Offering Dental Implants Near You
Losing a tooth—or several—can feel overwhelming. Whether due to injury, decay, or gum disease, missing teeth affect your smile, confidence, and ability to eat comfortably. At Sheldon and Furtado, PLLC, we understand how important it is to restore your smile and oral health. As a leading periodontist in Melbourne, Florida, Dr. Lee Sheldon has helped countless patients regain their confidence with advanced tooth replacement solutions. Two of the most common options are dental implants and dentures, but which is right for you?
Are you in Brevard County looking for dental implants? Trust our Melbourne periodontist to change your life with tooth replacement options. Contact us today at (321) 259-8000.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a modern, long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike dentures, which rest on the gums, implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots. A custom-made crown is then attached to the implant, creating a natural-looking and functional replacement tooth.
Benefits of dental implants include:
- Permanence: Implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care.
- Stability: They’re anchored securely in the jawbone, eliminating slippage.
- Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss.
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
- No Dietary Restrictions: Enjoy all your favorite foods without worry.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace multiple missing teeth. They come in two main types:
- Full Dentures: Replace an entire arch of teeth (upper or lower).
- Partial Dentures: Fill gaps when some natural teeth remain.
When it comes to dentures, there are limitations:
- Slippage and Discomfort: Dentures can move while eating or speaking, causing embarrassment or irritation.
- Maintenance: They require daily cleaning and adhesives for stability.
- Bone Loss: Dentures don’t stimulate the jawbone, leading to bone deterioration over time.
- Dietary Restrictions: Hard or sticky foods can be difficult to chew.
- Frequent Adjustments: Gums and bone structure change, requiring regular refitting.
Do you have dentures, but you’re wondering if you can upgrade to dental implants in Brevard County? Contact our periodontist near you today at (321) 259-8000 to schedule a consultation and learn more about implant-supported dentures.
Why Dental Implants Are a Game-Changer for Patients
Superior Stability and Comfort
Implants are fused to your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, making them as stable as natural teeth. Unlike dentures, which can slip or cause sore spots, implants stay securely in place. This means you can speak, laugh, and eat with confidence, whether you’re enjoying a meal at a Melbourne Beach restaurant or socializing at a Viera community event.
Long-Term Durability
While dentures may need replacement every 5 to 10 years, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. For Melbourne residents looking for a cost-effective, long-term solution, implants offer excellent value. At Sheldon and Furtado, PLLC, Dr. Sheldon uses high-quality materials to ensure your implants are built to last.
Preserves Jawbone Health
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone beneath it begins to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation. Dentures don’t address this issue, but implants do. By acting as artificial roots, implants stimulate the bone, preventing resorption and maintaining your facial structure. This is especially important for younger patients who want to preserve their appearance for decades to come.
Natural Appearance
Dental implants are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth. Dr. Lee Sheldon customizes each crown to match the shape, size, and color of your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless smile. Whether you’re at a business meeting in West Melbourne or a family gathering in Indialantic, no one will know your teeth are actually implants.
No Dietary Restrictions
Dentures often limit what you can eat, forcing you to avoid foods like apples, steak, or nuts. Implants, however, function like natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite Florida cuisine—from fresh seafood at a Melbourne waterfront restaurant to crunchy snacks at a Cocoa Beach picnic.
Minimal Maintenance
Unlike dentures, which require adhesives, soaking, and special cleaning, implants are cared for like natural teeth—brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are all you need. For busy Melbourne residents, this low-maintenance solution is a major advantage.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants are ideal for many patients, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors like bone density, overall health, and budget play a role. Our periodontist in Melbourne, FL, conducts a thorough evaluation, including 3D imaging, to determine if implants are the best option for you.
Good candidates for dental implants often include:
- Patients with one or more missing teeth.
- Those with healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density (bone grafting is an option if needed).
- Individuals seeking a permanent, hassle-free solution.
- Non-smokers or those willing to quit during the implant process.
If you’re unsure whether implants or dentures are right for you, don’t worry. Dr. Sheldon will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Contact our Melbourne dental office near you at (321) 259-8000 to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to eat with dentures or implants?
Dental implants make eating significantly easier than dentures. Implants are anchored in the jawbone, providing the same chewing strength as natural teeth. You can enjoy tough or sticky foods—like steak, apples, or nuts—without worry. Dentures, however, can slip or shift, making it harder to chew certain foods, and some patients avoid hard or sticky items altogether.
Why would a dentist not recommend an implant?
A dentist may not recommend implants if you have insufficient jawbone density and are not a candidate for bone grafting, have uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g., diabetes or autoimmune disorders), or have active gum disease. Heavy smoking or inability to maintain oral hygiene can also affect implant success.
Do implants cost more than dentures?
Yes, dental implants typically have a higher upfront cost than dentures due to the surgical procedure and high-quality materials used. However, implants are a long-term investment, often lasting a lifetime, while dentures may need replacement every 5 to 10 years. For many patients, the durability and convenience of implants outweigh the initial cost.
Should I get dentures or implants?
The choice depends on your needs, health, and lifestyle. Implants are ideal if you want a permanent, low-maintenance solution that preserves jawbone health and allows you to eat and speak confidently. Dentures may be better if you prefer a non-surgical option, have budget constraints, or aren’t a candidate for implants.
A Better Smile Awaits at Our Melbourne Dental Office
Missing teeth don’t have to hold you back. Dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution that can transform your life. If you’re ready to ditch the dentures, get hold of one of the best periodontists in Melbourne by calling (321) 259-8000.