Dental Implants Tampa & Carrollwood
Implant Steps | Implant Procedure | Implant FAQs | Implant Reviews
What are dental implants?
Similar to how a natural tooth is comprised of a crown with roots, a dental implant is made of a crown that is supported by an implant screw that is placed in your jaw by an oral surgeon. The implant is made of titanium, a material that has the biocompatibility to fuse with your jawbone, establishing a secure and permanent attachment.
How do implants work?
When top Tampa Oral Surgeon Dr. Valiente places a titanium screw in your jawbone, it acts as the roots for your new artificial tooth. Through the process of osseointegration, the implant fuses with your jawbone, making the dental implant a permanent tooth replacement. The fusion of implant to bone takes time, but once healing is complete, we place an abutment on the implant which is a post that holds the crown—the final restoration of your new tooth. Occasionally, we give you a temporary tooth until the placement of the permanent crown.
Revitalize your smile! Discover the confidence of dental implants. Schedule now for a brighter, complete you.
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What are the steps in having a dental implant placed?
Your journey begins with a consultation with Dr. Valiente, who will evaluate your health and jawbone. Together, we’ll discuss the best treatment options and create a personalized plan, including your preferred anesthesia.
During surgery, a titanium screw is placed in your jaw to serve as the foundation for your artificial tooth. The implant fuses with your bone through osseointegration, providing a stable, natural-functioning tooth.
After surgery, we’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing. Once the implant has integrated, we may perform a minor procedure to expose the implant for your restorative dentist to place the crown. In some cases, a temporary tooth may be used for aesthetic purposes.
How long does the dental implant process take?
With advanced implant technology, we often use single-stage implants, reducing the need for multiple procedures. Typically, there’s a two-month healing period before your permanent crown is placed. In many cases, we can extract your tooth and place the implant in a single visit, shortening the overall timeline. Most patients complete their implant process in 3-6 months.
For those missing most or all teeth, we offer implant-supported solutions like full-arch restorations, including ball-attachment and screw-retained dentures.
Dr. Valiente works closely with your restorative dentist to ensure the best care, with the oral surgeon handling extractions, bone grafting, and implant placement, while your dentist places your final restoration.
Surgical Advances in Dental Implants
With the latest advancements in dental implant technology, Dr. Valiente is able to offer single-stage implants, which eliminate the need for a second procedure to uncover the implant. These implants require a minimum of two months of healing before artificial teeth can be placed. In some cases, the implant can even be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction, reducing the number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a collaborative effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Valiente performs the implant surgery, tooth extractions, and any necessary bone grafting. Your restorative dentist (your regular dentist) will handle the fitting and placement of the permanent prosthesis, as well as any temporary restorations needed during the process.
The Dental Implant Surgical Procedure
Placing a dental implant typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for a single implant and 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. The time required and the number of appointments will vary depending on your individual needs. Dr. Valiente approaches every case with precision and attention to detail.
Before surgery, you may be prescribed antibiotics, and for added comfort, you can choose from intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas), options that will be discussed during your consultation. A local anesthetic will also be administered to numb the area where the implant will be placed.
Once you are comfortable, the surgeon makes a small incision in the gum to expose the bone, creates space using specialized instruments, and gently inserts the titanium implant. Depending on your healing process, the implant may be left slightly exposed or covered by gum tissue for optimal recovery.
Revitalize your smile! Discover the confidence of dental implants. Schedule now for a brighter, complete you.
Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants Office Phone Number (813) 968-5400 Book Online

1. Normal

2. Tooth Loss

3. Healed Bone

4. Implant Placed

5. Healing

6. Implant Restored
Healing after Dental Implant Surgery
Healing time varies depending on bone quality and individual factors. In some cases, implants can be restored immediately. After initial healing, a follow-up visit will place an abutment or healing cap to allow the gum tissue to mature and provide access to the implant.
Impressions may be taken at the time of placement to prepare the crown for when the implant heals. Follow-up appointments will ensure proper healing and determine when you’re ready for the restorative phase.
A soft tissue graft may be recommended to improve gum appearance and strength around the implant. Once healing is complete, your dentist will fit the crown to the implant, completing the restoration.
Dental Implant FAQs
Why do I need a CT scan before I get a dental implant?
A CT scan is crucial before dental implant placement because it provides detailed 3D images of your jawbone structure. These images help Dr. Valiente assess the quality and quantity of your bone, ensuring that it’s suitable for implant placement. It also helps in planning the precise location and angle for implant placement, minimizing risks, and improving the procedure’s success.
Does dental implant surgery hurt?
During the dental implant placement, you will typically be under nitrous oxide analgesia and local anesthetic, so you will not feel pain. If you suffer from dental anxiety, we may also administer intravenous sedation for your comfort during the procedure.
Some discomfort and minor swelling may occur after the procedure, but it can usually be managed with non-narcotic pain relievers. The level of discomfort varies among individuals, but most patients report it is easy to control with medication and ice packs. The pain will subside quickly after 2-3 days.
How long after my dental implant surgery can I get a replacement tooth?
The timeline for receiving a tooth on your dental implant varies depending on factors like the type of implant, your healing process, and the treatment plan. Sometimes, a temporary crown or prosthesis may be placed immediately or shortly after implant placement. However, a permanent tooth replacement, such as a crown or bridge, is typically attached to the implant after it has fully integrated with the jawbone, which can take several months.
How long after I have an implant placed do I need to wait to chew on the area?
After dental implant surgery, you should avoid chewing on the implant site until Dr. Valiente gives you the green light. Typically, this healing period lasts several weeks to a few months, depending on individual healing factors and the complexity of the procedure. You will eat a soft diet for the first week, gradually adding firmer foods as healing progresses. Following your post-operative instructions after dental implant placement ensures successful recovery.
Do I have to go without teeth while healing from dental implant surgery?
Most patients do not have to go without teeth while healing from dental implant surgery. Your dentist can provide temporary solutions, such as a removable denture or a temporary crown, to maintain your appearance and functionality during the healing period. However, this varies from case to case, so discuss your options with Dr. Valiente and your dentist.
Do dental implants set off the body X-ray scanners at airports?
Dental implants should not be affected by standard airport security body scanners. Modern dental implants are made from materials considered safe for airport security procedures.
Do I still need regular dental cleanings if I have an implant-supported denture?
Yes, regular dental cleanings are essential, even if you have an implant-supported denture. While dental implants themselves are not susceptible to decay, the surrounding gum tissue and remaining natural teeth (if any) still require maintenance. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings help ensure the health of your gums and any remaining natural teeth, as well as the proper function and fit of your implant-supported denture or implant-supported crown. Your dentist will advise you on the recommended cleaning routine for your specific case.
How long do dental implants last?
For most patients, dental implants last a lifetime. The titanium implants in the jawbone typically last 30 years or more. Occasionally, a crown or dental prosthetic may need to be replaced after years of wear or if it is damaged, but this can usually be done without removing or replacing the implant itself.
Am I too old for dental implants?
No. Patients in their 80s and older can get dental implants if they are healthy and have sufficient jawbone integrity. Getting dental implants late in life can dramatically improve your overall health because you can enjoy a more nutritious, varied diet.
Dr. Valiente is happy to answer any questions about dental implants you may have at your initial consultation. Please contact our office at Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants Office Phone Number(813) 968-5400 to arrange an evaluation appointment and learn how dental implants can restore a beautiful, healthy smile.
Read our reviews from real patients who had their smiles improved by Dr. Valiente:
Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Really happy with the staff here!
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Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very pleased with everything. Very pleasant staff
- Scott M