3 Reasons to Choose Dental Implants to Improve Your Smile

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Dental implants are a great way to give your smile a revamp, filling in the gaps so you can flash your grin with total confidence. Of course, they’re not the only way to complete your smile, so if you’re wondering why implants over the alternatives, we’ll look at three reasons implants are superior (and the clear winner if you talk to dentists in Jacksonville, FL).

1. They’re Stronger

While it’s true that bridges and partial dentures give your mouth plenty of support, dental implants are as close to your real teeth as you’re ever going to get. So, whether you bite down on an errant poppy seed or you take a rather nasty fall, implants are going to be more resilient than other types of artificial teeth.

2. They’re Permanent

You can treat implants like your real teeth, meaning you’ll brush and floss them. Compared to partial dentures, which you’ll need to remove to clean thoroughly, they’re far easier to care for. Implants not only push your face up, so that you can maintain the structure of your smile, they also stop other teeth from shifting and sliding to fill the lost tooth’s place.

3. You’ll Feel Great

Dental implants in Jacksonville can give you more reasons to take care of your oral health. When you love your smile, brushing and flossing may not seem quite like a chore as much as a life-affirming way to keep yourself healthy.

If you have questions about dental implants, including whether you’re eligible and how long they’ll take to complete, contact Dr. Matt Henry to get a better handle on the steps you’ll need to take to get your grin back.

What’s the Difference Between Titanium Implants and Zirconia Implants?

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Are you thinking about getting dental implants? You might not be sure of which type is best…right? Don’t worry! You’re not alone. More patients are asking their dentist in Jacksonville, FL, whether titanium or zirconia implants are the smarter pick. Both materials can restore your smile. But they’re not exactly the same.

Let’s take a look at both.

What Are Dental Implants and Materials?

Dental implants in Jacksonville, FL, act like artificial tooth roots. They’re placed into the jawbone and topped with a natural-looking crown. The material of that root is important. It’s what affects durability, appearance, and how your gums respond. They are usually made of titanium. However, there is another option available now, zirconia.

We’ll start by going over the titanium. Then, we’ll talk about zirconia.

Titanium Plants (the gold standard)

Titanium has been the go-to material for decades. According to the National Library of Medicine, titanium dental implants have a high success rate of almost 97% after ten years. Why so reliable? It’s because titanium fuses well with bone. And that makes them super stable. It’s also strong enough to last a lifetime (the implant, not the crown). So, what’s the downside? Some patients notice a faint gray line near the gums if the tissue is thin. But that’s about it.

Zirconia Implants (the metal-free alternative)

Zirconia implants in Jacksonville, FL, are newer. But they’re growing in popularity. They’re tooth-colored, so they blend better with natural teeth. And there are no gray lines. They are also hypoallergenic. That makes them a good choice for people who are sensitive to metals. They aren’t as time-tested as titanium implants, though. And they might be more prone to breaking under heavy bite pressure.

Which One Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If strength and proven results matter most, then titanium is hard to beat. If looks and a metal-free option are your priority, then zirconia is probably the better way to go.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Jacksonville, FL?

If you’re thinking about getting dental implants in Jacksonville, FL, or any of the surrounding areas for that matter, please Contact Dr. Matt Henry today. We’ll help you decide which option best fits your smile goals!

What Are the Steps for Getting a Dental Implant?

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Do you have teeth missing? You don’t have to go around being reluctant to smile due to gaps in the front of your mouth or struggling to chew due to missing back teeth. Our dentist in Jacksonville, FL, at Dr. Matt Henry offers dental implants to replace teeth. Here’s how this process works in many cases.

Implant Consultation

We don’t recommend implants for everyone. You have to have enough jawbone and meet other requirements to be considered a good candidate. That’s why we have you visit for a consultation first.

Dental Implant Placement in the Jaw

Traditional implant surgery involves putting a titanium post in your jaw. This post stays in place when your jaw heals, serving as a way to anchor your tooth replacement.

Jaw Recovery

Choosing dental implants in Jacksonville, FL, means waiting several weeks or months after post placement for your jaw to recover. During this time, the post becomes fused to the tissue around it.

Abutment Placement

We need to place an abutment on the post to hold the final dental restoration or replacement tooth in place as securely as possible. We’ll then have your custom restoration made.

Dental Restoration Placement

During this last step, we place a dental crown or another kind of restoration on the abutment as a tooth replacement. This acts as a natural tooth, allowing you to eat and smile without issues.

Visit Our Dentist for Dental Implants!

Tired of having missing teeth? We can help replace them with dental implants in Jacksonville, FL. Our dentist at Dr. Matt Henry can evaluate your teeth and look at other factors to determine if this solution is the best one for tooth replacement.

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What Are the Main Benefits of Dental Implants?

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Why have your missing teeth replaced? You’ll get to enjoy an improved smile and a few other benefits that affect your life! You might be putting this off if you’re not aware of your options, such as dental implants. Our dentist in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Matt Henry, offers this type of dental restoration due to its many advantages.

Keeps Adjacent Teeth in Position

The teeth that are next to gaps from missing teeth can move or shift. They do this as a way to fill in that space — but it can cause alignment problems. Dental implants prevent this movement from occurring.

Prevents Bone Loss

When you have a missing tooth, the jawbone in that area can deteriorate as it’s reabsorbed. This can lead to a sunken appearance and other cosmetic issues. Dental implants protect against bone loss.

Allows You to Chew and Speak Comfortably

With dental implants, you can bite into food or chew it up without any difficulties. Implants also help you speak and pronounce words more clearly.

Increases Your Confidence

Knowing that you have one or more missing teeth can affect your self-esteem. But dental implants can quickly restore your confidence — and give it a boost!

Enhances Your Smile

Are you missing teeth in a visible part of your mouth? If you smile with a closed mouth, you don’t have to anymore when you have dental implants. These look like natural teeth, allowing you to feel more comfortable when you smile.

Visit Our Jacksonville Dentist for Dental Implants!

Are you a good candidate for this kind of tooth restoration? Our team at Dr. Matt Henry can help you determine this! We offer different types of dental implants in Jacksonville, FL, along with other dental restoration options.

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Dental Implants: What to Expect

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Dental implants are among the most popular oral health solutions on the market today. Resembling natural teeth, they can boost your confidence, improve your oral health, and allow you to eat all of your favorite foods.

If you want to speak with a professional about dental implants, contact Dr. Matt Henry’s office today! We offer some of the highest-qualitydental implants in Jacksonville, FL.

In this post, we’ll discuss dental implants in more detail, including what to expect during the treatment process.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial teeth consisting of a metal post, abutment, and crown. The post is surgically inserted into your jawbone, while the abutment and crown are attached on top. The final product looks and feels just like a real tooth! Dental implants are incredibly strong and long-lasting.

Dental Implant Surgery: How It Works

If your doctor determines you’re a good candidate for dental implants, the first step involves placing the metal post into your jawbone. This device features a screw-like appearance, making it more secure. After it’s placed, you’ll need to wait until the post fuses together with your jawbone, which can take several months, depending on your situation. You also must give your mouth adequate time to heal.

Once the waiting period ends, you’ll have another office visit to place the abutment and crown. These are simply attached to the top of the metal post. And just like that—you have a gorgeous new smile!

Trusted Dental Implants in Jacksonville, FL

Our dentist, Dr. Matt Henry, has over three decades of experience in the industry. That being said, you can always count on him for reliable dental care. Whether you need dental implants, teeth whitening, or another important treatment, we’re here to help. Call us today to work with the topdentist in Jacksonville, FL!

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Best Time of Life For Dental Implants

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There are many reasons why a person may lose an adult tooth. A permanent tooth may be lost due to an accident, periodontal disease, malnutrition, old age, and other causes. For this reason, people of many ages seek treatment with dental implants in Jacksonville, FL. But this isn’t always the best solution for all ages. What is the best time of life for dental implants?

What Conditions Are Best For Dental Implants?

Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution, but sometimes they can fail, just like other kinds of bodily implants. There are certain conditions that help to support the success of implants. In the case of dental implants, the best conditions include:

  • Overall good health
  • Fully developed jaw
  • Dense, strong jaw bone
  • Generally healthy gum tissue
  • And more

Best Time of Life For Dental Implants

It’s not recommended for young children to get dental implants, since their jaws are not fully developed. Getting implants too young may create a situation where the implant interferes with healthy jaw bone development.

Young adults in their 20s and 30s can safely get dental implants since their jaws are fully developed and their bone density is likely to be very good. In addition, it’s unlikely that they would have jaw bone degeneration since this is a condition that develops over time.

Middle-aged people around ages 40-60 could be good dental implant candidates, depending on individual circumstances. If bone density or health is an obstacle, these can be addressed with other dental treatments, to help create a more suitable oral health environment to accept dental implants.

Seniors past a certain age might be better suited to other restorative dentistry solutions that are less complex and less invasive.

If you’re curious as to whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, talk to your Jacksonville, FL dentist. Contact us today to book an appointment where you can get all your questions answered!

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4 Restorative Dentistry Procedures to Help You

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When your teeth are damaged or injured, restoration dentistry procedures can help bring your teeth back to a functional and aesthetically pleasing condition. Your dentist in Jacksonville, FL can help. At Dr. Matt Henry’s office, we offer a range of restoration dentistry procedures. We’ll help you decide which restoration procedure is best for your circumstances.

1. Fillings

A cavity is a hole in the tooth enamel made by dental decay. A dental filling is like a patch that the dentist uses to fill a cavity. Fillings come in composite material or amalgam.

Composite fillings are made from tooth-colored material, while amalgam fillings are made from silver material. Composite fillings are less durable and don’t last as long as amalgam. However, many patients prefer composite material for fillings near the front of the mouth.

2. Implants

An implant is a prosthetic tooth installed to fill the hole left behind when a permanent tooth is knocked out. Implants are surgically installed in the jaw, so they function a lot like natural teeth. If you’re missing a tooth, an implant makes it possible to chew and talk like you did before your tooth was knocked out.

3. Crowns

A dental crown is a cap that fits over a damaged tooth. Crowns can cover cosmetic damage as well as damage to the enamel. This makes a dental crown a great solution for some patients with broken teeth.

4. Bridges

A dental bridge is an alternative to a dental implant. A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that uses crowns to attach to adjacent teeth and hold the bridge in place.

Are you missing a tooth? Do you have a broken tooth? If so, you may need restorative dentistry in Jacksonville, FL. Call Dr. Matt Henry today to make an appointment.

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Tips for Flossing Around Dental Implants (or not)

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Do you really need to floss around your dental implants in Jacksonville, FL? Besides, they are artificial teeth, so why would you need to bother with flossing? Let’s talk about flossing and your dental implants for a moment.

 

Here, we will give you some tips for flossing around your dental implants. We are also going to go over some of the conflicting information about whether or not you should floss around your implants and why. Your best bet is to ask your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, what they recommend for your particular situation. That way, you’re covered.

  • Thread your floss correctly.
  • Floss gently by slowly sliding it up and down.
  • Consider using a water flosser instead of floss.
  • Be extremely careful so you don’t break the peri-implant seal around your implant and gums.

Why You Should Floss Around Your Dental Implants

Even though your dental implants are artificial teeth, food and other debris still get around them, which must be removed. This will help prevent plaque from building up and causing an oral infection that could spread to other parts of your body.

Conflicting Information about Flossing with Dental Implants

Why would a dentist ever recommend not flossing your dental implants? Well, there are several reasons.

Floss can shred and get stuck between your implant and gums. When you have dental implants, the space between your teeth is generally wider than with your natural teeth. So, floss might prove ineffective. And lastly, many people floss too aggressively. It’s too easy to accidentally break or damage the thin barrier between your implants and your gums. This will allow bacteria to reach the underlying jawbone. Unfortunately, this can lead to implant failure and bone loss.

Looking for a Dentist in Jacksonville, FL?

If you want to get dental implants or have some other type of dental need, please Contact Dr. Matt Henry today. We love helping people improve their smiles. And we can do the same for you too. Just ask!

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Dental Implants FAQs

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Are you interested indental implants in Jacksonville, FL? If so, it’s likely that you have a lot of questions about this restorative dental treatment. Dental implants have now been used all over the world on millions of patients. They provide a permanent, durable, and attractive solution for those who have lost one or more adult teeth. They are comprised of three parts; a titanium dental implant, a “screw” abutment, and a faux tooth or teeth. Here are more frequently asked questions about dental implants:

How Long Does it Take to Get Dental Implants?

Each case is unique, and there are different kinds of dental implant solutions. If you have no underlying oral health issues, you could get same-day dental implants. In other cases, especially if you need bone grafting, the entire process could take several months. Your dentist will be able to provide details about your individual circumstances when you visit.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

The implant part is made of titanium, which is a state-of-the-art material used for a range of implants, including dental implants, hip replacements, leg implants, and much more. It’s also FDA-approved as a material that is safe for humans. The titanium does not disintegrate or get absorbed into the body. It remains intact forever.

Does it Matter Where I Get Dental Implants?

It matters a great deal. Unfortunately, not all dental services are alike. You should always get dental implants and other dental work from a well-established dentist with experience in dental implants. Trying to go abroad for dental implants is a bad idea, as other countries’ standards for a dental license and treatment are sub-par to those in the United States. You can see from the testimonials about Dr. Matt Henry that we put our patients’ health first!

To learn more about dental implants, why not book an appointment with your Jacksonville, FL, dentist today? We’ll take the time to answer all your questions about dental implants and more thoroughly!

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4 Signs Your Dental Implant Needs to Be Restored

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It is not uncommon for a dental implant to last for decades if not the lifetime of the patient. However, some people do have issues with their dental implant and it should be restored. Take a look at just a few of the signs that you may need to talk to your dentist about dental implant restoration.

1. Inflammation, Pain, or Swelling Around the Implant

Once an implant is in place, fused to the bones, and the soft tissue has healed, your implant should be like a perfectly healthy new tooth. If you have issues with inflammation, pain, or swelling around the implant, it is definitely not a good sign. Typically, these symptoms are a sign of infection, which can mean the implant and tissue once healed around it are coming apart and allowing bacteria in.

2. A Loose Implant

A dental implant should never be loose; it should be seated tightly in the bone and tissue so it does not move. A loose implant can be a sign that the implant is failing, which essentially means the fusion to the jawbone is non-existent. These issues happen frequently directly after the implantation, but any issues beyond that point are a sign an implant needs to be restored. If your implant falls out, get to the dentist right away for treatment.

3. Gum Recession Around the Implant

Gum recession around the implant is never a good sign. This issue can happen for a few reasons, but some of the most common reasons can be related to infection or lack of blood supply to the existing soft tissue around the implant. If you see the soft tissue around your implant changing, talk to your dentist right away to find out if restoration may be necessary.

Find Out More About Dental Implant Restoration in Jacksonville

Your dental implant is designed to give you a long-term replacement for a missing tooth. If you have issues with an implant you have, there is no doubt you will want to get it fixed or replaced. If you suspect you have a dental implant that needs attention from a professional, reach out to us at the office of Dr. Matt Henry in Jacksonville, FL.