Dr. William P. Lamas – Dental Implants near Key West, FL

Losing any permanent tooth can be an overwhelming experience; however, the loss of a front tooth is especially disheartening. Visible gaps may cause an individual to feel self-conscious, which results in the desire to cover the mouth while laughing, smiling or even talking. Dental implants are the perfect solution for missing teeth and, with the advancements that are continually being made in this field, they have become the solution of choice over their traditional counterparts (e.g., bridges, removable flippers, dentures, partials, etc.). Dr. William P. Lamas specializes in dental implants for the restoration of missing and/or deteriorating teeth. His office, Lamas Dental Specialists, is in Miami, near the Florida Keys.

How Common is Tooth Loss in the US?

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, more than 35 million people residing in the U.S. have lost all their permanent teeth on at least one arch (top or bottom). Dental Economics states that one in four people who reach 74 years of age will have lost all their natural teeth.

Prior to the dental implant option, these individuals would choose from removable cosmetic appliances like dentures, partials and flippers or more permanent appliances like bridges. The problem with all these dental prostheses is that they sit on top of the gums, which means the jawbone is not stimulated. Without stimulation, the jawbone begins to deteriorate.

What Causes Natural Tooth Loss?

By faithfully adhering to a strict oral health regimen, gum disease can usually be prevented; nonetheless, there are other issues that could lead to the development of gum disease.

Reasons for broken and lost teeth include:

  • bruxism (grinding teeth, especially while sleeping);
  • gum disease;
  • use of tobacco products;
  • eating foods high in sugar;
  • eating acidic foods;
  • drinking beverages high in sugar;
  • drinking acidic beverages;
  • mouth injuries; and/or
  • genetics.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants that are used to replace the roots of the teeth are tiny posts. These posts are placed in the jawbone where the root of a tooth used to be. The post can consist of titanium or Zirconium: Both of these materials have a unique quality in that they can integrate with bone, this integration process is referred to as osseointegration. Once integration is complete, the artificial tooth (i.e., crown) has a solid foundation to hold it in place.

Why People in the Keys Choose This Tooth Replacement Method

These implants feel, look and function the same way that natural teeth do. With these implants, people who have lost their natural teeth can once again smile, speak and eat with confidence. Foods that they previously had to avoid can now be enjoyed. Furthermore, by replacing missing teeth with dental implants, the jawbone stays strong; thus, preserving facial contours and preventing the development of sunken-in cheeks, which helps an individual appear more youthful.

Who Should Consider Dental Implants?

Sadly, implants are not a viable option for every patient; however, the advancements being made in this area of dentistry are increasing the number of patients who can benefit from this state-of-the-art solution for missing and/or deteriorating teeth. The only way Dr. Lamas can determine if you are a good candidate for implants is to examine your mouth, teeth and jawbone. He can do this during your complimentary initial consultation.

At Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, near the Florida Keys, besides the Traditional Implant Procedure, a variety of innovative procedures are used to place implants: These procedures include TeethXPress®, Same-Day Dental Implants and the All-on-4® Full-Arch technique.

Dental Implants Can Improve Your Quality of Life

Although the cosmetic benefits associated with these implants are substantial, other aspects of an individual’s life can improve as well. For example, missing teeth can affect the way an individual chews and speaks, potentially causing other problems to arise.

Potential problems include a painful jaw condition called temporomandibular disorder (i.e., TMJ/TMD) which results from uneven chewing; in addition, shifting teeth are common once a tooth is lost because of the gap left behind. Sometimes, missing teeth change the way an individual speaks, leading to difficulty being understood.

Custom-Designed Dental Implant Treatments Near the Keys

At Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, near the Florida Keys, each patient receives a treatment plan that has been custom-designed to meet his or her specific needs and desires. Whether you have lost one tooth, several teeth or all your teeth are missing, Dr. William P. Lamas can create you a personalized dental implant treatment plan to replace your missing tooth or teeth.

Additional Options for Tooth Replacement in Miami, Near the Keys

Additional options for replacing missing teeth include bridges, removable dentures, flippers and partials These prostheses usually consist of acrylic and rest on the top of the gums. Since a dental bridge is attached to the teeth on either side of the prosthesis, it is considered permanent.

Individuals with Jawbone Deterioration May Still be Candidates for Tooth Replacement with Implants

Even if your jawbone has thinned or is soft, Dr. Lamas may be able to perform a bone graft to thicken and strengthen the area in which your implant will be placed.

During a bone-graft procedure, Dr. William P. Lamas transplants a tiny piece of bone in areas that have thinned or softened. Once the graft has completely healed, the implant has a solid foundation.

The Bone Graft, Explained

During a bone-graft procedure, Dr. Lamas transplants a piece of artificial bone or a piece of bone collected from the patient’s hip in the treatment area. Once placed, the graft will promote new bone to begin growing. When enough bone has grown to support the dental implant, the implant procedure will be performed at Dr. William P. Lamas’ office in Miami, near the Keys. Adequate bone growth could take several months.

It is important to note that when only minor bone grafting is necessary, Dr. Lamas can usually go ahead and perform the implant surgery at the same time as the bone graft procedure. The condition of the jawbone determines the patient’s treatment plan.

The Importance of Creating a Solid Foundation

Creating a solid foundation is essential because the chewing action in and of itself places a substantial amount of pressure on the jawbone. For example, studies indicate that molars place from 108 pounds (females) to 150 pounds (males) of pressure on the jawbone with each bite; therefore, without adequate support, the dental implant surgery is likely to fail.

Your Free Consultation at Lamas Dental Specialists, Near the Florida Keys: What to Expect

What would you like to accomplish with dental implants? In order to give you the smile you desire, Dr. William P. Lamas needs to know what you want: After your examination, he will be able to tell you if what you desire is possible with implants.

Dr. Lamas will take dental X-rays and perform a full dental exam. After reviewing the X-rays, he will be able to determine the restoration procedures that will give you the beautiful, natural-looking teeth you desire.

Should you decide to have Dr. William P. Lamas replace your teeth, he will create a personalized treatment plan that is specifically designed to meet your needs.

During your initial consultation:

  • Please be prepared to discuss your medical history as well as your daily medication, vitamin and herbal supplement usage.
  • If you participate in recreational drug use and/or drink alcoholic beverages regularly, please be candid with Dr. Lamas and his staff regarding these topics. Every question is asked to ensure your safety.
  • Dr. William P. Lamas will want to know if you have any health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc.).
  • There are certain conditions that require pre-treatment with antibiotics. By pretreating with antibiotics, infection following surgery is less likely. These conditions include orthopedic implants and certain conditions that affect the heart.
  • If you have allergies to any medications, and/or to latex, please be sure to let Dr. Lamas know at this consultation.

Your Dental Implant Surgery at Lamas Dental Specialists, Near the Keys

This dental replacement option is an outpatient surgical procedure; therefore, you will return home once your surgery is complete and you have spent some time in recovery.

You Will Receive Anesthesia

For your comfort, you will receive anesthesia during your dental implant procedure. The type of anesthesia you receive will be determined by the details of your procedure, your preference and Dr. William P. Lamas’ recommendation. Dr. Lamas will recommend the anesthesia he believes will serve you the best.

Types of anesthesia Dr. William P. Lamas uses for this procedure include:

  • twilight sedation;
  • orally-administered anesthesia;
  • general anesthesia; and
  • nitrous oxide.

If you are receiving oral sedation or general anesthesia, you must bring a licensed driver with you to Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, near the Florida Keys, on the day of your procedure. Also, please ask someone that you trust to stay with you overnight.

To ensure our patients remain safe, we do not permit the use of ride-sharing services or public transportation following procedures requiring sedation.

Dental Implant Procedures Available Near the Keys

The technological advancements in this area of cosmetic dentistry, in conjunction with adjustments to implant procedures and new materials for use as implants, have made this innovative tooth-loss solution available to more people than ever before. Today, there are a variety of dental implant procedures that Dr. Lamas performs at his office in Miami, near the Keys.

Types of Implant Procedures:

  • Same-Day Dental Implants

    – advancements in the methods used for implant surgery have made it possible for many people to have Same-Day Dental Implant Procedures. These innovative procedures have eliminated the additional healing time required between the bone graft procedure and implant insertion. At Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, near the Florida Keys, Dr. William P. Lamas frequently performs these procedures.

  • The All-on-4® Full Arch procedure

    – this implant technique is usually recommended for people who have a limited amount of jawbone available to work with. During this procedure, Dr. Lamas places an entire arch of teeth on four implants. As Dr. William P. Lamas places each dental implant, he uses 3D scanning technology to ensure the areas he chooses for insertion are ideal for strengthening the patient’s jawbone. Patients leave with a brand-new set of beautiful, natural-looking, permanent teeth after a single session.

  • The TeethXPress® System

    – this dental implant system is ideal for patients who have a suitable amount of jawbone remaining. Patients who are eligible for this procedure leave the office with a brand-new set of permanent teeth after a single surgical session.

  • Traditional Dental Implant Surgery

    – this procedure is usually recommended for patients who need extensive bone grafting to ensure the jawbone is strong enough to securely hold the implants and crowns in place.

Stages of a Traditional Dental Implant Procedure with the Need for Bone Grafts

Prior to the start of each stage, the patient typically receives some type of anesthesia.

Stage One

During this first stage, if there are still teeth that need to be extracted, Dr. Lamas removes them. He will then prepare the patient’s jawbone. He will perform a bone grafting procedure: If the patient requires extensive bone grafting, after the bone heals the patient will return for his or her second stage of dental implant surgery.

Stage Two

Once the jawbone healing is complete, the posts can be placed. During this stage, Dr. William P. Lamas carefully makes an incision in the gum, exposing the bone. He then uses a tool that is specifically designed to create the hole where the implant will be inserted. After the hole is created, the Zirconium or titanium post is placed.

Zirconium implants are a single unit; however, titanium posts require an abutment. Some patients can have their abutments placed during this session. A temporary crown will be applied to the implant until the patient’s custom-made, permanent crown is complete.

If the abutment is not attached at this appointment, Dr. Lamas is waiting for the jawbone to be strong enough, so osseointegration must take place: This process can take several months.

Stage Three

Once the osseointegration process has taken place, the abutment and permanent crown are attached.

What to Expect While Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery

After your surgery, you will experience some swelling and bruising. You should expect to have some pain and discomfort; however, you will receive prescription medication for pain.

Initially, you will need to eat a soft diet, but most patients can return to their normal diet within 10 days’ time.

Caring for Your New Smile

Your dental implants need to be cared for in much the same way as your natural teeth.

Keep your mouth healthy by:

  • brushing twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride;
  • flossing between your implants and gingival tissue using regular floss with threaders or a floss that is specifically designed for this purpose; and
  • continuing with your biannual cleanings and checkups.

Disregarding any of these recommendations could result in repeated infections and implant failure.

Dental Implant Surgery: Potential Risks

As with every surgery or procedure, there are potential risks. Problems related to dental implant surgery are rare and if there is a problem, it is usually minor.

Potential complications associated with this surgery include:

  • sinus problems;
  • infection at the implant site;
  • nerve damage; and/or
  • damage to the structures surrounding the implants.

How Much do Dental Implants Cost?

The costs associated with implants are directly related to the amount of work a patient needs done and the type of implant surgery being performed. The only way to determine how much your surgery would cost is to schedule your free, no obligation, initial consultation with Dr. William P. Lamas and have an evaluation.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Implants?

Unfortunately, very few insurance companies are currently covering dental implants; however, we are happy to contact your insurance company to inquire on your behalf.

Reasons People Choose Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami, Near the Keys

At Lamas Dental Specialists, each staff member is committed to providing patients with the exceptional care they deserve. Dr. William P. Lamas continually strives to exceed his patients’ expectations. He creates each of his patients a personalized surgical plan, taking the patient’s specific circumstances and desires into consideration as he does so. Dr. Lamas’ goal is to provide each patient with the beautiful, natural-looking, strong, permanent, functional teeth that they deserve.

Dr. William P. Lamas’ caring demeanor, devotion and continued exploration into the most innovative dental procedures occurring in the field of cosmetic dentistry have made him one of the top surgeons in South Florida.

To learn more about how Dr. Lamas can help you replace your missing teeth, contact his office in Miami, near the Florida Keys, at 305-440-4114 to schedule your free consultation today.