Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the options in our restorative dentistry care.
Missing a tooth changes more than your smile — it changes how you eat, how you speak, and how confident you feel doing both. At Island Dentists, we offer dental implants as a long-term way to replace missing teeth with something that looks, feels, and functions like your own. If you’re searching for a dentist for dental implants near Palatka, our team is here to walk you through your options.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. Once it heals and integrates with the bone, it acts as a stable root for a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture. Unlike a removable partial, an implant doesn’t rely on neighboring teeth for support — it stands on its own, which helps protect the health of the teeth around it.
Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or support a full denture for patients missing most or all of their teeth in an arch.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants are a good fit for many adults with one or more missing teeth, but the right option depends on your bone health, gum health, and overall goals. Our dentists evaluate each patient individually — factors like bone density, whether you smoke, and any history of gum disease all play into the plan. If implants aren’t the ideal starting point for you, we’ll talk through alternatives like a bridge or a partial denture so you still leave with a clear path forward.
Our team, including Dr. Nami and Dr. Pence, has pursued advanced training in implant dentistry, oral surgery, and socket grafting techniques, so your treatment plan is built around your specific case rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
The Dental Implant Process at Island Dentists
Every implant case is a little different, but most follow the same general path:
- Consultation and exam. We evaluate the tooth or teeth being replaced, review your health history, and discuss whether an implant is the right fit.
- Planning. If bone grafting or other preparation is needed, we’ll walk you through that step before the implant itself is placed.
- Placement. The implant post can be placed into the jawbone with a local anesthetic injection, and the procedure can be performed with oral sedation in addition if you’d like extra help relaxing.
- Healing. The bone needs time to fuse with the implant — this varies by patient, so we’ll give you a realistic timeline for your case.
- Restoration. Once healed, we attach your custom crown, bridge, or denture, completing the repair.
We’ll go over each step and the expected timeline for your specific situation at your consultation — implant timelines vary enough from patient to patient that we don’t want to quote a one-size number here.
Paying for Dental Implants
Island Dentists accepts dental insurance, including Medicare Advantage plans, and offers financing through CareCredit and Cherry, so a dental implant doesn’t have to be paid for all at once. New patients are always welcome — give us a call at (386) 385-3700 and our front desk can walk you through what your specific plan covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental implants cost in Palatka?
Implant cost depends on how many teeth are being replaced, whether bone grafting is needed, and what type of restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) is used. Because every case is different, the most accurate number comes from an in-person consultation. We accept dental insurance and offer CareCredit financing to help spread out the cost.
How long do dental implants take?
Timelines vary by patient — factors like bone healing time and whether any preparatory work is needed both play a role. At your consultation, we’ll walk you through a realistic timeline based on your specific case rather than a generic estimate.
Do you offer implant-supported dentures?
Yes. For patients missing most or all of their teeth in an arch, implants can be used to anchor a full denture, giving it more stability and a more secure fit than a removable denture alone. We’ll discuss whether this is a good option for you at your consultation.
Do dental implants hurt?
Implant placement can be performed with a local anesthetic injection to numb the area, and with oral sedation in addition if you’d like extra help relaxing. Most patients report the recovery is more manageable than they expected — similar to what you’d feel after a tooth extraction. We’ll go over what to expect for your specific procedure beforehand.
Will my insurance cover a dental implant?
Coverage varies by plan — some dental insurance plans cover a portion of implant treatment, especially the restoration (crown) piece. Our front desk can help you understand your specific benefits, and CareCredit financing is available for costs insurance doesn’t cover.
Ready to talk about whether a dental implant is right for you? Call Island Dentists at (386) 385-3700 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. New patients are always welcome.