In-House Dental Implants

At Vero Beach Art of Dentistry, we believe in providing our patients with the most convenient, comprehensive, and high-quality care. That’s why Dr. Johnson Hagood and implant expert Dr. Talmadge Wilkins have partnered to bring advanced dental implant treatment right here to our Vero Beach Art of Dentistry office. You no longer need to travel to multiple locations for your implant restorative needs because we offer comprehensive dental implant solutions onsite.

Single Tooth Replacement with a Single Implant

This is the modern gold standard for replacing a single missing tooth, where a dental crown (prosthetic tooth) is permanently attached to a single implant post. This solution is stable, permanent, and does not require crowning the healthy adjacent teeth for attachment of a bridged prosthetic tooth as is done with traditional crown-and-bridge treatment. Your “implant tooth” is not removed for cleaning.

Replacement of Two or More Adjacent Teeth with an Implant-Supported Multi-Unit Bridge

Rather than crown-and-bridge treatment to fill the gap left by two or more adjacent teeth the preferred modern treatment is placement of one or more implants on which a bridge is fixed. Like a single implant tooth, this is a permanent restoration to replace multiple teeth that are missing in a row. The “implant bridge” functions just like your natural teeth, and is not removed for cleaning.

Replacement of Multiple Missing Teeth with an Implant-Supported Partial Denture

Instead of relying on clasps to hook onto healthy teeth (like a traditional partial denture), an “implant partial denture” uses one or more strategically placed implants for anchorage and stabilization. This restoration is removable for simple daily cleaning, yet offers superior stability compared to a standard partial denture.

Solutions for Full-Arch / Whole Mouth Missing Teeth

When you need to replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth (or both), you have two primary implant-supported options that differ based on your preference for stability and ease of cleaning:

Fixed Implant Hybrid Dentures:

This is a non-removable option, where an overdenture (comprised of a full set of prosthetic teeth and prosthetic gums) is permanently screwed into four or more dental implants. This system offers the highest stability, superior chewing power, and a streamlined design. The overdenture is naturally beautiful in appearance.

You will often see or hear this type of implant solution referred to as:

• Fixed Hybrid Dentures
• All-on-X Implant Treatment
• All-on-4-or More Implant Treatment
• Full Arch Implant Treatment
• Whole Mouth Implant Treatment
• Same Day Teeth
• Teeth in a Day

Removable Implant Overdentures:

This solution uses a custom-fitted full denture that simply “snaps” securely onto a small number of implants (typically two to four per arch). It eliminates the need for messy adhesives and stops the denture from slipping. The key benefit is that the patient can easily remove the denture for simple, thorough cleaning. This option is also generally more affordable and requires less bone volume than a fixed hybrid.

You may see or hear this type of implant solution referred to as:

• Implant-Supported Dentures
• Snap-on Dentures
• Locator Dentures (Locator is a common brand name for the implant attachment used)

Solutions for Compromised Bone

For patients who have experienced significant bone loss due to long-term tooth absence, Dr. Wilkins is trained in specialized techniques to ensure successful implant placement.

Remote Anchorage Implants:

This advanced surgical approach places implants into the denser, more robust bone of the skull (like the cheekbone or zygoma) or the back of the jaw. By utilizing these stable anatomical regions, this method often bypasses the need for traditional bone grafting procedures, greatly speeding up treatment time and allowing for immediate fixed restoration in many cases.

Bone Grafting

This procedure is used to rebuild or reinforce the jawbone where it has deteriorated. Small amounts of bone material from a donor source are placed in the area of deficiency. The goal is to create the necessary width and density to ensure the dental implant has a solid, stable foundation for long-term success. Common types of grafting include a Sinus Lift for the upper jaw and Ridge Augmentation to restore the height and width of the jawbone ridge.

The Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants

Dental implants offer life-changing benefits that traditional dentures and bridges simply cannot match:

• Preserve Jawbone Health: The implant post acts like a natural tooth root, stimulating the jawbone and preventing the bone loss (resorption) that occurs after a tooth is lost. This helps maintain your facial structure and prevents a sunken or aged appearance.
• Restore Full Function: Implants provide stability, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. You can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about your bridge or denture shifting or clicking.
• Exceptional Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a wise long-term investment in your oral health.
• Protect Natural Teeth: Unlike traditional bridges, implants do not require the alteration or preparation of adjacent healthy teeth.

Frequently Asked Implant Questions (FAQ)

How long does the implant process take?

The entire process—from initial implant placement to receiving the final restoration—can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months. This timeline depends heavily on the need for bone grafting and the time required for the implant to fuse with the bone (osseointegration).

Is the implant procedure painful?

We prioritize your comfort. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and we offer oral sedation to ensure a relaxing, pain-free experience. Most patients report that post-operative discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.

How do I clean and care for my implant restoration?

• Fixed Restorations (Crowns, Bridges, Hybrid Dentures) are cleaned just like natural teeth: brush twice daily and floss (sometimes with specialized floss) around the implant sites.
• Removable Overdentures must be removed daily to clean the denture itself and the implant attachments thoroughly.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

When placed by a qualified professional, dental implants boast a high success rate, often exceeding 97%. Success depends on good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.

Find Out What is Possible for You

Are ready to find out which dental implant solution is right for you? Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tal Wilkins. Call 772 567 2237