Dental Implants
A missing tooth can affect far more than just your self-esteem. It can make chewing your favorite foods uncomfortable, cause neighboring teeth to shift out of alignment, and lead to gradual bone loss in your jaw. If you are living with missing teeth or dealing with loose, uncomfortable dentures, dental implants offer the gold standard solution for permanent smile restoration.
At Michael Barnard DDS PA, we provide full-service implant dentistry tailored to your unique smile goals. Led by Dr. Michael Barnard, who brings over 40 years of trusted clinical experience to Fort Lauderdale, our practice combines surgical expertise with advanced artful craftsmanship. We help you rebuild a strong, natural-looking smile that lasts a lifetime.
What Is Implant Dentistry?
Implant dentistry is a specialized field focused on replacing missing teeth from root to crown. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges that rest on top of the gums, a dental implant acts as a permanent replacement for the entire tooth structure.
A complete dental implant consists of three key components:
- The Implant Post: A small, biocompatible titanium screw surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as a sturdy artificial root.
- The Abutment: A durable connector piece that attaches to the post and holds the final replacement tooth securely in place.
- The Custom Crown or Restoration: The visible portion of the tooth, meticulously designed to blend seamlessly with your natural smile in size, shape, and color.
Because titanium naturally integrates with human bone through a process called osseointegration, dental implants become a fixed part of your jaw. They feel, function, and look just like real teeth.
Dental Implants vs. Traditional Tooth Replacement Options
Choosing the right restorative solution for your smile is a major decision. The comparative matrix below illustrates how permanent dental implants stack up against traditional tooth replacement options:
| Feature / Benefit | Permanent Dental Implants | Traditional Fixed Bridges | Removable Dentures |
| Lifespan | Can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene | Typically lasts 7 to 15 years | Typically lasts 5 to 8 years |
| Jawbone Preservation | Stimulates bone growth and prevents bone loss | Does not prevent jawbone shrinkage | Bone loss continues over time |
| Impact on Surrounding Teeth | Zero damage to neighboring healthy teeth | Requires filing down adjacent teeth for support | Rests on remaining teeth, risking wear |
| Chewing & Stability | Restores up to 90% or more natural bite force | Restores moderate chewing capacity | Often slips or clicks while eating |
| Daily Maintenance | Brushed and flossed just like natural teeth | Requires special flossers to clean underneath | Must be removed daily for cleaning and soaking |
Our Step-by-Step Dental Implant Process
Restoring your smile with dental implants at Broward DDS is a structured, comfortable journey designed to yield optimal, predictable results:
1. Comprehensive Evaluation and Digital Imaging
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation. We take high-resolution digital X-rays and 3D images to evaluate your jawbone density, examine your facial structure, and map out the precise surgical placement of your implant.
2. Precise Implant Surgery
During the surgical phase, Dr. Barnard or our associate doctors gently insert the titanium implant post into the jawbone. We prioritize your comfort above all else, offering local anesthesia and gentle sedation options to ensure a painless experience.
3. Healing and Osseointegration
Over the next few months, your jawbone naturally fuses around the titanium post. This creates an unshakeable foundation capable of handling everyday biting and chewing forces.
4. Custom Restoration and Placement
Once healing is complete, we attach your custom implant crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis. You walk out of our office with a fully restored, fully functional smile.
The On-Site Lab Advantage: Faster Crafting and Superior Quality
One of the biggest advantages of getting your dental implants at Michael Barnard DDS PA is our in-house dental laboratory.
In standard dental practices, doctors must take physical impressions and ship them off to external, third-party laboratories. This process often takes weeks, requires temporary restorations, and leaves room for communication errors regarding color matching or custom fit.
Why Our In-House Lab Matters for Your Implant:
Because our laboratory is located right inside our Fort Lauderdale office, Dr. Barnard and our clinical team directly oversee the design and creation of your implant restoration.
- Faster Turnaround Times: Get your final custom crown fitted without waiting weeks for shipping.
- Tighter Quality Control: We monitor every detail of the fabrication process, ensuring exceptional strength and precision engineering.
- Instant Color and Shape Matching: Our lab technicians can inspect your smile in person to match the precise shade, translucency, and contour of your natural teeth.
- On-the-Spot Adjustments: If your crown needs a minor tweak for a comfortable bite, we can make immediate refinements right here in our office.
Top Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants
Investing in permanent dental implants offers unmatched physical and emotional rewards:
- Prevent Facial Sagging: By stimulating the jawbone, implants prevent the sunken facial appearance caused by bone loss after tooth loss.
- Eat What You Love: Enjoy crisp apples, steaks, and crunchy foods without fear of discomfort or loose dental work slipping.
- Protect Natural Teeth: Implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, preserving your remaining natural tooth structure.
- Permanent Confidence: Smile, speak, and laugh naturally without worrying about dentures shifting out of place.
The Barnard DDS Advantage
When you trust Michael Barnard DDS PA with your implant care, you gain access to high-end restorative dentistry delivered with compassionate, local care:
- Over 36 Years of Clinical Excellence: Dr. Michael Barnard has successfully restored thousands of smiles across South Florida.
- Dedicated Team of Experts: Dr. Michael Barnard collaborate to deliver comprehensive care under one roof.
- Multilingual Practice: Our compassionate staff comfortably communicates in English, Spanish, and Creole.
- Flexible Financial Solutions: We accept most dental insurance plans and offer an affordable in-house Dental Membership Plan ($195/year for individuals) to make complete care accessible.
- Convenient Location: Our office is located just 1 mile east of I-95 on Broward Boulevard, right across from the Fort Lauderdale Police Station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dental implant surgery painful?
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. We thoroughly numb the surgical area with local anesthesia. During recovery, most patients report mild soreness that can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does the entire dental implant process take?
The timeline varies depending on individual healing rates and bone health, typically ranging from three to six months. Thanks to our in-house dental lab, we can significantly speed up the final restoration phase once your implant has fully healed.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
If you have adequate jawbone density, healthy gums, and good overall health, you are likely a great candidate. Even if you have experienced bone loss, procedures like bone grafting can help prepare your jaw for successful implant placement.
How do I take care of my dental implants?
Caring for dental implants is just like caring for natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss daily around the implant post, and maintain routine checkups and cleanings at our Fort Lauderdale office.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost depends on how many teeth need replacing and whether preliminary procedures are required. During your consultation, we provide a clear, transparent breakdown of costs and discuss our flexible payment and insurance options.
Schedule Your Implant Consultation Today!
Ready to replace missing teeth with permanent, beautiful dental implants? Contact the team at Michael Barnard DDS PA today to schedule your evaluation.
