Hello, I'm Dr. Eve Libby at the Implant Center of Miami in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida. Having graduated from NYU College of Dentistry in 2014, I specialize in implant and restorative dentistry, focusing on the transformative benefits of dental implants.

A dental implant is essentially a titanium screw that is placed into the bone to replace the root of a missing tooth. This can be an option for patients who are already missing a tooth or those who need a tooth extracted due to damage or decay. We often perform bone grafting if necessary to ensure there is sufficient bone to support the implant.

Ideal candidates for dental implants include anyone missing one or several teeth, or those aware they will need extractions. Recent extractions are preferable because they often leave more bone available for implant placement. However, even if extractions were done years ago, many patients still have adequate bone, which we can determine through a CT scan.

The major advantage of dental implants over other dental prosthetics, like dentures, is that they offer the most realistic feeling of having natural teeth back. For instance, if you were missing all of your teeth and opted for dentures, you might regain about 20% of your function. In contrast, replacing all your teeth with dental implants, such as with an all-on-4 procedure, could restore up to 80% of your function.

Dental implants are designed to integrate with your bone, making them stable and allowing you to chew and speak more effectively than with traditional dentures. Plus, if you're replacing a single tooth, the implant will fit seamlessly among your natural teeth, maintaining individual separations that allow for normal flossing and dental hygiene.

With proper care, including regular cleanings and bite checks to ensure the stability of the implant and its crown, a dental implant can last many decades. It's important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent potential failures.

If you have any questions about dental implants or if you're considering this treatment, please don't hesitate to contact us at the Implant Center of Miami for a consultation. We're here to answer all your questions and guide you through the process of regaining a functional, confident smile.