Dental Implants St. Augustine

Giving You the Chance to Smile for a Lifetime

Man and woman leaning forward with children on their backs

At Total Dental Care: Tony Lee, DMD, we offer many different options when it comes to tooth replacement, but if you prefer something that delivers permanence and longer-lasting stability, you won’t find a better solution than dental implants. Delivering natural-looking results and optimal functionality, our dental implants in St. Augustine make it possible for you to enjoy a better-quality smile as well as improved overall health. If you are without one or more missing teeth and would like to discuss the potential for dental implants, give our office a call today.

Why Choose Total Dental Care: Tony Lee, DMD for Dental Implants?

  • We Partner with Local Dental Implant Specialists
  • CT/Cone Beam Scanner Used for Treatment Planning
  • In-House Discount Plan for Uninsured Patients

What are Dental Implants?

Dentist holding and pointing to model of dental implant

Dental bridges and dentures only replace the visible portion of your smile, but dental implants restore the roots and crowns of missing teeth. Made of titanium, these posts mimic the look of small screws while delivering similar functionality as tooth roots. When placed within the jawbone, they fuse over time to allow for a stable smile that can last 30 years or more; in fact, many cases state that these prosthetics can last a lifetime.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Dentist showing dental implant model to patient
  • Initial Dental Implant Consultation – You will first need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee. He will use our CT/Cone Beam Scanner to craft a personalized treatment plan that indicates whether you require additional preliminary treatments or not.
  • Dental Implant Surgery – Total Dental Care: Tony Lee, DMD does not perform dental implant surgery in-house, so we will refer you to an outside specialist. They will place each implant into the appropriate area along your jawbone to ensure maximum support.
  • Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment – Once your surgery is complete, you will return home to heal and allow osseointegration to occur. This involves the implants fusing with your jawbone and can take 4-6 months. You will then have your metal abutments attached, which ensures your restoration and implant remain connected.
  • Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s) – During your initial consultation, Dr. Lee will determine which type of restoration you will need (i.e., crown, bridge, or denture). He will have it created and ready for placement once you are fully healed.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Woman in straw hat looking back and smiling

While dental bridges and dentures offer many benefits, dental implants go a step further to deliver the kind of advantages that cannot be achieved with any other form of tooth replacement. These unique prosthetics not only make it easier to eat the foods you love because of the optimal stability, but they also allow for better oral health and well-being. You’ll enjoy greater confidence each time you speak to others or prepare to enjoy a meal, and you’ll appreciate the beautiful aesthetic that comes from a smile that looks and feels natural.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Some patients seeking reliable replacement teeth, like dental implants, avoid treatment because they assume it’ll be too expensive. These restorations tend to cost more initially than alternatives like dentures or dental bridges, so it’s natural to wonder whether they’re worth the investment of time and resources.

Dr. Lee and the rest of our Total Dental Care team understand that you may have questions about the cost and are happy to provide as many answers as you need to feel confident moving forward. Continue reading to learn more about the pricing of dental implants, and please don’t hesitate to contact us for additional information!

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

Although many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth, that doesn’t automatically make them the best solution for everyone’s unique circumstances. Before proceeding, you must consult with Dr. Lee to determine whether you’re a good candidate. He’ll examine your mouth for signs of issues that might interfere with your results, like cavities or gum disease, and treat those first. You’ll be expected to pay the rate of any required procedures.

Then, to improve the accuracy of implant placement, we’ll refer you to an outside specialist who can surgically place your dental implants. We partner with the best local experts, who will discuss their separate pricing with you so you know what to expect.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

The total amount due for your new teeth depends significantly on your unique circumstances. Several different factors can influence your final invoice, such as:

  • How many you need. Those receiving multiple implants can expect to pay more than someone who only needs one.
  • How it’s restored. Dental crowns, bridges, and dentures can all anchor to implants to rebuild your smile; each with its own associated rates.
  • The size/material used. Longer implants require more material by necessity and may be more expensive.
  • The brand. Several different brands tailor their dental implants to certain patients’ needs, which can affect the cost.

How Dental Implants Pay For Themselves

Plenty of people assume that dental implants are beyond their budget and settle for less expensive replacement teeth, like dental bridges or dentures. You might feel tempted to opt for one of these options to save money, but the truth is, these restorations tend to last 5 to 10 years and then require repairs or replacements due to issues like chips, cracks, stains, or simply wearing down over time. Furthermore, they often require special pastes, cleaning solutions, adhesives, or other accessories to maintain, which can add up over time.

Meanwhile, dental implants can last 25+ years and are less likely to be harmed, decreasing the likelihood of costly fixes down the road. Plus, they are easy to clean so you’re less likely to develop cavities, gum disease, or injuries that involve expensive or complex procedures to address.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

There may be some exceptions, but most dental insurance policies don’t cover the cost of dental implants. However, other services required before your procedure, like gum disease therapy, may be included.

If you’re unsure whether your policy contributes to dental implants, please let us know. Our friendly office staff is familiar with different insurance providers and can help you maximize your benefits.

Making Dental Implants Affordable

If you’re concerned that you can’t afford dental implants, don’t lose hope! Dr. Lee and our staff believe that everyone deserves a healthy, happy smile and we don’t want your finances to hold you back.

As a result, we offer the following methods to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses:

  • In-house discount plan. For just $100 annually, you receive a 20% discount on different treatments we offer. Contact us for more information!
  • Flexible financing. We also have partnered with CareCredit, so that if your application is approved, you can divvy your total invoice into more manageable payments over a designated period.

Dental Implant FAQs

How long do dental implants last?

Depending on the care they receive, dental implants can last for thirty years or more, which is several times longer than the average lifespans of traditional restorations like dentures and bridges. To make yours last for as long as possible, make sure to brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash every day while attending routine dental exams and cleanings at our St. Augustine office. It’s also important to avoid chewing too vigorously on items that are crunchy or chewy as well as using your teeth to open bottles or packages. Smoking is terrible for your oral health and linked to early implant failure.

Does getting dental implants hurt?

The dental implant placement procedure begins with numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain throughout the process, and Dr. Lee can administer a sedation treatment if you need extra help staying calm and still. The jawbone doesn’t have many nerve endings to begin with, which means that it is less sensitive to discomfort. After the procedure, you may experience soreness for a few days, but this issue can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers. You may also be able to reduce your discomfort by applying an ice pack or cold compress. However, call our office if your discomfort seems to be getting worse after a few days, as this may be a sign of infection.

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants are remarkably safe for patients with adequate oral health as long as they are placed by a qualified oral surgeon. If you have conditions such as thin jawbones or gum disease that preclude you from receiving dental implants during your initial consultation, bone grafts or periodontal therapy may be able to address these issues so you can receive these restorations safely. Conditions that inhibit the healing process such as diabetes and cancer can complicate the placement process, so be sure to mention them to Dr. Lee during your consultation so he can plan your treatment accordingly.

How successful are dental implants?

Dental implants placed by a skilled dental professional boast a success rate of over 95% even ten years after placement. However, the success of your implants mostly depends on how well you take care of them by following your postoperative instructions, practicing excellent oral hygiene, keeping up with routine checkups, and making smart eating decisions. Since molars bear more pressure during the chewing process than the front teeth, dental implants placed in the back of the mouth may fail sooner.