Dental Implants in Winter Haven, FL
Lost a tooth in an accident or due to a dental infection? Finding a dentist near you so you can get dental implants in Winter Haven, FL should be at the top of your priorities. At Winter Haven Dental in Winter Haven, FL, we provide multiple restorative options to our patients.
Having full rows of teeth is important. A missing tooth will affect your smile sooner or later. Even if the missing tooth is in the back of the mouth, the rest of your teeth will start to shift and accommodate the extra space leading to gaps. Multiple missing teeth can lead to problems speaking and eating. Finding a dentist in Winter Haven, FL that works with dental implants near you is important.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are permanent solutions. They’re used to replace missing teeth so patients can live normal and healthy lives. A dental implant is usually made of two components. The first component is the titanium screw. The screw is placed directly into the jawbone and is used for attachment.
The second component is a crown or artificial tooth. The permanent artificial tooth can’t be placed immediately after the screw is inserted. The screw needs some time to become firmly attached. We’ll use a temporary tooth for the first few months then replace it with a permanent one later on.
Living with a Dental Implant
At Winter Haven Dental, we tell our patients that living with a dental implant is no different from living with their natural teeth. You don’t need to take any special precautions after getting an implant. Implants are firm and durable. You can eat almost anything you want without restrictions.
Brushing and flossing will still be required to keep your teeth in good shape. Additionally, implants can stain like your natural teeth. Limit your caffeine and cigarette consumption to keep your implants bright and shiny. If you feel any discomfort or think your implant broke, call us so we can see you as soon as possible. Most implants last a lifetime without any signs of trouble. Minor damage can easily be fixed.
FAQs
An implant is a titanium screw positioned in the jaw that takes the place of a lost tooth’s root. After healing, a connector and custom crown restore chewing and appearance. As providers of dental implants in Winter Haven, FL, Winter Haven Dental follows imaging-guided planning to protect nerves, support bone health, and create stable, natural-looking replacements.
You’re generally a candidate if you have adequate bone, healthy gums, and no uncontrolled conditions like diabetes or smoking that impair healing. We confirm with an exam and 3D imaging. If the bone is thin, grafting may help. Your medical history, bite, and hygiene habits guide whether implants are appropriate for you.
Most implants remain stable for years when plaque is controlled and forces are balanced. Success depends on bone quality, precise placement, clean home care, and routine maintenance. Brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings reduce peri-implant disease risk. Avoid smoking and unmanaged clenching, which strain implant components. Crowns may eventually need replacement due to normal wear, not the implant itself.
First, we evaluate with an exam and imaging. Next, the implant is placed and allowed to fuse with bone, typically for several months. A connector and crown follow after stability is confirmed. Some cases allow immediate temporaries. Healing times vary by bone quality, grafting needs, and whether multiple teeth or arches are restored.
You should feel pressure but minimal pain during placement with local anesthesia. Post-op soreness is usually manageable with recommended medication and cold compresses. Most people return to normal activities within a day or two. Following instructions on soft foods, hygiene, and avoiding smoking helps reduce discomfort and supports healing.
Clean your teeth morning and night with a soft toothbrush and gentle, low-abrasive toothpaste. Clean between the implant and adjacent teeth using floss designed for implants, interdental brushes, or water flossers. Avoid hard biting while healing. Schedule routine checkups so we can monitor tissues, bite, and components, and remove plaque that home tools miss.
Potential issues include infection, inadequate bone integration, nerve irritation, sinus involvement for upper molars, or peri-implantitis from plaque. Precise planning and clean technique reduce risks. Tell us about medications like bisphosphonates. If problems arise, early intervention, adjusting bite, treating infection, or grafting, improves outcomes and helps protect surrounding bone and gums.
