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How Dental Implant Treatment Works in Ocala

dental implant

Dental implant treatment is one of the best options to replace one or more missing teeth, with over 98% of patients getting satisfactory results. 

However, much of this success depends on the patient having enough bone tissue to bond firmly to the implant. If you don’t have enough bone tissue, perhaps due to bone resorption for staying with a gap for too long, then your dentist may recommend another procedure called bone grafting or bone augmentation to build up your bone tissue before implant placement. The health of the remaining teeth and gums is also important for a successful procedure. 

The Procedure 

If dental implant treatment is right for you, then the dentist will take X-rays of the site and prepare models of the teeth. These will be used to formulate a treatment plan detailing the steps of your treatment, time frames, and associated costs. 

The implant is surgically placed in the position of a tooth root so it connects to the jawbone. It takes a few months for the implant to bond to the bone tissue, after which the crown can be attached to it to give you a new artificial tooth. 

The three steps are as follows of a dental implant are:

Step 1: Titanium Implant Placement 

During the first procedure, the oral surgeon makes a small cut in the gum where the tooth will be placed. Next, a hole will be drilled in the bone tissue and the implant placed, after which the incision will be stitched closed. You may wear temporary dentures or bridgework as the site heals. 

Step 2: Attaching the Abutment 

After three to six months, within which time the implant will have bonded with the bone tissue, the second procedure will take place. This involves making another cut in the gum tissue to expose the top part of the titanium implant. A collar (healing cap) is screwed onto the top of the implant to facilitate healing of the surrounding tissue. The cap is removed after several weeks and the abutment, usually made of porcelain, titanium, or gold, is attached to the implant with a screw, so it projects above the gum line to receive the crown. 

Step 3: The Crown 

The crown can then be attached to finish the tooth replacement process. The porcelain replacement tooth is cemented or screwed onto the abutment to fill the gap in your smile. 

Final Note 

The implant process takes place over several months, usually 5 to 9 months. Please keep in mind that there’s a faster way to get implants, where the mini-implants and crown are placed simultaneously in one appointment. Make sure to discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist in Ocala, FL before the dental implant treatment begins. 

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Dental Crowns Cost in Ocala

Although fillings and crowns seem to treat similar kinds of tooth damage – chips and fractures – dental crowns provide a stronger and more durable restoration. Crowns also help to strengthen severely weakened teeth that may otherwise need to be extracted, which makes the dental crowns cost more expensive compared to dental fillings. 

Here are some reasons for the popularity of dental crowns:

  • Can be used to treat a wide range of problems – Fillings can be successfully used to repair minor tooth damage. However, large fillings tend to be unstable, requiring the support of a dental crown. Rather than get a quick filling that won’t last very long, you can choose dental crowns 
  • Cosmetic dental treatment to improve your smile – Tooth-colored crowns, also referred to as white fillings, have become increasingly popular because they blend in with your natural teeth and make the repair unnoticeable, producing an even, white smile. 
  • Strong and durable materials – There are many different materials that can be used for dental fillings to provide a strong and durable restoration for your molars. 

Dental crowns give you value for your money, even if you spend a little more than fillings. However, the procedure should be done by a skilled and experienced dentist. So when considering the cost of dental crowns, it’s best that you don’t simply choose the least expensive dentist without fully understanding the reasons for the low-cost treatment. 

The dental crowns cost varies depending on the material used and the amount of tooth preparation needed before placement. Naturally, a severely damaged or infected tooth that requires a core build-up will increase the overall cost of the procedure. You don’t necessarily have to pay the total cost of treatment out-of-pocket. Many insurance providers cover about 50% of the cost, though this also depends on your type of insurance and the specifics of your case. 

To find out the actual cost of your crown placement procedure, please schedule an appointment with your dentist in Ocala today. 

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What to Expect with Dental Implants Near Me, Ocala FL

dental implant

Dental implants can be safely, reliably, and successfully placed in gaps with missing teeth to permanently restore your smile and optimize the function of your mouth. The treatment involves implanting a small screw – made from biocompatible material – into the jawbone to provide the foundation for your new tooth replacement. 

As the implant heals in the next few months, the screw integrates with the underlying bone through a process referred to as osseointegration, providing strong and sturdy support for your new teeth that function as the root. 

When the titanium implant has healed, an abutment is attached to it on one side to hold the tooth in place. Your replacement tooth is then connected to the abutment on the other side. The tooth is custom made to match the shape and color of your existing natural teeth. 

Are dental implants right for me?

Dental implants are the ideal tooth replacement option for anyone missing one or several teeth. Each solution is customized for your specific situation, with some patients requiring additional treatments such as bone grafting to ensure a successful tooth replacement. 

Please visit your oral surgeon in Ocala FL to learn more about dental implants and whether they’re the right solution to restore the function and aesthetics of your mouth. 

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Dental Implants Cost in Ocala

Implants are one of the most common options for replacing one tooth or multiple teeth when combined with bridgework or dentures. Dental implants are preferred to other tooth replacement solutions because they are more secure and stable, offering the same level of comfort as your natural teeth. With this in mind, many patients find the cost of dental implants worth their time and money.

What May Increase the Cost of Getting a Dental implant?

The cost of getting implants varies considerably depending on different factors. For instance, some people may not be good candidates for the procedure because of using tobacco products or having a medical or dental condition that could prevent a successful dental implant placement. 

Your oral surgeon may recommend bone grafting for patients with severe bone tissue loss to ensure that they have sufficient bone tissue to integrate with the titanium implant, and subsequently provide strong support for your replacement teeth. If you use tobacco products or have a medical condition or are taking medications that may affect bone healing such as diabetes, you need to get the situation under management before starting treatment. All of these situations increase the cost of your dental implant procedure. 

Replacing a front tooth may also cost more because it involves a lot more work, owing to the minimal work-space available compared to a back tooth. In addition, the abutment used in the front teeth is usually more costly than the standard abutments used in back teeth placement. You also need to keep in mind that each implant comprises three elements: the implant, abutment, and crown, all of which are made from different materials, through different processes, and are placed at different appointments.

Specialist Care Costs More

Implants also require specialist care that is typically more expensive than general dental care. Dental implants lie in the category of implantology under restoration dentistry. The consultation for dental implants also involves a number of costly exams including diagnostic imaging (panoramic X-ray). Moreover, they can only be placed by an oral surgeon, periodontist, or dentist with relevant advanced training and experience.

To find out the cost for your dental implants, please visit your dental surgeon in Ocala FL today.

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Gentle Dentist Near Me, Ocala FL

general dentistry

In our modern world, dentistry has evolved and advanced. Today’s dental practices can be very different from how they were in the past. 

There are many people who feel apprehensive about visiting their dentist. If you’re one of them, then you’ll be happy to know that there are some great gentle friendly dentists out there. 

Dentistry is an important part of your overall health. 

Every six months, you should visit the dentist to have a dental cleaning, check for signs of decay, and to see if anything is becoming loose or causing pain. You should also have regular visits to a dentist as part of your routine health care. If you have any concerns about your oral health, please don’t hesitate to contact us right away. We’d be happy to help!

The largest cause of tooth loss is decay. This can be caused by cavities, which are holes in teeth caused by bacteria that eat away at the underlying protein. Decay can also be caused by gum disease, which can lead to bleeding and swelling in the gums. Teeth grinding and bruxism from stress or anxiety are other possible causes of tooth decay. A healthy mouth requires daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and regular checkups with your dentist.

Not all oral health issues are visible. Some of them are quite subtle, requiring only a few minutes of your time. In order to detect the signs of oral health issues, you will need to know what to look for. We hope that this article has been helpful to you! If you are still unclear about any aspect of your oral health, please contact us by email or phone. We are happy to help!

Are You Looking for a Dentist Near Me?

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

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Dental Exam & Cleaning Near Me, Ocala

Dental exams and cleaning are absolutely important and they help determine the status of your oral health. Since your oral health is connected to your overall health, regular dental exams and cleaning help you stay healthy. Find a dentist near you and schedule your first visit.

The benefits of dental exams and cleaning include;

  • Healthy teeth and gums
  • Prevention of potential dental problems
  • Early detection and treatment of dental problems

What to expect during dental exams & cleaning

Teeth & gum cleaning

Dental cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar that contains bacteria that expose you to tooth decay. Regular brushing is not enough and you require professional cleaning regularly.

Dental X-rays

X-rays capture images of the interior of your teeth and gums to help your dentist discover potential problems. These are done in a process known as examination. A dental examination is usually non-invasive and involves other techniques too.

Full check-ups

As part of our routine exams and cleaning, we perform a full checkup on your teeth, gums, jaws, cheeks, tongue, neck, and head.

Oral cancer screening

Oral cancer is becoming more common nowadays. We take the opportunity to screen you for oral cancer at each exam appointment.

During your first dental exam & cleaning with us, we will have a discussion about your oral health and your lifestyle to determine whether you are at risk of developing dental problems. If you need to adjust your lifestyle, we will help you make the changes slowly. If you already have a dental problem, we will create a treatment plan suitable for you laying down all the available treatment options.

Call us to speak to a dental exam & cleaning dentist near you.

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Natural Looking Fillings for Front Teeth in Ocala FL

tooth colored filling front teeth

If you’re suffering from cavities, your dentist may recommend that you get tooth colored fillings to restore its size, shape, and even shade. Tooth colored fillings are designed to not only repair decayed or damaged teeth, but also help you improve your smile and restore your confidence. As such, they are particularly suitable for repairing front teeth, and can help treat cavities or decays affecting your lower and upper front teeth. 

Steps for getting tooth-colored fillings 

Step 1: Consultation appointment

If you think that you’re a suitable candidate for tooth-colored fillings, because of a chipped, cracked, fractured, or decayed tooth, then your first step should be visiting a dentist for proper diagnosis and design of your custom treatment plan. The dentist will examine the issue with your teeth and recommend the right dental procedure. If a tooth colored filling is right for you, the dentist will use the latest techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment to repair the tooth.

Step 2: Local anesthetic application 

The tooth filling will be carried out on your next visit in a single appointment. The dentist will start by applying a local anesthetic to make you feel comfortable and ensure that the procedure is pain-free.

Step 3: Cleaning the tooth

Next, the dentist will remove any cavities, bacteria, plaque, and all signs of tooth decay, sterilize the tooth and the surrounding areas, and apply a bonding agent.

Step 4: Choosing the right shade of tooth-colored material 

The dentist will select a shade of tooth-colored filling matching your teeth’s natural color and carefully place it on the tooth structure. 

Step 5: Filling and fine-tuning 

The dentist will use a special curing light to harden the material in-between the teeth layers. After filling the cavities completely, the dentist will smoothen and polish the tooth-colored filling to achieve a flawless outcome. You can start chewing with your fillings immediately after the procedure is completed. 

Contact Us to Schedule a Dental Appointment

If you would like to know whether tooth colored filling for front teeth is right for you, contact our dental practice today to schedule an appointment. Our friendly, professional dental specialists will be happy to meet with you.

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Dental Crown Types, Procedure, When It’s Done | Ocala FL

A dental crown or tooth cap is a long-term restoration that provides a permanent solution for both restorative and cosmetic dental problems. Dentists particularly recommend them for large cavities, either as the only restoration, or to complement large unstable dental fillings or root canal therapy. 

Crowns for Cavities 

Dental fillings are the most common restoration for cavities. But if the cavity is too large, it may result in a weak filling with no durability. In such a case, your dentist may recommend that you get a crown instead of fillings to repair the cavity. Crowns can also be used to replace previously placed fillings to strengthen the tooth. 

When you have severe decay that has infected the tooth pulp (section inside the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels), the condition is considered irreparable and you may end up losing the tooth. However, it is possible to save the tooth through root canal therapy, whereby the pulp is removed and replaced with dental filling material. The procedure requires a substantial amount of the natural tooth to be removed in order to thoroughly clean the pulp and completely remove the infection. 

While you retain the original tooth, its structure will have weakened considerably, affecting its normal function. As such, your dentist may recommend that you get a dental crown to encase the restored tooth to strengthen it. The crown also serves an aesthetic function as it covers up the filler material, giving your smile a natural appearance. 

Crowns for Cosmetic Dental Applications 

Cosmetic reasons 

Dental crowns are custom-made to restore the shape, size, and even shade of a damaged tooth if you use a tooth-colored crown. As such, your dentist may recommend crowns to enhance the appearance of imperfect teeth such as:

  • Excessively or unevenly worn down – resulting in very short teeth 
  • Badly shaped teeth 
  • Severely stained teeth 
  • Widely gapped teeth 

Other Applications of Dental Crowns 

Crowns can also be used to repair a chipped, broken, or fractured tooth that is experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks; to support dental bridgework for replacing missing teeth; or to replace a missing tooth with dental implants. 

There are different materials that can be used to fabricate dental crowns. Your dentist will help you choose the best material for your specific need.

To learn more about Dental Crowns in Ocala FL please contact us today.

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Cosmetic Dentist Near Me, Ocala FL

Cosmetic dentistry offers a way for you to improve your smile via varying cosmetic dental procedures. Even a subtle change to your smile can make a huge difference in the way you look, the way you feel about yourself, and the way others perceive you.

Your smile plays a big part in your appearance. It is the first thing that people notice about you, besides your eyes, which influences how people perceive you. A bright smile is associated with good health, confidence, and happiness, which essentially draws people to you and makes you more successful in your personal and professional relationships. This truth is why any patients visit a cosmetic dentist to learn more about how they can enhance their smiles.

Preparing for the Initial Visit 

If you’re looking to restore or improve the health and appearance of your teeth, the first step would be a free cosmetic consultation at a cosmetic dental practice near you. To ensure the best results from your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:

  • What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between 
  • Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
  • Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way? 
  • What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc. 

Anyone who has been shy or hesitant about smiling or laughing with other people because of fractures, cracks, stains, or gaps in their teeth is a great candidate for cosmetic dentistry. If you’re self-conscious about your teeth or want to improve your smile, please visit a cosmetic dentist near you to discuss your case. 

Please contact your dental team to learn more about available cosmetic dentistry treatments, and to schedule your appointment. 

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Dental Exam & Cleaning Near Me in Ocala FL

dental exam

Why should you schedule your exam and cleaning today?

Both the bi-annual exams and cleanings are expected for optimal oral health. Maintaining a strong base for oral health is important to prevent disease or decay. Keeping up with these appointments is vital in obtaining exceptional oral health. 

A dental exam is a routine procedure. It is generally quick, easy. 

Dental Exam 

The exam at your dental appointment consists of a few bites, and one open-wide. That’s it! The process for checking the state of your teeth is rather simple. Depending on what they find during the checkup, they may want to immediately take X-rays as well.

Dental Cleaning

A routine cleaning at the dentist’s office is more effective than any toothbrush. Following the removal of plaque and tartar, your dental practitioner will do deep clean that is possible with a high-powered electric brush. Your dentist will then floss your teeth for you and finish off by giving you a fluoride treatment so that cavities are protected against for months on end! You’ll leave feeling fresh not only in appearance but also internally.

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Real Results

Patient Testimonials

  • I felt so at ease visiting this practice, the staff is attentive and easy to talk to. Great Experience!

  • After my first cleaning, my smile went from dull to radiant. Definitely recommended.

  • As a parent, I highly recommend this practice for taking care of my entire family‘s dentistry needs.