Dental implants in Miami Gardens that feel like your own

01 — The basics

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. A small post — usually titanium — is placed in the jawbone, where it bonds with the bone over a few months (a process called osseointegration). An abutment then connects the implant to a custom crown, bridge or denture that looks and works like natural teeth.

At a glance

Because an implant stands on its own, it doesn’t rely on the teeth next to it. And because it stimulates the jawbone like a natural root, it helps prevent the bone shrinkage that makes faces look older and dentures loosen over time.

Implant options

• Single-tooth implant — one implant and one crown to replace one missing tooth.
• Implant-supported bridge — two or more implants holding a bridge to replace several teeth in a row.
• Implant-supported (snap-in) dentures — implants that anchor a denture so it doesn’t slip, click or need adhesive. Compare denture options.
• Full-arch restorations — a fixed set of teeth supported by several implants, for patients missing most or all teeth.

Implants vs. bridges vs. dentures

Are you a good candidate?

Most adults who are missing teeth can be considered for implants. Good candidates have healthy gums, enough bone to support the implant (or are willing to have it rebuilt with a bone graft), and health conditions that are under control. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes can slow healing and raise the risk of implant problems, so we’ll talk about them honestly.

A biological approach to implants

Most implants are titanium, which has a long track record of biocompatibility. For the visible part, we favor metal-free ceramic crowns where appropriate. If you have concerns about metals or known sensitivities, bring them up at your consultation so we can discuss your options.

How much do dental implants cost?

Cost depends on how many teeth you’re replacing, whether you need extractions or bone grafting, and the type of restoration on top. After your exam and imaging, you’ll receive a written plan with each stage priced and your insurance applied. Many dental plans cover part of the crown or other parts of the treatment, and financing can spread the rest into monthly payments. Insurance & financing.

Bone grafts and building a solid foundation

After a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that spot slowly shrinks. If there isn’t enough bone to hold an implant securely, a bone graft can rebuild it. Sometimes the graft is placed at the same visit as the extraction (a “socket preservation” graft) so the site is ready for an implant later. In the upper back jaw, the sinus can sit close to the bone, and a sinus lift may be needed. We’ll look at your X-rays together and explain whether you need any grafting — and if a case is better handled by a surgical specialist, we’ll coordinate the referral and still restore the implant here.

What recovery looks like

Implant terms, explained

• Implant (fixture) — the post that replaces the tooth root.
• Osseointegration — the process of bone growing tightly around the implant.
• Abutment — the connector between the implant and the tooth on top.
• Restoration — the crown, bridge or denture you see and chew with.
• Bone graft — material placed to rebuild bone where it has shrunk.
• Peri-implantitis — gum and bone inflammation around an implant, prevented with good cleaning and regular checkups.

Caring for your implants

Implants can’t get cavities, but the gums and bone around them can become inflamed, just like with natural teeth. Brush twice a day, clean between teeth with floss or a water flosser, and keep your regular cleanings. With good care, implants can last for decades.

Computer-guided implant placement

Dr. Peter Epstein’s focus includes implant placement using computer-guided techniques. The implant position is planned digitally before surgery, taking into account the bone, nerves, sinus and the final tooth, so the implant can be placed precisely where it will support the restoration best. For patients, careful planning typically means a more predictable procedure and a better-fitting final tooth.

Full-arch implant options

If you’re missing most or all of your teeth, implants can support a full set. Implant-supported dentures snap onto a few implants — commonly two or more in the lower jaw and more in the upper — and come out for cleaning. A fixed full-arch bridge (often called “All-on-4” style) is attached to several implants and stays in. Fixed options feel most like natural teeth; snap-in options cost less. We’ll compare both for your mouth and budget.

Titanium and ceramic implants

Titanium implants have the longest track record and are what most dentists place. Ceramic (zirconia) implants are a metal-free alternative some biological-dentistry patients ask about; they have a shorter track record and aren’t right for every case. If metal-free materials matter to you, bring it up at your consultation — we’ll give you a straight answer on the pros, cons and options, including metal-free crowns on top.

What affects the cost of dental implants

• How many teeth you’re replacing and how many implants are needed
• Whether you need an extraction, bone graft or sinus lift first
• The type of restoration — single crown, bridge, snap-in denture or fixed full arch
• Materials (for example, ceramic vs. metal-based crowns)
• Your insurance benefits and any remaining annual maximum

Every quote we give is itemized so you can see what each part costs, and financing can spread the cost into monthly payments. Dental insurance sometimes covers part of the crown, bridge or denture even when it doesn’t cover the implant itself.

Do Medicaid or Medicare cover implants?

Florida Medicaid generally does not cover dental implants for adults, though it does cover full and partial dentures. Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental care; some Medicare Advantage plans include implant benefits or allowances. We accept Medicaid and most Medicare Advantage plans and will check your specific plan.

We see patients from across North Miami-Dade and South Broward, including Miami Gardens, Opa-locka, Miami Lakes, Carol City, Norland, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Aventura and Hialeah. Our office is on NW 7th Avenue near NW 183rd Street (Miami Gardens Drive).