Dental Implants in Riverview, FL

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth. After placement in the jawbone, they serve as a sturdy foundation for custom restorations such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Each implant consists of three parts:

• The implant post (placed in the jawbone)
  
• The abutment (connector piece)
  
• The restoration (a crown, bridge, or denture)
  

Implants fuse naturally with the jawbone, restoring both the appearance and full function of your missing tooth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Look, feel, and function like real teeth
  
• Prevent jawbone loss and preserve facial structure
  
• Don't require adhesives or removal like dentures
  
• No impact on nearby healthy teeth (unlike bridges)
  
• Can last decades with proper care
  
• Improve chewing strength and speech
  

Dental implants are widely considered the gold standard in tooth replacement. Both for longevity and natural aesthetics.

Who's a Candidate for Implants?

You may be a great candidate for dental implants if you:

• Are missing one or more teeth
  
• Want a fixed, long-lasting solution
  
• Have healthy gums and adequate jawbone
  
• Don't want to wear removable dentures
  
• Are in generally good health
  

If you've experienced bone loss, bone grafting can often make implants possible.

Our Dental Implant Services

We offer full-service implant dentistry under one roof:

Single Tooth Implant

Replaces one missing tooth with a secure, lifelike result, no impact on adjacent teeth.

All-on-Fours

Supports a full arch of teeth using just four implants per jaw. A stable, fixed alternative to removable dentures.

Bone Grafting

Prepares the jawbone for successful implant placement in patients with bone loss.

What to Expect During Treatment

1. Consultation: We evaluate your smile, take 3D scans, and discuss your goals.
   
2. Implant Placement: The titanium post is placed in the jawbone during a minor surgical visit.
   
3. Healing Period: Over 3 to 6 months, the implant integrates with your jawbone.
   
4. Final Restoration: A custom crown, bridge, or denture is securely attached to the implant.
   

Throughout the process, you'll be cared for by a team with over two decades of experience in restoring smiles.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Riverview?

Implant treatment is highly personalized, so costs vary based on:

• The number of implants needed
  
• Type of restoration (crown, bridge, denture)
  
• Whether bone grafting or extractions are needed
  
• Insurance coverage and financing plan
  

We'll provide a detailed, written estimate at your consultation and discuss your best options.

Insurance and Payment Options

While dental insurance may not cover the full cost of implants, many PPO plans contribute to parts of treatment (such as the crown). Our practice is fee-for-service, but we file PPO claims as a courtesy to help maximize your benefits.

We also offer flexible payment plans through:

• CareCredit
  
• Cherry
  
• PatientFi
  
• Proceed Finance
  

We're here to help make permanent tooth replacement affordable and accessible.

Types of Dental Implants

Not every implant case is the same, and the right approach depends on your bone quality, the number and location of missing teeth, and your long-term goals. During your consultation, Dr. McDuffie will explain which options are appropriate for your specific situation.

Single Tooth Implants

A single implant replaces one missing tooth with a titanium post and a custom crown. This option preserves the neighboring teeth (unlike a bridge, which requires reshaping adjacent teeth for support) and stimulates the jawbone the way a natural root would.

Implant-Supported Bridges

When several teeth are missing in a row, two or more implants can support a fixed bridge without needing an implant for every missing tooth. This is often more cost-effective than replacing each tooth individually.

Full-Arch Implant Restorations

When most or all teeth in an upper or lower arch are missing, a full-arch solution such as Done In One (also known as All-on-4 or All-on-X) uses four to six strategically placed implants to support a complete set of fixed teeth. This is a stable alternative to traditional dentures.

Implant-Retained Dentures

For patients who prefer a removable option, implants can be used to snap a denture securely into place. This reduces the slipping and rubbing common with conventional dentures and preserves more jawbone over time.

Timeline: What to Expect Week by Week

Dental implant treatment is a process, not a single visit. Here is a general timeline. Your exact schedule depends on your bone quality, healing response, and whether procedures such as extraction or bone grafting are needed.

Consultation and Planning (Week 1 to 2)

Your visit begins with a comprehensive exam, 3D imaging, and treatment planning. Dr. McDuffie will review your medical history, evaluate your bone volume, and design a plan that meets your goals. This is also when we discuss cost, insurance, and financing.

Preparation (Weeks 2 to 8, if needed)

If a tooth needs to be removed, or if bone grafting is required, this step precedes implant placement. Extraction sockets typically need a few weeks to heal, and bone grafts often require three to six months of healing before implant placement.

Implant Placement (Surgical Visit)

Placement is performed under local anesthesia, with sedation available for patients who feel anxious. The titanium post is set into the jawbone through a minor surgical procedure that usually takes 60 to 90 minutes per implant.

Osseointegration (3 to 6 months)

The implant fuses with your natural bone during a healing period called osseointegration. Most patients wear a temporary tooth or partial denture during this time so daily life stays comfortable and confident.

Abutment and Final Restoration (Weeks 12 to 24)

Once osseointegration is complete, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the implant. Impressions or digital scans are taken and used to fabricate your final crown, bridge, or denture. The restoration is then secured to the implant.

Aftercare and Healing

What you do in the first days and weeks after implant placement plays a big role in long-term success. We will give you specific instructions during your visit; the general guidelines below are common across most implant patients.

The First 24 Hours

Some swelling, mild bleeding, and tenderness are normal. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, to reduce swelling. Rest, keep your head slightly elevated when lying down, and avoid touching the surgical area with your tongue or fingers.

The First Week

Stick to soft foods (yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, soup) and avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or seedy foods. Do not use a straw for the first few days, as suction can disrupt the healing clot. Gently rinse with warm salt water starting 24 hours after surgery.

Weeks 2 to 6

Most patients feel back to normal within a couple of weeks. Continue to avoid chewing directly on the implant site until your dentist confirms it is safe. Keep up with brushing and flossing the rest of your teeth, and follow any specific care instructions for the implant area.

Throughout the Healing Period

Avoid smoking or tobacco use, which significantly slows healing and raises the risk of implant failure. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so we can monitor healing and address any concerns early.

How to Care for Your Dental Implants Long Term

Implants do not develop cavities, but the gum and bone around them can still develop inflammation and disease. Daily care and regular checkups are what keep an implant healthy for decades.

• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying attention to where the gum meets the implant crown.
• Floss daily using regular floss, floss threaders, or a water flosser to clean around the implant.
• Avoid using your teeth as tools (opening packages, chewing ice, biting nails).
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth. Excessive force is one of the most common causes of long-term implant complications.
• See us for routine cleanings and exams every six months so we can monitor the implant, surrounding bone, and gum health.
• Address any looseness, discomfort, or gum inflammation around the implant right away. Early intervention protects the implant.

Success Rates and Longevity

Dental implants have one of the highest success rates of any dental procedure. Published studies commonly report ten-year success rates of 90 to 95 percent for well-placed implants in healthy patients. With good care, many implants last 20 years or more, and some last a lifetime.

The restoration attached to the implant (crown, bridge, or denture) may need replacement over the years due to normal wear, similar to how a natural tooth may need a new crown after many years of use. The implant post itself is designed to remain in place permanently.

Factors that support long-term implant success:

• Good oral hygiene at home
• Regular dental checkups and cleanings
• Not smoking or using tobacco
• Well-controlled overall health (especially diabetes and osteoporosis)
• Wearing a nightguard if you grind or clench

When Implants Might Not Be the Best Fit

Implants are an excellent option for most patients, but they are not right in every situation. Dr. McDuffie may recommend a different treatment approach if you have:

• Uncontrolled diabetes or other systemic health concerns
• Active gum disease that needs treatment first
• Heavy tobacco or smoking habits
• Recent or ongoing bisphosphonate medication use
• Severe bone loss that grafting cannot resolve
• A short-term or temporary tooth replacement need

Even when implants are not immediately possible, a thoughtful treatment plan can often prepare the mouth for future implant care or offer strong alternatives such as bridges or well-fitted dentures.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation

If you're ready to replace missing teeth with a secure, lasting solution, EverySmile Dental Riverview offers expert dental implant care backed by experience, technology, and compassion.

Call (813) 741-0483 or request your appointment online. We're conveniently located at 10825 Boyette Rd, STE A, Riverview, FL 33569