Transform Your Smile with Dental Implants at Parkway Prosthodontics
Over the past three decades, dental implants have revolutionized the field of tooth replacement, emerging as the most comprehensive and long-lasting solution available today. Unlike traditional bridges and dentures, which only replace the visible portion of a missing tooth, implants restore the tooth both above and below the gum line. This includes the critical function of the tooth root, which helps preserve the health of the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
​
At Parkway Prosthodontics, Dr. Kathryn Ryan, a highly trained and certified prosthodontist, offers unparalleled expertise in both the placement and restoration of dental implants. Prosthodontists, unlike general dentists, undergo extensive training specifically focused on complex dental restorations, including thousands of hours dedicated to perfecting implant procedures. Dr. Ryan’s advanced education and hands-on experience enable her to take on even the most challenging cases, providing hope to patients who might otherwise be considered unsuitable for implants.
For each implant patient, Dr. Ryan designs a customized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish. Her personalized approach guarantees that the results are not only functionally superior but also aesthetically pleasing, blending naturally with the patient’s existing teeth. Whether you're dealing with a single missing tooth, multiple gaps, or an ill-fitting denture that impacts your daily comfort and confidence, Dr. Ryan is equipped to deliver a solution that restores both your smile and your quality of life.
​
Dental implants are a significant investment in your oral health, and the benefits go beyond aesthetics. By replacing missing teeth with implants, you help preserve the structure of your jawbone, prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, and reduce the risk of further tooth loss. This makes implants the preferred choice for patients looking for a long-term, durable, and natural-feeling solution.
If you’re ready to explore how dental implants can transform your smile, reduce discomfort, and restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently, Dr. Kathryn Ryan and the team at Parkway Prosthodontics are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more confident, healthy you.
Why is a Prosthodontist the best doctor for the job?
A prosthodontist is a specialized dentist with advanced training in the restoration and replacement of teeth, including dental implants. They are experts in the planning and placement of dental implants, thanks to their deep understanding of the anatomy of the mouth.
Prosthodontists also have advanced training in prosthetic dentistry, which enables them to design and fit the dental implant restoration, including the implant itself and the crown or bridge attached to it. They can provide comprehensive treatment planning and customized solutions for complex cases, ensuring the best possible outcome for their patients. Overall, a prosthodontist like Dr. Kathryn Ryan is the best specialist for dental implants, providing the highest level of care and expertise for restoring damaged or missing teeth.
Using a prosthodontist for implants ensures that the procedure is performed with the highest level of expertise, safety, and precision, resulting in a successful and long-lasting implant restoration.
_edited.png)
What is a Dental Implant
A dental implant is a small, screw-like post that is meticulously designed to replace the root of a missing tooth, offering a permanent and stable foundation for a natural-looking restoration. Crafted from highly durable and biocompatible materials such as titanium or zirconia, implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This integration is the key to their success, as it allows the implant to mimic the function of a natural tooth root, promoting jawbone health and providing unmatched stability for the replacement tooth.
​
Unlike traditional dentures and bridges, which only replicate the visible crown portion of a tooth, dental implants go further by addressing what’s beneath the surface—the root of the tooth. This not only restores the appearance of your smile but also prevents bone loss and maintains the integrity of your facial structure, which can deteriorate over time when tooth roots are missing. By replacing the root, implants provide the same strength, security, and functionality as natural teeth, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile confidently without the risk of slippage or discomfort that is often associated with dentures.
​
Furthermore, implants stand out as the longest-lasting solution for tooth replacement, often lasting a lifetime with proper care. They offer a more comprehensive and permanent solution compared to dentures and bridges, which may require frequent adjustments or replacements over the years. This makes dental implants the gold standard for anyone seeking a complete, natural-feeling restoration that not only improves aesthetics but also protects and supports overall oral health.
How do Dental Implants work?
Dr. Kathryn Ryan begins the dental implant process by surgically inserting a titanium or zirconia implant post directly into your jawbone. This implant acts as an anchor, replicating the function of a natural tooth root. Over time, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration, which provides a stable and permanent foundation for your dental restoration. This crucial step allows the implant to securely support crowns, bridges, or dentures, restoring both function and aesthetics to your smile.
​
Once the implant has successfully integrated with your jawbone, Dr. Ryan attaches an abutment, a small connector piece that joins the dental restoration to the implant post. The abutment is placed below the gum line and remains invisible when you smile or speak. This hidden component ensures that the final restoration—whether it's a single crown, a bridge, or even a full set of dentures—will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
​
As a highly skilled prosthodontist, Dr. Ryan specializes in the design and placement of custom dental restorations. Her extensive training and experience in restorative dentistry enable her to craft lifelike solutions that fit perfectly within your mouth and complement your facial features. Each restoration is designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, ensuring that your new smile looks completely authentic.
​
After your implant-supported restoration is in place, the results are so natural-looking and functional that it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between your restoration and your real teeth. Not only will your implant-supported tooth look and feel like a natural part of your mouth, but it will also allow you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence—free from the concerns of slipping or discomfort that can come with traditional dentures or bridges.
​
Thanks to Dr. Ryan’s expertise in advanced restorative dentistry, your new smile will not only be beautiful but also durable and long-lasting, designed to withstand the rigors of daily life while giving you the confidence to enjoy all the benefits of a healthy, complete set of teeth.
Stages of Dental Implant Treatment
Dr. Ryan and her team want you to be fully informed and prepared for your upcoming tooth replacement procedure. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Ryan is pleased to provide the start-to-finish dental implant placement and restoration process in-house, so patients can remain familiar and comfortable with our dental team. By discussing the steps required to achieve your full, complete smile, you can become more confident in your decision to choose dental implants. Your treatment process will occur in multiple stages. Although this may seem unnecessary it is vital to the long-term success of your new smile. By discussing the steps required to achieve your full, complete smile, you can become more confident in your decision to choose dental implants.
-
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
-
​You will first meet with your implant dentist in Jacksonville to discuss your eligibility and any preliminary treatments you may need. If signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or jawbone deterioration are present, Dr. Ryan or Dr. Mularkey will likely recommend you for periodontal therapy, bone grafting, a sinus lift, or even tooth extraction. These preliminary services are often necessary to ensure that your dental implants have the greatest chances of success when placed.
-
-
Dental Implant Surgery
-
​Your dental implant surgery will consist of receiving local anesthesia to numb your mouth before small incisions are made in your gums. Dr. Ryan will carefully place and position each dental implant into its corresponding location. Advanced dental technology is used during the planning phase to minimize the potential for complications during your procedure, as she will ensure proper placement for maximum support. Once all your dental implants are put into place within your jawbone, she will close the gum tissue and place protective healing caps on top of each implant.
-
-
Dental Implant Osseointegration/Abutment
-
You will be required to return home and spend the next 3-6 months recovering. This timeframe is necessary to ensure osseointegration occurs and is successful. Your bone must fuse with the implant to create a firm foundation for your new prosthetic. During this time, you’ll be expected to follow various guidelines to avoid any complications during the healing process.
-
Once you’re fully healed and osseointegration is complete, you will return for another small procedure, which includes placing your metal abutments on top of your implants. These will serve to connect your implants with your customized restoration.
-
-
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
-
​The final step in your dental implant placement process is to receive your new teeth. Dental implants in Jacksonville, FL are highly versatile, which means you can have a crown, bridge, or denture created to replace your missing teeth. Made from high-quality materials, you can trust that your new smile will look and feel natural. The best part is that it is designed to last 30+ years as long as you commit to taking proper care of it throughout your lifetime.
-
​
See how we replace a single tooth during implant surgery at our Parkway Prosthodontics office...
Dental Implants for Every Situation
At Parkway Prosthodontics, Dr. Kathryn Ryan provides a variety of dental implant solutions to meet the needs of patients with missing teeth. Whether you are missing a single tooth or an entire arch, implants offer a long-lasting, natural-feeling restoration that can restore both your smile and your confidence. Here’s how Dr. Ryan tailors implant treatments for different situations:
Missing a Single Tooth
When you're missing a single tooth, the most effective and natural-looking solution is a dental implant. The process involves placing a single implant post into the jawbone, followed by attaching an abutment to support the final restoration. A custom-designed dental crown is then securely placed on the abutment to fill the space of the missing tooth. This method ensures that both the root and the visible part of the tooth are replaced, providing a stable, permanent solution without affecting the surrounding teeth. The result is a flawless, lifelike restoration that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
​
Implant-Retained Crowns and Bridges
For patients with 2 to 3 consecutive missing teeth, an implant-retained bridge is an ideal solution. Instead of placing dental crowns on the adjacent teeth, Dr. Ryan anchors the bridge directly to your jawbone using 1 or 2 implant posts. This method preserves the integrity of your natural teeth while providing a secure and stable foundation for the bridge. Implant-retained bridges look and feel more natural than traditional bridges, and because they are anchored to the jawbone, they provide better chewing function and durability.
​
Missing Multiple Teeth
If you are missing several teeth, dental implants can still offer a customized solution to restore your smile. Depending on the number of teeth missing, Dr. Ryan may recommend a combination of single-unit implants or an implant-retained bridge. Multiple implant posts can be strategically placed to support individual crowns or bridges, ensuring a complete and natural-looking smile. This approach avoids the need for removable dentures and helps preserve the health of your jawbone.
​
For patients missing all or most of their teeth in one arch, the All-On-4 technique offers a revolutionary solution. This procedure involves anchoring a custom-made denture to your jawbone using an average of 4 strategically placed implant posts. The unique benefit of All-On-4 is that, in many cases, the denture can be attached the same day as your implant placement surgery, allowing you to leave the office with a full set of teeth immediately. This approach eliminates the discomfort and inconvenience of going without teeth during the healing process, making it a popular choice for full-arch restorations.
Life-Changing Benefits of Dental Implants
Replacing both the root and crown of the tooth allows you to enjoy a variety of benefits that are not possible using any other treatment. As the implant post stimulates bone growth to fuse with your jaw, you will experience various advantages, including:
​
Sturdy & Long-Lasting
Dental implants offer several advantages over other treatments. The posts are made of medical-grade titanium, which is biocompatible and built to fuse with the surrounding jawbone tissue. As long as you practice good dental care and attend regular visits to the dentist, your implants can last a lifetime.
​
Prevents Bone Loss
One of the natural consequences of tooth loss is jawbone recession, which can make your face look sunken or prematurely aged. By sending regenerative signals to your jawbone just like healthy teeth, implants can help prevent bone atrophy.
​
Uplift Your Confidence
96% of people say a good smile makes a person more attractive. Missing teeth can make your smile look unhealthy and unbalanced. If you cover your smile on dates, at work, or in photographs because of missing teeth, dental implants can give you a renewed sense of self-confidence.
​
High Success Rate
Studies have shown a five-year success rate of approximately 95% for lower jaw implants and 90% for upper jaw implants. The success rate for upper jaw implants is a little lower because the upper jaw is less dense than the lower jaw.
​
No Damage to Other Teeth
Implants can counteract just about all of the effects of tooth loss. Without any negative stress or pressure on the neighboring teeth, implants can actually prevent the movement and shifting of the adjacent teeth. Bone loss that would otherwise impact the neighboring teeth can also be prevented.
​
Lifelike Function and Appearance
Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots, allowing your implant-supported restorations to anchor into the jaw in the same way as healthy, natural teeth. This ensures your dental prosthetic will not loosen, wobble, slip, or slide out of place during biting, chewing, or speaking. Denture patients especially often find this newfound confidence to be nothing short of life-changing.
​
Understanding Implant Cost
Dental implants recreate a tooth from the root up, which requires a multi-step treatment process. Each phase in your plan has separate costs, which can make it easier to pay for your new smile because you don’t need to cover the entire amount upfront. This gives you more time to pay to keep your treatment affordable. Although everyone’s plan is unique, you can expect it to include:
-
Initial Consultation: You’ll need a CT scan and a thorough consultation to ensure you’re a candidate for dental implants.
-
Additional Procedures: Many patients need additional procedures, like tooth extractions, bone grafting, or periodontal therapy.
-
Implant Placement: You’ll need oral surgery to insert titanium posts into your jawbone to serve as new tooth roots. Sedation or anesthesia is recommended to ensure your comfort.
-
Abutments: Each post needs a special fixture called an abutment, which is a connector piece between the implant and the restoration.
-
Restoration: Made of all-ceramic material to look and feel like a real tooth.
​
You’ll initially pay more for dental implants; however, they are more affordable long-term because they offer reliable results. They have over a 95% success rate and are proven to last for decades with the right aftercare, like maintaining your oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly. As a result, you’ll never need to worry about paying to have them replaced, saving you money down the road.
​
Dental implants also improve your oral health overall because they preserve your jawbone. This prevents dental drift to lower your risk of cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. As a result, you can reduce your long-term dental expenses by preventing costly treatments in the future.
​
As you can see there are various factors that influence the cost of dental implants, such as how many teeth you are replacing and your dental coverage. Unsure if you can afford dental implants? Talk to our team about arranging a payment plan and maximizing the value of your dental insurance to keep your new smile affordable. Contact Parkway Prosthodontics today to schedule your consultation.
Insurance and Financing Dental Implants
At Parkway Prosthodontics, we understand that investing in dental implants is a significant decision, and we're committed to making it as accessible as possible for all of our patients in Jacksonville, FL. Besides accepting your dental insurance, our office offers a range of flexible payment options to ensure that dental implants fit comfortably within your budget. Here's a breakdown of the options available to you:
​
Traditional Payment Methods
We strive to make payment simple and convenient for our patients. Parkway Prosthodontics gladly accepts all forms of traditional payments, including:
-
Cash: Pay upfront for your services with cash, a straightforward option for those who prefer not to deal with financing.
-
Checks: We also accept personal and certified checks as a method of payment.
-
Credit Cards: For added flexibility, we accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express, allowing you to pay for your treatment quickly and securely.
These traditional payment methods offer you a direct and simple way to settle your dental care expenses.
Third-Party Financing
If you'd prefer to spread out the cost of your dental implants over time, third-party financing is a great option. We work with trusted financing companies that offer manageable, interest-free or low-interest monthly payment plans. This allows you to pay for your treatment over a set period of time, making your dental implants more affordable. After a simple credit approval process, you can choose a plan that fits your financial situation.
Popular third-party financing providers we work with include:
-
CareCredit: A healthcare credit card that allows you to pay for dental services in monthly installments. CareCredit often offers promotional financing with zero or low interest if the balance is paid within a specified period.
-
LendingClub: Another financing option that offers extended monthly payment plans, which can be particularly helpful for larger treatments like dental implants.
By utilizing third-party financing, you won’t need to worry about paying the full cost of your dental implants upfront. Instead, you can enjoy the benefits of your restored smile while making affordable monthly payments.
Insurance Assistance
While dental implants are often considered a cosmetic procedure, which means they may not be fully covered by insurance, our office will help you maximize any insurance benefits you are entitled to. For example, some insurance plans may cover parts of the implant procedure, such as extractions, bone grafting, or the crown placement. A member of our experienced staff will work with your insurance provider to help determine how much of your treatment is covered and what your out-of-pocket expenses will be.
Personalized Financial Consultation
During your initial consultation, we’ll take the time to go over your personalized treatment plan and explain all the costs involved. Our team will review all your available payment options, whether through insurance, traditional payments, or third-party financing, to ensure that you are fully informed and comfortable with your choices.
We are here to assist you in finding the best solution for your unique needs, ensuring that the cost of dental implants does not stand in the way of achieving a healthy, complete smile.
​
If you have any questions about payment options or need additional information before your consultation, feel free to contact our office. We're more than happy to assist you in making dental implants an affordable and manageable investment in your oral health.
Convert your Existing Denture
Do you already have removable dentures and find yourself constantly dealing with the frustration they can bring? If you're tired of the noises, slipping, glue, and awkward movements that removable dentures can cause, you're not alone. Many denture wearers experience embarrassment and discomfort when their dentures shift unexpectedly while speaking or eating. Fortunately, there is a better solution that not only looks more natural but also provides stability and comfort—Implant-Supported Dentures.
​
Convert Your Current Dentures into Implant Dentures
If you are currently using traditional removable dentures, it is entirely possible to upgrade your system to implant-supported dentures, also known as implant-retained dentures. This conversion process involves placing dental implants—small, titanium posts—into your jawbone, which serve as a secure foundation for your denture. These implants act like tooth roots, providing a stable base that prevents your dentures from moving, eliminating the need for messy adhesives or constant adjustments.
​
The great news is that in many cases, your existing dentures can be retrofitted to become implant dentures, meaning you won't necessarily need to invest in a completely new set of prosthetics. Dr. Kathryn Ryan at Parkway Prosthodontics can evaluate your current dentures and determine if they can be modified to attach securely to dental implants.
Implant Gallery
Are you among the 120 million Americans who are missing at least one tooth? You could choose a traditional solution to complete your smile, like a bridge, crown, or you could enjoy an option that closely looks and feels natural. Dental implants allow you to regain the next best thing to your real teeth. Dr. Kathryn Ryan will rebuild your smile using a customized treatment plan.
Have questions on Implants, let's chat!
Dental implants in Jacksonville give you a solution that offers realistic and predictable results; however, it is a big decision to make. It is normal to have questions about the treatment. We want you to feel confident in your preferred solution to replace your missing teeth. Dr. Ryan takes the time to explain your treatment and answer your questions to help you make the right choice for your smile during your consultation. In the meantime, here are the answers to common questions about dental implants to help you make the right choice.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have an exceptionally high success rate, with studies showing success rates of 95% or higher. Success largely depends on factors such as good oral hygiene, overall health, and choosing a skilled professional like Dr. Kathryn Ryan to perform the procedure.
​
Can dental implants be placed immediately after tooth extraction?
In some cases, immediate implants can be placed during the same appointment as the tooth extraction, but this depends on the health of your jawbone and surrounding tissue. Dr. Ryan will assess your situation and determine if immediate placement is an option or if a healing period is necessary.
​
What happens if I don’t have enough bone for an implant?
If you lack sufficient bone to support a dental implant, a bone graft may be recommended. Bone grafting involves adding bone material to the deficient area to strengthen the jaw and create a stable foundation for the implant. After healing, the implant can be placed.
​
How long does recovery from a dental implant take?
The initial recovery from dental implant surgery usually takes a few days to a week, but complete healing and osseointegration (the process of the implant fusing with the jawbone) can take 3-6 months. During this time, it’s important to follow aftercare instructions for optimal healing.
​
Can I replace all my teeth with dental implants?
Yes, dental implants can replace all of your teeth. Options such as implant-retained dentures or All-on-4 implants allow for a full arch of teeth to be supported by as few as 4-6 implants, offering a permanent, stable solution to complete tooth loss.
​
Do dental implants ever fail?
While rare, dental implants can fail due to reasons like poor oral hygiene, smoking, or medical conditions such as diabetes that affect healing. However, implant failure is uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced professional and proper aftercare is followed.
​
Are dental implants removable like dentures?
No, dental implants are not removable. Once the implant is placed and the restoration is attached, it functions like a natural tooth. Implant-supported dentures, however, can either be fixed or removable depending on the patient’s preference.
​
Can smokers get dental implants?
Smoking can negatively impact the success of dental implants by slowing down healing and increasing the risk of infection or implant failure. While smokers can still receive implants, Dr. Ryan strongly advises quitting or reducing smoking to ensure the best possible outcome.
​
What is the difference between a dental implant and a bridge?
A dental implant replaces both the root and crown of a missing tooth, preserving the jawbone and neighboring teeth. A dental bridge involves attaching a false tooth to adjacent natural teeth, which requires modifying healthy teeth and doesn’t protect the jawbone from bone loss.
​
How soon after dental implant surgery can I return to normal activities?
Most patients can return to their normal activities, including work, the day after surgery, although it’s important to avoid strenuous activities for at least a few days to ensure proper healing. Dr. Ryan will provide personalized aftercare instructions for a smooth recovery.
