Missing teeth can make eating, speaking, and even smiling feel like a challenge.
Dental implants offer a lasting solution that looks, feels, and functions just like real teeth. They integrate with your jawbone, creating a secure foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Schedule a consultation with Optum Dental Arts in Tampa, FL, to see if dental implants are right for you!
Why Patients Trust Us With Their Smiles
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that replace missing teeth from the root up. They are placed directly into the jawbone, where they provide a stable foundation for restorations. This advanced solution helps restore both function and appearance.
- Function: Supports crowns, bridges, or dentures for full chewing ability.
- Stability: Offers a secure fit that feels like natural teeth.
- Jawbone health: Helps prevent bone loss and maintains facial shape.
- Long-term benefits: Designed to provide lasting tooth replacement.
The Dangers Of Resorption After Tooth Loss
Losing a tooth does more than create a gap in your smile. Without the stimulation from a tooth root, the jawbone begins to shrink, weakening the foundation for the remaining teeth. Over time, this can affect the facial structure and make future dental treatments more challenging.
- Bone loss: The jawbone deteriorates, leading to long-term changes.
- Facial changes: A sunken appearance may develop as bone density decreases.
- Tooth shifting: Nearby teeth can move out of alignment, affecting your bite.
- Restoration challenges: Bone loss can make it harder to place future implants.
The Benefits Of Restoring Your Smile With Dental Implants
Dental implants provide more than just a replacement for missing teeth. They help restore confidence, improve oral function, and protect long-term dental health. With their ability to integrate with the jawbone, they offer a stable and natural-looking solution.
- Natural appearance: Designed to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
- Improved function: Restores chewing and speaking ability without slipping.
- Long-term reliability: Can last for decades with proper care and maintenance.
- Jawbone preservation: Stimulates the bone to prevent shrinkage and facial changes.
The Process
Getting dental implants is a multi-step process designed for long-term success. While every patient is different, the general steps remain the same. Each phase is done with precision to ensure the best outcome.
- Consultation and planning: A personalized exam to determine eligibility.
- Implant placement: A secure post is placed in the jawbone.
- Healing and integration: The bone naturally fuses with the implant.
- Final restoration: A custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached.
Types Of Dental Implants
Dental implants come in different forms to suit a variety of needs. Whether you’re replacing a single tooth or restoring a full arch, there’s an option that fits your lifestyle and goals. Below are the different types of dental implants and how they can help rebuild your smile.
A single tooth implant is the perfect solution for replacing one missing tooth. It restores function without affecting the surrounding teeth, preserving natural tooth structure. This option looks and feels just like a real tooth.
- Restores function: Supports chewing and speaking with ease.
- Protects surrounding teeth: No need to alter healthy teeth.
- Prevents bone loss: Stimulates the jawbone for better stability.
- Seamless look: Designed to blend in with your natural smile.
For those missing multiple teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge offers a strong and stable solution. Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, implants provide a secure foundation. This option improves both function and oral health.
- Enhanced support: Implants anchor the bridge for better durability.
- Prevents shifting: Keeps remaining teeth properly aligned.
- Restores full function: Improves chewing and speaking abilities.
- Lasting results: Can outlast traditional bridges with proper care.
Traditional dentures can slip, shift, or cause irritation. Implant-supported dentures snap securely into place, providing superior comfort and confidence. They offer the closest feel to natural teeth without the hassle of adhesives.
- Stable and secure: No slipping or shifting while eating.
- More comfortable: Reduces gum irritation and pressure.
- Stronger bite: Allows for a greater variety of foods.
- Jawbone support: Helps prevent long-term bone loss.
For those missing all their teeth, full-mouth dental implants provide a complete transformation. This permanent solution restores an entire arch of teeth, giving you back the full function of a natural smile. The results are life-changing.
- Complete restoration: Replaces all missing teeth in one or both arches.
- Secure fit: Stays in place for reliable, all-day comfort.
- Durability: A long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures.
- Boosted confidence: Restores function, appearance, and self-esteem.
Advanced Implant Solutions For Complex Cases
Zygomatic & Pterygoid Implants at Optum Dental Arts
For patients with severe upper jaw bone loss, traditional dental implants may not be an option—especially when they’ve already been told “no” by other dentists. At Optum Dental Arts, we offer advanced alternatives that allow us to confidently treat even the most complex cases without bone grafting, sinus lifts, or delays.
Dr. Roderick Davies is one of a small number of dentists in the country trained to place Zygomatic and Pterygoid Implants—two highly specialized techniques that anchor implants into dense, stable areas of the facial bone (like the cheekbone and pterygoid plates), bypassing areas with significant bone loss.
Dr. Davies completed advanced surgical training in Brazil, working on both live patients and cadavers to master the anatomy and techniques required for these procedures. This level of expertise means you can receive full-mouth implant treatment—even if you’ve been told it’s not possible elsewhere.
Why this matters:
- No need for sinus lifts or extensive grafting
- Ideal for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw
- Fixed teeth possible same-day in many cases
- Shorter treatment time compared to traditional grafting protocols
- One of the only practices in the region to offer this in-house
When other offices say you’re not a candidate, we take a second look. With advanced technology, world-class training, and a commitment to restoring confidence, Optum Dental Arts is your destination for full-arch solutions—even in the most challenging cases.
Unlock A Confident Smile For Life
Dental implants do more than restore teeth. They give you the freedom to eat your favorite foods, speak without hesitation, and smile with confidence. With personalized care and expert treatment, Optum Dental Arts in Tampa, FL, is ready to help you achieve a lasting transformation. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier smile!