Dental implants are a modern solution for replacing missing teeth, designed to look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. Each dental implant consists of an implant body—typically made from titanium or zirconia—that is surgically placed into the jawbone by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This implant body acts as an artificial tooth root, providing a strong foundation for a new artificial tooth, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. The dental implant procedure is carefully planned and can be performed under sedation dentistry to ensure your comfort throughout the process. By mimicking the structure of a natural tooth, dental implants offer a permanent and reliable way to restore your smile and oral function.
There are several types of dental implants available to suit different needs and oral health situations. The most common type is the endosteal implant, which is placed directly into the jawbone and is ideal for patients with enough healthy bone to support the implant. For those with less bone density or who cannot undergo a more invasive procedure, subperiosteal implants are an option; these are positioned under the gum but above the jawbone. Mini dental implants, which are smaller in diameter, offer a less invasive alternative and are often used for stabilizing lower dentures or when space is limited. The choice of implant depends on factors such as the location of the missing tooth, your overall oral health, and your medical history, ensuring a personalized approach to restoring your smile.
Dental implants are small, titanium posts that are surgically placed below the gumline and into the jawbone. Unlike traditional bridges, dental implants do not require the filing down of adjacent teeth to support the restoration. The implant body acts as a replacement for the tooth’s root, anchoring the artificial tooth securely within the jawbone. Due to the biocompatible nature of the metal that they’re made from, they naturally fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, providing restorations with a stable and secure foundation to be attached to. After healing, the final prosthetic teeth are securely attached to the implant, ensuring stability and function. Because they don’t just restore the biting surface of missing teeth like other prosthetics, they’re able to offer several unique benefits that make the procedure so popular, such as jawbone and facial preservation. Dental implants provide a permanent set of fixed teeth, unlike removable options such as false teeth, which some patients find uncomfortable or embarrassing.
Dental implant surgery is a multi-stage surgical procedure that involves several surgical procedures to ensure a successful outcome. Not every dental implant process is the same. After all, no two smiles are exactly the same! The exact steps you’ll need to take on your journey towards your brand-new smile will depend on a variety of factors, including your current oral health and how many dental implants you’re having placed. Before proceeding, a thorough medical evaluation is essential to identify any health conditions that could affect healing and the success of the procedure. That being said, while every patient’s treatment plan is unique, there are four main steps to complete during the dental implant process. In some cases, if there is insufficient bone in the jaw, a bone graft may be necessary to restore jawbone volume and provide a stable foundation for the implant. After each stage, it is important to let the gums heal properly to support successful implant integration. During the initial recovery period after surgery, patients are advised to eat soft foods to aid healing and minimize discomfort. It is also important to be aware that nerve injury is a rare but possible complication of dental implant surgery. Once healing is complete, the new tooth is attached to the implant, completing your smile restoration.
The whole process starts with a conversation. When you visit us for your consultation, we’ll take the time to discuss your goals for your smile with you, address your concerns, and answer your questions. Next we’ll examine your oral health, take some X-rays, and review your medical history to see if dental implants are a good choice for you. Some patients will need preliminary treatments like a bone graft or gum disease therapy to become good candidates. Once you’ve been given the green light, we’ll create a custom-tailored dental implant treatment plan for you moving forward.
The next step is to have your dental implants placed into your jawbone. Since this requires a minor but precise oral surgery, most other practices need to refer their patients out for this step. We’re proud to save you the time, money, and hassle by offering start-to-finish dental implant treatment all right here at our office with a team you already know and trust. Not only do Dr. Mullens and Dr. Nguyen have advanced dental implant training, but they utilize state-of-the-art technology for computer-guided dental implant surgery to ensure you get the best possible results.
First, Dr. Mullens and Dr. Nguyen will plan out your dental implant surgery via special software to precisely determine where your dental implant should be positioned. Then, a surgical guide is created from this information. On the day of your procedure, we’ll ensure you’re comfortable with dental sedation and then place the guide in your mouth. Your implant dentist will make a small incision in the gums at the predetermined location, insert the implant into the jawbone, and then suture the gums closed again. Afterwards, you’ll be sent home to heal.
After your surgery, you’ll typically need a few days to a week or two to feel fully recovered. However, your jawbone will continue to heal for many more months. Over the next four to six months, your dental implant will integrate with the bone tissue in a natural process called osseointegration, creating a strong, solid foundation. Once that’s complete, we’ll attach a small, metal connector piece to your implant, called an abutment.
When your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture has been created, we’ll call you back to our office for the last step of the dental implant process. We’ll connect your new restoration to your implants via the abutments and check to ensure everything looks and feels right. Then, you’ll be all set to go out and show off your new smile!
Dental implants offer a wide array of unique benefits that make them stand out among traditional restorative treatments. Dental implants look, feel, and function like real teeth, providing a natural appearance and strong bite. They can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth, making them a flexible solution for many patients. Dental implants can support a fixed denture, which is securely attached and offers greater stability than removable options. They also enhance the support and retention of partial dentures, and can be used to support a partial or full denture, improving comfort and function. In some cases, existing dentures may be adapted to work with dental implants, depending on their condition. Many patients who wear dentures find that implants provide superior stability and eliminate the need for adhesives. In fact, over 500,000 people choose this amazing tooth replacement each year for their lifestyle, health, and aesthetic advantages. If you’re looking for a reason to get dental implants, we’re here to help! There are many benefits of dental implants in Jacksonville, which is why we’ve included the most significant ones below.
Diet: Missing teeth and ill-fitting dentures can make it difficult to eat the foods you love. However, dental implants allow you to consume your favorite delicious and nutritious foods for better quality of life and health!
Confidence: Have you stopped smiling in public settings due to your smile’s appearance? Dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth, giving you the confidence that you need to show off your grin for work or family events. Plus, you’ll enjoy a boost in self-esteem.
Maintenance: Tired of taking your dentures out to clean and soak them? Or maybe you’ve been struggling with keeping the gaps in your smile clean? Dental implants can be cared for similar to your natural teeth, making it easy to keep your smile healthy and clean!
Bone health: Your teeth stimulate your jaw to maintain its health and strength. When you lose teeth, the stimulation decreases, which causes the jawbone to deteriorate over time. This will lead to a sunken facial appearance and additional tooth loss. However, dental implants save your smile by stimulating the jaw to keep it from shrinking!
Dental health: Dental implants in Jacksonville help with every part of your smile. They keep your remaining teeth in place by filling spaces, lowering your risk of misalignment. Plus, they make it easier to care for your oral health, which helps you avoid cavities and infection.
Overall health: Because dental implants promote better oral health, they also help your body! Recent studies show a direct link between dental health and overall well-being, specifically with gum disease. Dental implants lower risk of gum disease to decrease your chance of developing problems like heart disease, diabetes, and more.
Predictability: Many people learn that dental implants require surgery with an implant dentist in Jacksonville and get worried. However, this treatment has a success rate of 95% even after 10 years! This gives you peace of mind and confidence in your tooth replacement.
Longevity: Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants can last for decades. Even more impressive, they can last for the rest of your lifetime with proper care. Just be sure to brush, floss, and visit our office regularly to keep them healthy and clean.
Cost: While dental implants tend to come with a higher cost compared to other options, they can actually help you save your money! Without the replacements that dentures need every 5 to 7 years, you can avoid dental care and the price that comes with it.
It’s no surprise that dental implants are one of the most popular methods of tooth replacement. Dental implants are an excellent solution for patients with lost teeth due to injury, aging, or disease. After all, they offer many incredible benefits, which is why they’re chosen by most patients! During your initial consultation, we’ll outline your specific treatment plan and put it on a timeline so you know what to expect over the next several months. Depending on the number of teeth you’re missing and their location, dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. For certain patients, mini implants may be recommended as a less invasive and cost-effective option. Our team works closely with maxillofacial surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who bring extensive expertise in performing complex implant procedures and comprehensive oral health care. We may utilize any of the following treatment paths to restore the function and appearance of your smile.
First and foremost, you may wonder if you’re able to get dental implants. Well, you’ll be happy to know that almost any healthy adult is a good candidate for this method of tooth replacement! Usually, all you need to have is these three things to be considered eligible to move forward with the implant process:
Good Overall Health – Dental implant placement involves a minor procedure, meaning you must be well enough to undergo this small surgery.
Great Oral Health – Preexisting oral health issues like gum disease and cavities can compromise the success of your implants, which is why they need to be addressed first.
Strong Jawbone – You must have adequate jawbone dentistry to ensure successful dental implant treatment.
Don’t worry – even if you’re not a good candidate at first, we can recommend preliminary treatments like bone grafting and gum disease to help you become eligible for dental implants. Once we schedule and complete these procedures, you will be one step closer to getting your smile back on track and ready for tooth replacement!
There are many reasons why you may lose a tooth. Maybe it’s from physical trauma or tooth decay that has advanced too far. We can place one dental implant below the gum line and into the jawbone to replace a single missing tooth. Once it has fused with the bone, we can attach an abutment that will anchor a custom-crafted dental crown in place, filling the gap in your smile.
For consecutive missing teeth, we can replace them all at once with an implant bridge. Instead of using a traditional bridge that requires the alteration of your natural teeth, we’ll place two dental implants on either side of the gap in your smile to anchor a bridge. This way, you won’t have to change your healthy teeth so they can act as anchors for your restoration.
Are you missing an entire row of teeth? Implant dentures are the best way to replace them all at once! To secure a full denture to an arch, we can place anywhere from four to eight dental implants. These will secure the customized restoration in place to eliminate any slipping or shifting that could occur.
Each dental implant procedure is customized to fit our individual patient’s needs, which is why there’s no set cost for treatment. Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure, and costs may vary depending on the complexity of your case. During your initial consultation, we’ll determine whether additional steps are needed, such as tooth extraction or a bone graft, as well as how many dental implants you’ll need to have placed. The cost of dental implants may increase if these additional procedures are required to restore jawbone volume or prepare the site for successful implantation. Once we determine these details, we’ll be able to walk you through a breakdown of the cost of your treatment. Keep in mind that dental implants are a long-term investment for replacing teeth, making them worth the higher upfront costs to many.
Preliminary treatments to make dental implants possible, including preparatory procedures like a bone graft, tooth extraction, and gum disease therapy can influence the final cost of your tooth replacement.
Depending on how many implants you need to have placed, your surgery costs can be higher or lower than the average case.
Since our dentists are highly trained in the placement of dental implants, you can expect the fees for your care to be more compact, convenient, and easy to understand.
If you need more dental implants placed, this means more materials will need to be utilized to create the posts designed to mimic your tooth roots. Keep in mind that the manufacturer and brand of your dental implant can also have an impact on the final costs, so feel free to ask us any questions you may have. We’ll be happy to explain why we use the implants we do to replace teeth.
When replacing several teeth at a time, more complex restorations are needed to complete your smile. For example, a single dental implant crown requires less material, time, and energy to design and fabricate. Complicated restorations like implant bridges and dentures require more materials and labor to create, therefore your costs will be notably higher. No matter what restoration you receive, you can expect it to be lifelike, durable, and blend in with your existing teeth.
In most cases, dental insurance will not offer any coverage for dental implants. However, depending on the plan and the phase of your care, you may be able to receive at least partial coverage from your insurer. For example, it’s possible to receive coverage for preparatory treatments that make dental implant treatment viable. The restoration itself could also receive coverage, at least at a percentage. Our team will gladly go over your plan in detail to ensure your benefits are being maximized to the fullest.
Our office accepts dental insurance, but we understand if you’d prefer not to go this route to pay for your dental implant treatment. One way many patients make their treatment more affordable is through CareCredit, a third-party financing option that makes it easy to pay for treatments on a monthly basis, rather than in one large installment. These payments typically come with little to no interest attached, making regular payments all the more affordable.
Replace missing teeth permanently – discover dental implants with convenient monthly financing options starting today.
Some patients are not initially a good candidate for dental implants. If that is true of you, do not despair! Often, all it takes is one or more preparatory treatments to get your mouth ready for your new teeth. For example, a bone graft may be necessary to restore jawbone volume after tooth loss and ensure proper implant placement. In some complex cases, maxillofacial surgery or oral and maxillofacial surgery may be required for reconstructive procedures and optimal results. The long-term success of dental implants also depends on the presence of healthy tissues and strong facial bones, as these provide the foundation for successful osseointegration and implant stability. Our doctors offer several of these advanced dental implant procedures right here in our office. Although they may extend your overall treatment timeline, you can be confident that they will set you up for a long future of sturdy, reliable dental function.
Almost immediately after a natural tooth is lost, a process known as resorption begins. Essentially, this means that your body begins to recycle the materials in the part of your jawbone that once supported the tooth. Over time, this process can lead the jaw to become so weak and thin that it is no longer able to support dental implants.
If you have lost some bone mass in your jaw, we may recommend that you undergo bone grafting. There are a number of different types of bone grafts, but they all involve placing bone material onto the jaw. The material may come from another part of your body or a donor. It is also possible to use a synthetic option.
Over time, the grafted material should integrate with your jaw. Thereafter, the bone should be strong enough and thick enough to support dental implants.
Typically, a bone graft occurs several months before implant placement surgery. However, in some cases, the two procedures can take place during the same appointment.
If you have lost some bone mass in the upper jaw, it might be too thin to support dental implants. Inserting prosthetic tooth roots could puncture your sinus membrane. This can occur if your bone has thinned due to resorption, you suffered an injury to your upper jaw, or you have naturally large sinuses.
To protect your sinuses, we may recommend that you undergo a sinus lift. During this special type of bone graft surgery, we access your sinus membrane through the upper jaw. Then, we gently push it upward. We place a block of bone beneath it to keep it in its new place.
Patients’ mouths are usually ready to support dental implants 4 – 9 months following a sinus lift procedure.
We often say that teeth are supported by the jawbone, but more specifically, they are embedded in a part of the bone called the alveolar ridge. If that ridge is too narrow, you may need a particular type of bone graft, which is known as ridge expansion or ridge augmentation.
During the surgery, we carefully wedge apart the inner and outer segments of your existing ridge. Then, we fill in the space between them with a bone graft.
Some patients receive dental implants at the same time that they undergo ridge augmentation. Others must go through a healing period of several months before it is possible to place dental implants.
Although the thought of having oral surgery to replace missing teeth may be daunting and anxiety-invoking, dental implant placement is a relatively simple procedure. Our team at Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen will help you navigate any post-operative side-effects or discomfort you may experience, but in many cases, patients are able to quickly return to their day-to-day lives. Below, we’ve included some helpful guidelines to get you through your recovery, and if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Directly after your implant surgery, you’ll want to maintain and monitor your smile to ensure that your recovery is seamless and as comfortable as possible. One of the most important factors in successful healing is that you maintain the blood clots that will form over the surgical sites. This will ensure that your gums are able to properly heal. Some of the ways you can make sure this happens are:
Avoid spitting and instead, swallow your saliva or let it drip out of your mouth into a tissue.
Quit smoking and using tobacco products, including vaping in the weeks leading up to and following your dental implant surgery.
Don’t touch your surgical site with your tongue or fingers.
Don’t drink through a straw while you’re healing.
Like with any oral surgery, you will experience some discomfort and soreness following your implant placement. Side-effects like bleeding and swelling are to be expected, but with these helpful tips, you should be able to minimize them:
Holding a sterile piece of gauze over the site while applying a gentle amount of pressure.
Reducing swelling by placing a cold compress on the affected side of the mouth for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off.
Take any prescribed or recommended pain medications as directed by our team.
If your symptoms only become worse, call us. As a general rule of thumb, with time, your discomfort should subside and eventually disappear altogether.
Before your procedure, you’ll want to stock your pantry and refrigerator with soft foods, as you’ll need to stick to a soft diet following your surgery. We recommend adding these items to your shopping list:
Yogurt
Pudding
Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Ice cream
Pasta
Smoothies
Protein shakes
Soup (just make sure it’s not too hot when you eat it)
Another important recovery factor is maintaining good oral hygiene by keeping your mouth clean and minimizing bacteria accumulation. Be sure to brush your teeth like you normally would, following your procedure, just avoid directly brushing the extraction site and be very gentle. Another great way to keep your smile clean is to rinse your mouth with salt water after each meal or snack you have and avoid using any mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
The final step of your treatment will be the attachment of your bridge, crown, or denture. Once this happens, you’ll be able to care for your restored smile in the exact same way as your natural one—be sure to visit your implant dentist in Jacksonville every six months for routine checkups and cleanings, brush, and floss. These practices will help prevent bacteria, plaque, and tartar from accumulating, minimizing your chances of implant failure.
Choosing dental implants to replace your teeth is a big decision, which is why it’s normal to be curious about the treatment. At Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen, we want our patients to have peace of mind with easy access to the information they need. That’s why we’ve included answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dental implants in Jacksonville below!
What are prosthetic teeth and how are they used in dental implant treatment?
Prosthetic teeth are artificial teeth designed to replace missing natural teeth. In dental implant treatment, these prosthetic teeth are custom-made and attached to the implant fixtures after the healing process, restoring both function and appearance.
How is the final restoration attached to the implant?
Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone (a process called osseointegration), the final restoration—such as a crown, bridge, or denture—is securely attached to the implant. This attachment ensures stability, functionality, and long-term success of the dental implant.
Can existing dentures be used with dental implants?
In some cases, existing dentures can be modified to work with dental implants. The condition of your current dentures and their compatibility with implant-supported solutions will be evaluated by your dentist to determine if they can be integrated into your treatment plan.
One of the main reasons for the growing popularity of dental implants is their potential to have lifelong results. As long as you practice the right dental implant care in Jacksonville, there’s a high likelihood that your new pearly whites will end up standing the test of time. Our team at Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen has provided this simple guide to keeping your implants in optimal shape for years to come.
Unlike dentures, dental implants can be cleaned similarly to natural teeth: with twice-a day brushing and daily flossing. The implants themselves might not be susceptible to cavities, but the teeth you have left still are. Failure to maintain an oral hygiene routine could cause plaque to form and lead to gum disease, which is the most common reason for dental implant failure. Keeping up with your brushing and flossing habits is an easy way to help your dental implants in Jacksonville last.
Try to incorporate a wide variety of nutritious foods into your diet, such as leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, calcium-rich dairy products, and lean proteins. Not only will these items promote overall wellness, but they’ll also encourage healthy gum tissue and a strong jawbone. Do your best to consume sugary and starchy foods in moderation since they can increase the risk of gum disease.
Some habits are hard to break, but you should make the effort to quit the ones that could harm your implants. Your teeth (both real and artificial) could chip, crack, or break if you bite your fingernails, eat ice, open packages with your teeth, or chew on non-food objects like pencils. If you smoke or use tobacco in any way, consider quitting; it could prevent the implants from integrating with your jawbone. Feel free to ask your implant dentist in Jacksonville for tips on breaking these habits, such as chewing sugar-free gum or finding smoking cessation groups.
Wearing a customized mouthguard can make a world of difference if you often play sports or suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding that usually occurs at night). These appliances are designed to comfortably absorb the impact of sports-related injuries or pressure from grinding, shielding your implants as well as your natural teeth.
A pivotal aspect of ensuring your dental implants last is to visit our office for regular checkups and cleanings. For most people, we recommend attending two of these visits per year, but that number may vary based on your specific needs. These appointments are essential in letting our dentists evaluate your implants for any signs of damage and treating them as early as possible.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants represent the peak of dental artistry and innovation. At Distinctive Dentistry, Dr. Mullens and Dr. Nguyen provide complete start-to-finish implant treatment, combining compassionate care with advanced guided surgery technology and artistically crafted restorations. Unlike traditional tooth replacement options, dental implants preserve your jawbone, maintain your facial structure, and provide a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions just like natural teeth.
We believe everyone deserves access to this life-changing treatment, which is why we offer flexible financing through Cherry and Care Credit. Our monthly payment plans make dental implants affordable, allowing you to invest in a solution that can last a lifetime with proper care. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or require full-mouth reconstruction, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that fits both your oral health needs and your budget. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer – call us at (904) 399-3163 or schedule your implant consultation today to explore how our affordable payment options can help you achieve the complete, confident smile you deserve.
We believe in caring for each other and serving our patients as if they were members of our own family. We want to help people transform their world, get excited about their potential, inspire change, and open new possibilities for themselves and their community. We exist at the intersection of unparalleled genuine care and creative innovation. Visit our beautiful state-of-the-art office in San Marco, Jacksonville to experience the dental care you deserve.
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If you have any food debris or an object stuck between your teeth, don’t try to remove it with a toothpick or any sharp objects, as this could damage your gums. Typically, gently flossing around the tooth and rinsing your mouth with saltwater can help dislodge it. However, if you’re not having any luck, you can also give our office a call. Our dental hygienists have all of the necessary tools to safely remove the debris.
Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency? Lockjaw, jaw tension, and pain are just a few of the many different types of jaw pain. If your discomfort is chronic, our team can help you determine the underlying cause of it and refer you to a specialist if necessary. However, if your pain is a result of an impact, visit your local emergency room.
How You Should Handle Jaw Pain: Our team is happy to provide you with further guidance over the phone if you’re unsure of where to go for help. You can place an ice pack on the outside of your face to relieve any discomfort.
How We Treat Jaw Pain: If you believe your jaw is broken, dislocated, or damaged due to trauma, visit your local ER immediately. If it’s a reoccurring issue, our team can help you determine best next steps for finding relief after conducting an examination.
Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency? If your oral injury doesn’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes, you may need to go to the emergency room. Or, if you’re conflicted about what to do, give our office a call and our team can help.
How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue: Oral wounds can bleed a lot, and when the blood mixes with the saliva, it can make the injury look a lot worse than it is. You can stop the bleeding by using a clean washcloth or piece of gauze and pressing it against the cut. A cold compress can help to reduce any swelling that may occur.
How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue: Our team typically doesn’t see patients for injuries. If you require stitches or the bleeding doesn’t stop within 10 minutes of placing pressure on it, visit your local emergency room.
Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency? If your tooth is wiggling in its socket or partially dislodged, try to get to our office as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. If you’re experiencing pain, our team can provide you with first aid guidance over the phone.
How You Should Handle Loose Permanent Teeth: Avoid touching your tooth and eating any foods (especially those that are chewy or sticky), and rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to remove any debris and cleanse the area. Avoid flossing or brushing your teeth until you’re able to see us.
How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth: If your tooth has become partially dislodged due to impact, our team may be able to salvage it and see if the roots are able to re-fuse with the bone. In the case that your tooth can’t be saved, we may recommend an extraction and replacement with a dental implant or bridge.
Is My Broken Denture a Dental Emergency? Whether your denture has broken to the point of it being unwearable or it just has a crack, you should never wear a damaged prosthetic. It can lead to irritation of the oral tissues in addition to jaw discomfort. If you have existing teeth and try to wear your damaged denture, it could also harm those teeth. Call our office immediately so our team can assess your prosthetic.
How You Should Handle a Broken Denture: Although your local department store likely sells a denture repair kit, do not try to superglue or repair your own dentures. The best option in this scenario is to see a professional as soon as possible.
How We Treat Broken Dentures: Our team will examine your dentures and see if we’re able to repair them. If they’re damaged beyond repair, we can start the process of replacing them for you.
Is a Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency? Yes, both of these situations warrant an immediate call to our Jacksonville dental office. That way, we can repair or replace your restoration as quickly as possible.
How You Should Handle a Lost Filling or Crown In addition to reaching out to us to schedule an appointment, we recommend not eating anything crunchy, hard, or sticky. Additionally, keep your restoration somewhere safe, like a small, clean container.
How We Treat Lost Fillings or Crowns There are some cases where we can re-cement your restoration back in place, like if your dental crown is relatively new and in good condition. Other times, our only option is to replace your dental crown or filling with a new one.
Is My Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency? Since this dental injury can cause a significant amount of pain and there is only a small window of time where we can save your tooth (about 60 minutes), the answer is “yes!” So, don’t hesitate – contact our Jacksonville dental team right away to schedule an emergency appointment.
How You Should Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth Calling us is an important first step. This ensures that we can schedule an appointment for you with one of our dedicated emergency dentists right away. Plus, it allows us to guide you through the process of preserving the root of your tooth – whether that’s by placing it back in its socket or putting it in a clean container filled with milk.
How We Treat Knocked-Out Teeth Fortunately, a knocked-out tooth can sometimes be saved. If that’s not the case for some reason – like you weren’t able to find your tooth – then we will instead begin the process of replacing it with a dental bridge or implant so the look, health, and function of your smile are restored.
Are Very Sensitive Teeth a Dental Emergency? Very sensitive teeth can be a dental emergency. That’s why it’s important to consider how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms and if they are present in tandem with others, like pain when biting down.
How You Should Handle Very Sensitive Teeth There’s really only one thing you can do until your appointment: try to avoid things that could exacerbate your discomfort. In other words, don’t drink anything really hot, don’t eat anything really cold, and take OTC pain medication as directed on the label (if needed).
How We Treat Very Sensitive Teeth That depends on what’s causing your dental sensitivity. If it’s a cavity, then it’s likely that a tooth-colored filling or dental crown is the answer. If it’s an infection in your gums, then gum disease treatment is needed instead.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? Cracked teeth are considered dental emergencies and you’ll need to visit your emergency dentist as soon as possible. Leaving your tooth untreated can allow it to be vulnerable to further damage and bacteria. Before the situation worsens, schedule an appointment with our team so we can determine the best way to address your tooth.
How you should handle a cracked tooth: Refrain from chewing on that side of your mouth, otherwise you could end up disturbing your injured tooth. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to minimize discomfort. You can also rinse with saltwater to keep your tooth bacteria-free. If you notice any sharp or jagged edges on your tooth, you can use dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your soft oral tissue.
How we treat cracked teeth: We’ll examine your cracked tooth to determine the cause of the situation as well as the proper treatment for it. If the crack is minor, then we can typically address it with composite resin to improve and strengthen your tooth. For more severe damage, you may require a dental crown to repair the structure and prevent future discomfort. If the tooth cannot be saved, then we’ll likely have to extract it and replace it with something else, such as a dental bridge, partial denture, or dental implant.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? Chipping your tooth isn’t always considered an urgent dental situation, so it isn’t the end of the world if you don’t get it treated right away. That said, leaving it exposed to bacteria for too long can lead to problems later on. Before the situation can become worse, it’s best to visit your dentist for help.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: Until you’re able to see us for treatment, be sure to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Be gentle when brushing your teeth and gums, and don’t hesitate to use dental wax to cover up any rough or sharp edges you might notice. This can help you prevent harming your cheeks or other soft oral tissue.
How we treat chipped teeth: Chipped teeth can typically be treated by using composite resin to repair and improve them. However, if the damage is more visible and toward the front of your smile, then veneers might be the longer-lasting solution you’re looking for.
Is my toothache a dental emergency? Toothaches can be due to various reasons, some of which might not be particularly urgent. Even so, this can sometimes be an indication of a more serious dental emergency, such as an oral infection. That’s why it’s best to visit your dentist sooner rather than later so that they can address the underlying problem before it grows.
How you should handle a toothache: Rinse your mouth with saltwater to sanitize the area, dislodge any stuck objects between your teeth, and help alleviate any discomfort. You can also take over-the-counter pain medications to further minimize the aching.
How we treat toothaches: Our team will need to thoroughly evaluate your smile to determine the root cause of your toothache. If it’s due to periodontal issues, then we’ll provide gum disease treatment. Other procedures to get rid of your toothache might involve root canals or tooth extractions, if necessary. We’ll be sure to walk you through your options before moving forward with any treatment.