional smile over the long term.
When searching for implant care in Tampa, choose Gentle Dentistry, where we utilize advanced imaging capabilities and have extensive experience in implant procedures. We take pride in our consistently positive patient outcomes. Our comprehensive practice offers full-service implant planning and restoration, ensuring continuity of care throughout your journey—from your initial assessment to the final tooth replacement.
At Gentle Dentistry, we believe that insurance plans and financial concerns should not prevent anyone from receiving quality, proactive dental care. Our In-House Dental Savings Plan is designed to help our patients receive the consistent, high quality dental care they need to maintain optimal oral and overall health at an affordable price. Individual annual membership plans start at $349, and cost-effective family plans can be customized to meet the needs of everyone in the family. Each membership plan includes free treatments, special discounts, cosmetic treatments, and much more.
Sign up for our Dental Savings Plan to start enjoying incredible benefits at Gentle Dentistry right away.
Learn More About Our Savings Plan