The Dental Implant Procedure in Melbourne, FL

How The Dental Implant Process Works

Restoring a smile is about more than just filling a gap; it is about rebuilding the structural integrity of your oral health. At Sheldon & Furtado, PLLC, we view the dental implantprocess as a blend of art and engineering. Whether you have lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or gum disease, understanding the steps involved in the procedure can alleviate anxiety and help you feel confident in your decision to move forward.

Our team, which includes Dr. Lee Sheldon, Dr. Matt Sheldon, and Dr. Michel Furtado—a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology—brings decades of combined experience to every surgery. As a leading dentist’s office near you, we utilize advanced technology to ensure that your implant procedure is predictable, minimally invasive, and tailored to your specific anatomy.

If you have questions about your eligibility for implants, please call our office at (321) 259-8000to schedule an evaluation.

Comprehensive Consultation and 3D Planning

Every successful implant journey begins with a detailed plan. During yourfirst visit, our primary goal is to assess the health of your jawbone and gums. Unlike traditional X-rays that only provide a two-dimensional view, Sheldon & Furtado, PLLC utilizeshigh-tech dentistry, including 3D Cone Beam CT scans.

These detailed images allow us to visualize nerves, sinus cavities, and bone density in three dimensions. This "surgical blueprint" allows our doctors to select the ideal implant size and position before we ever begin the actual procedure. If you have been told elsewhere that you lack sufficient bone for dental implants, do not lose hope. Because Dr. Furtado is a board-certified periodontist, our office is equipped to perform advanced bone grafting and sinus lifts to regenerate the necessary foundation for your new teeth.

Precision Placement Using Surgical Guides

Once the planning phase is complete, the placement procedure can begin. To ensure the highest level of accuracy, we often use computer-generated surgical guides. These custom-fitted templates fit over your gums and guide the implant into the exact angle and depth determined during the 3D planning stage.

This approach offers significant benefits:

• Minimally Invasive:Because we know exactly where the implant is going, we can often avoid large incisions.
• Faster Healing:Less disruption to the gum tissue means less post-operative swelling and discomfort.
• Safety:Guided surgery minimizes the risk of interfering with nerves or sinuses.

For patients who are nervous about the procedure, we offercomfort & IV sedation. Our priority is to ensure you remain relaxed and pain-free throughout the appointment. Many of our patients wake up with little memory of the surgery and are surprised by how easy the process was.

Osseointegration: The Healing Phase

After the titanium ormetal-free dental implants(zirconia) are placed, a biological process called osseointegration begins. This is where the magic happens. Over the course of a few months, your jawbone grows around the implant post, fusing with it to create a stable, permanent anchor that mimics a natural tooth root.

While the healing timeline varies for everyone, it is crucial for the long-term stability of the restoration. During this time, our team at Sheldon & Furtado, PLLC monitors your progress closely to ensure no infections occur and that the bone is bonding correctly.

Immediate Load and "Teeth in a Day" at Sheldon & Furtado

We understand that waiting months for a new smile isn't always an option, especially if you are replacing front teeth or a full arch. For eligible patients, we utilizeSolid Bite℠ immediateprotocols.

This technique allows us to place the implants and attach a functional, aesthetic set of temporary teeth on the very same day. You never have to leave our office without teeth. While the bone heals, these temporary teeth allow you to smile and eat soft foods confidently. Once full integration has occurred, we swap the temporary teeth for your final, customized restoration.

To find out if you are a candidate for immediate tooth replacement, call us today at (321) 259-8000.

Designing and Placing the Final Restoration

The final step of the procedure is the placement of your permanent teeth. This is where function meets aesthetics. Depending on your needs, this could be a singleporcelain crown, a bridge, or a full-arch restoration known asSolid Bite℠ teeth replacement.

Our restorative doctors work with high-quality labs to craft teeth that match the shade, shape, and translucency of your natural enamel. We verify your bite to ensure that your upper and lower teeth meet perfectly, preventing issues with TMJ or premature wear. When you look in the mirror, you will see a seamless smile that looks and feels like your own.

Maintaining Your New Smile

One of the greatest advantages of dental implants is their longevity. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. However, just like natural teeth, implants require maintenance. Periodontal health is vital to the success of an implant; gum disease can still attack the tissue surrounding the post (a condition called peri-implantitis).

At Sheldon & Furtado, PLLC, we provide specializedperiodontal treatmentand maintenance plans. Routine teeth cleaningsand check-ups allow us to catch any potential issues early. We will teach you the best ways to floss and brush around your implants to keep the supporting bone and gums healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the dental implant procedure painful?

Most patients report that the procedure is much easier than they anticipated. We use local anesthesia to completely numb the surgical site. For those with anxiety, we offer sedation options to ensure a deeply relaxing experience. Post-operative discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter medication.

How long does the entire process take?

The timeline depends on your bone quality and the type of procedure. For traditional implants, osseointegration may take three to six months. However, with our immediate load protocols, you can often get temporary teeth the same day as surgery. We will provide a specific timeline during your consultation.

Can I get implants if I have gum disease?

Active gum disease must be treated before implant placement to ensure success. Our practice utilizes the Perioscope, a non-surgical technology that allows us to treat gum disease effectively without cutting the gums, preparing your mouth for implants.

What if I already have dentures?

If you are tired of loose dentures, we can performdenture stabilization. This involves placing implants that your dentures can snap onto, providing a secure fit without the need for adhesive.

If you have more questions about the procedure, please reach out to us at (321) 259-8000.

Professional Implant Care in Brevard County

Choosing to undergo a dental implant procedure is an investment in your health and confidence. At Sheldon & Furtado, PLLC, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care in a friendly, supportive environment. From our front desk staff to our surgical team, we are here to ensure your experience is positive and your results are life-changing.

If you are looking for dentists near youwho combine surgical expertise with compassionate care, look no further. We have been proudly serving the Melbourne community and surrounding areas since 1980.

Contact our top dentists in Melbournetoday or call (321) 259-8000to schedule your comprehensive implant consultation. Let us help you reclaim your smile.