Dental implants provide the most natural-looking and longest-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants replace both the tooth root and crown, creating a permanent restoration that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth. At Cedar Pearl Dental, Dr. White offers comprehensive dental implant treatment from initial placement through final restoration.
A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically placed into your jawbone, an abutment that connects to the post, and a custom crown that matches your natural teeth. The implant post fuses with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation that can last a lifetime with proper care. This permanence and stability set implants apart from other tooth replacement options.
Missing teeth affect more than just your smile. They can cause surrounding teeth to shift, lead to bone loss in your jaw, change your facial structure, and make chewing difficult. Dental implants prevent these problems by stimulating the jawbone like natural tooth roots, maintaining bone density and facial structure while restoring full chewing function and confidence.
The dental implant process typically involves several appointments over three to six months. Initial placement requires one surgical appointment. After a healing period of three to six months for osseointegration, we attach the abutment and take impressions for your custom crown. A final appointment places the permanent crown, completing your restoration.
Your implant journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation including X-rays and possibly a CT scan to assess your jawbone density and structure. We’ll discuss your medical history, create a personalized treatment plan, and answer all your questions. If you need bone grafting to strengthen the jaw, we’ll complete that procedure first and allow time for healing.
During the implant placement surgery, we numb the area thoroughly and can provide sedation for anxious patients. We create a small opening in the gum tissue and precisely position the titanium implant post into the jawbone. The gum tissue is closed over the implant, which then heals and fuses with the bone over the next several months. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and return to normal activities within a few days.
Dental implants offer advantages that no other tooth replacement option can match. They preserve jawbone density by providing the stimulation natural tooth roots once provided. Implants never slip or click like dentures, allowing you to eat, speak, and laugh with complete confidence. They don’t require grinding down adjacent healthy teeth as bridges do. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, making them the most cost-effective long-term solution.
The natural appearance of implants is virtually undetectable. Your custom crown matches your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. Because implants are anchored in your jawbone, they provide the same biting force as natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions. Daily care involves simply brushing and flossing as you would natural teeth, with no special cleaning solutions or removal required.
Most healthy adults with adequate jawbone density make good candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates have good oral health, healthy gums, and sufficient bone to support the implant. Certain medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or active gum disease may require treatment before implant placement. Smoking can affect healing and implant success, though many smokers successfully receive implants.
During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your specific situation and discuss whether dental implants are right for you. If bone loss is present, bone grafting can often create the necessary foundation for implant placement. Age is rarely a barrier to implant treatment. We’ve successfully placed implants in patients from their twenties through their nineties, as long as their overall health supports the procedure.
Dental implants represent a significant investment in your oral health and quality of life. While the upfront cost exceeds that of dentures or bridges, implants typically prove more economical over time due to their longevity. Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for implant treatment, often covering the crown portion even if they don’t cover the implant post.
We offer flexible financing through CareCredit, to make implant treatment accessible. These options allow you to spread the cost over manageable monthly payments. Our team will verify your insurance benefits and provide a detailed cost estimate before treatment begins. We’re committed to helping you find a payment solution that fits your budget while giving you the permanent tooth replacement you deserve.
Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss once daily, and attend regular dental checkups and cleanings. While the implant itself cannot develop cavities, the surrounding gum tissue needs protection from infection. Good oral hygiene prevents gum disease, which can compromise implant stability.
Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pen caps, which can damage both natural teeth and implant crowns. If you grind your teeth, we may recommend a nightguard to protect your restoration. With proper care and regular dental visits, your implants should serve you well for decades. Many patients find that implants improve their quality of life dramatically, restoring confidence and function they thought were lost forever.
Replace missing teeth permanently with dental implants at Cedar Pearl Dental. Dr. White provides complete implant treatment from placement through restoration, giving you a solution that looks and functions like your natural teeth. We serve patients throughout Crestview and Okaloosa County, accepting most major insurance plans.
Contact our office today at (850) 682-2720 to schedule your dental implant consultation. We’ll evaluate your candidacy, discuss your treatment options, and create a personalized plan to restore your smile. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back from living confidently. Your journey to a complete, beautiful smile starts here.
From your first consultation to your ongoing care, we’re committed to providing you with exceptional dental services in a welcoming environment.
Conveniently located in crestview, FL
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OPENING HOURS
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (every second Saturday only)
Sunday: Closed
