Some discomfort after implant placement is to be expected. Your dentist may prescribe you medications, or you can take over-the-counter pain medications to reduce pain and inflammation. Take these as directed.
Dental Implants in Merritt Island, FL
Implant Care, Led by a Prosthodontist
- Beautifully crafted restorations
- Trusted local dental lab partnership
- Coordinated care with a surgical partner
- Nearly 700 5-star Google reviews
Why Patients Choose Family Dentistry & Prosthodontics for Implant Care
Replacing a tooth is not just a procedure, it is a result you live with every day. When you choose us as your dentist in Merritt Island, FL, see how you can benefit.
Prosthodontist-Led Restorations
Dr. Steven Schmid is a prosthodontist, a specialist trained specifically in tooth replacement. He designs and places the crown, bridge, or denture that completes your implant, so the part of your smile everyone sees is handled by a restoration expert.
One Coordinated Plan
Your evaluation, treatment plan, and final restoration stay under one roof. We coordinate the surgical step with a trusted local oral surgery partner, so no one hands off responsibility for your final result.
A Trusted Local Lab
For a decade, we have worked with the same local dental lab. Their technicians visit our office during your appointment to match your restoration for a natural look and a comfortable fit.
Hear From a Real Patient
What Merritt Island Implant Patients Say
“Steven Schmid DDS is an excellent prosthodontist with a wonderful staff! Dr Schmid took his time to thoroughly go over details involved in the restoration portion of my implant procedure and the best path to take for my particular set of circumstances. I appreciate his enthusiastic spirit and knowledge. As a slightly anxious patient he is a real boost for my confidence. I definitely would recommend him highly.”
— Holly, 5-Star Review
One Coordinated
Team From Plan to Final Smile
When you choose our Merritt Island team at Family Dentistry & Prosthodontics, you are not left to manage your implant journey alone. Dr. Schmid and Dr. Wilkhu conduct your evaluation, treatment planning, and final restoration. When your case calls for surgical implant placement, we coordinate that step with a trusted local oral surgeon and stay involved the whole way, so your plan moves smoothly from first visit to finished smile.
The Technology Behind Your Treatment Plan
Great implant outcomes start with precise planning. We use cone beam 3D imaging and digital planning to map your case in detail and coordinate accurate, guided placement with your surgical partner. In our Merritt Island office, CEREC and digital design tools help Dr. Schmid craft restorations that fit well and look natural, and intraoral cameras let us show you exactly what we see.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root to support various restorations, such as dentures, crowns, and bridges. These implant-supported restorations replace missing teeth to restore the health, function, and appearance of your smile.
Unlike many other practices, we also offer posts made of medical-grade ceramic. This provides a great option for our implant patients who prefer not to place metal in their bodies.
Implant Restorations for Every Type of Tooth Loss
Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement and can address every type of tooth loss. Here are the restorations Dr. Schmid designs for our Merritt Island patients.
How Dental Implants Compare to Bridges and Removable Dentures
If you are weighing your options for replacing missing teeth in Merritt Island, it helps to see how an implant-supported restoration compares with the traditional alternatives. Each has its place, and the right choice depends on your health, your goals, and how you want to invest in your smile over the long term. The best way to decide is with a personalized evaluation, but the comparison below is a helpful starting point.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A conventional bridge relies on the healthy teeth on either side of your gap, which have to be reshaped so they can anchor the restoration. A bridge can rebuild your smile without surgery and is often covered in part by insurance, but it places extra wear on otherwise healthy teeth and sits above the gap rather than replacing the root beneath it. An implant-supported bridge, by contrast, stands on its own posts and leaves your neighboring teeth untouched.
Removable Denture
A traditional removable denture is usually the most affordable way to replace several teeth at once, and for some patients it is a perfectly good solution. Because it rests on the gums instead of anchoring in the jaw, though, it can shift while you eat or speak and typically needs periodic relines and adjustments as your mouth changes over time. An implant-retained denture snaps securely onto a few strategically placed posts, giving you a stable, comfortable, low-maintenance fit that feels much closer to natural teeth.
Is the Investment Worth It?
Implants generally cost more up front than a bridge or a removable denture. They are also the only option that replaces the tooth root, which keeps the jaw stimulated and can help you avoid more extensive treatment later. For many patients, that durability and lower lifetime maintenance make implants the more economical choice in the long run. During your consultation, we will walk you through the trade-offs honestly and help you choose the option that truly fits your needs and budget. There is no single right answer for everyone, and we will never steer you toward a more expensive treatment than your situation calls for.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
For patients who may not qualify for traditional implant-supported dentures, our practice offers All-on-4® dental implants. This method involves using four implant posts versus six to eight. Two of the four posts are placed at a strategic angle to maximize existing bone material. In many cases, All-on-4 patients do not have to undergo preparatory bone grafting.
Unmatched Bone Health Benefits
Implants are the only proven treatment option to stop and prevent the bone loss that occurs with even a single missing tooth. In some cases, it can even reverse the effects of tooth loss. Additionally, when you receive implants in a timely manner, you may not require preparatory treatments like bone grafting later. Made of high-quality materials like titanium and medical-grade ceramic, implants can last you a lifetime when cared for properly, making them a worthwhile investment in your oral health.
Untreated Tooth Loss Can Lead to Complications
If you have lost a single tooth or multiple teeth as a result of periodontal disease, facial trauma, or tooth decay, you may be at risk of future oral health complications. Missing teeth can also cause serious overall health concerns such as poor diet and malnutrition.
To help patients regain the health and aesthetics of their smiles, Dr. Wilkhu and Dr. Schmid can coordinate your surgery with a local oral surgeon. We then restore dental implants at our dental office in Merritt Island, FL.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Good Overall Health
Patients must be in good overall health to qualify for implants. Certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled autoimmune disorders can increase the risk of complications. Patients must also have good oral health and be committed to following an at-home dental care routine and attending regular checkups with our Merritt Island, FL, dentists.
Jawbone Density
Dental implants require a strong, sturdy foundation to ensure the best results. Patients with a compromised jawbone may need a bone graft before qualifying for implants. This bone graft will strengthen your jawbone and allow for a successful implant procedure.No Periodontal Disease
Healthy gums are key when it comes to dental implants. Any signs of gum disease must be addressed and resolved before starting the implant process. Fortunately, our dentists can provide you with a variety of solutions to treat gum disease.Non-Smoker
Smoking increases the risk of implant failure and can compromise the healing process. Patients must quit several months in advance before being considered for dental implants. For the best results, you should plan to quit for good.
What to Expect
During the Dental Implant Process
From planning to the placement of your final restoration, the implant process spans several months. Any preparatory procedures such as bone grafting will extend the treatment timeline.
Implants can dramatically improve the form and function of your smile while enhancing your quality of life.
Recovery and Aftercare
A few simple steps make recovery easier. Take any medication as directed, use ice to ease swelling, and stick to a soft diet for about a week. Recovery from the surgical step is guided by your oral surgery partner, and we stay involved through your restoration. If you have excessive bleeding, swelling, pain that is hard to manage, or a fever, call our Merritt Island office right away.
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Take Medications
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Use Ice Packs
Ice is a great way to reduce swelling and pain. Apply ice packs to your cheeks for about 20 minutes at a time.
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Eat a Soft Diet
It is best to stick to a soft diet for about a week after dental implant placement surgery. This will minimize irritations to the implant site, which helps with recovery.
If you have excessive bleeding, pain that is not easily managed, or excessive swelling, or if you run a fever during your recovery, please call our Merritt Island office immediately so we can promptly address your concerns.
Ask Us About Financing
Our dentistry practice in Merritt Island strives to give patients the care they need, when they need it. Though they may contribute to the cost of your restoration or preparatory procedures, basic insurance plans do not contribute to the cost of dental implants. Don't worry - we can help make this life-changing procedure a comfortable fit for your budget.
We accept financing through CareCredit®, a third-party lender that allows you to make low-interest and interest-free monthly payments. We encourage you to request a consultation so our team can help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants in Merritt Island, FL
Aren't traditional restorations cheaper than implants?
Initially, yes; however, it is important to remember that even a single missing tooth can cause the jawbone to deteriorate. This can then require treatments like bone grafting to correct, adding to your overall cost.
Investing in dental implants now can save you time and money later. It is also important to note that implants provide other benefits such as stability. For example, removable dentures rely on adhesives to remain in place, causing them to occasionally slip while eating or speaking. There are no risks of your denture slipping with implant-supported dentures.
Is implant placement painful?
During placement, you will receive local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Many surgeons also provide sedation.
Because it is a surgical procedure, you can expect some discomfort following your surgery, but this can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication and other measures. If you experience pain that cannot be managed at home, call our Merritt Island, FL, dental office so we can address it immediately.
How do I care for my newly restored smile?
One of the many benefits of implant-supported restorations is that you treat them just like natural teeth. Maintain good oral health by brushing with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste for at least two minutes twice a day. Don't forget to floss. Your dentist may remove and clean the restoration during your regular exam and cleaning, but otherwise, your restoration remains secured to the implant post.
How long do implants and implant-supported restorations last?
Because dental implants are made of durable ceramic and titanium, they are designed to last a lifetime. It is important to keep in mind that your denture, bridge, or crown will wear over time and will eventually need to be replaced. However, with proper care and maintenance, your restoration can last for up to 15 years or more.
