A Guide to Choosing Your Dental Implants Oral Surgeon in Lutz, FL
March 15, 2023

Are you interested in getting dental implants? Click here for a guide to choosing your dental implants oral surgeon in Lutz, FL.

Up to 30 million Americans are missing some of their teeth in at least one jaw. As advancements in dental implants happen, they now have a 95% success rate in addressing this issue. 


Prioritizing your dental health and pursuing dental implants is a big decision. You want to find the best implant surgeon for your oral care and to do the implant procedure.


So, what should you consider when looking for an implant surgeon? Read on to help find your dental implants oral surgeon in Lutz, FL. 


Experience

One of the biggest considerations in selecting an oral surgeon is their experience level. Many patients will feel awkward or shy in asking a professional about their experience level, but you shouldn't. 


You might find some general dentists and periodontists trained to perform implant surgery. Yet, they might not do it as frequently as an oral surgeon does and therefore have a higher experience level.


Training

When asking about the experience, also enquire about the oral surgeon's training. Are they involved in continual learning so they keep up with the most recent advancements?


You should expect that the person performing your surgery has received advanced training in dental implant placement.


Since a positive outcome is your highest priority, you want to ensure you entrust your oral care to someone with advanced and specialized training in placing a dental implant.


Who Will Perform the Procedure

In a busy dental office or an office with multiple oral surgeons, you want to know exactly who will perform the procedure for you. 


Make sure the doctor you consult is the one who will perform your procedure. So when you ask about experience and training and get answers, you know it's that person doing the surgery on your mouth.


Designated Surgery Area

Ask about where your implant surgery will be performed. You should hope to have a designated surgical area separate from other general treatment areas. 


You want to know that the surgery will be performed in a comfortable area that provides you with the important privacy you deserve during your treatment and recovery times. 


At your consultation, don't be shy about asking to see where your surgery will occur.


Office Environment

Your safety, comfort, and confidence should be paramount when selecting a surgeon. But you'll also have multiple interactions with staff that support the oral surgeon. 


Do they make you feel comfortable? Are they forthcoming in answering your questions and providing information?

You want to feel confident that the environment you choose for surgery makes you feel good. 


Comfort Level

Consider your comfort level, too, with the oral surgeon. You've probably had experiences with other medical professionals where you felt like they weren't making time for you or your thoughts were being dismissed. 


The oral surgeon you choose should prioritize your care from start to finish. That includes taking the time to talk with you about what to expect and answering all your questions thoroughly.


Aligned Goals

Part of the success of any procedure like this is communication. You want to be clear about your goals in having a dental implant placed. Many patients will feel reluctant to speak up about their goals. 


You also want an oral surgeon who will be forthcoming about their goals for the surgery. You need to have aligned goals. 


Be prepared to hear if there may be limitations or possible issues, and make sure you understand them when you talk with the oral surgeon.


Insurance

Of course, you will want to consider your insurance coverage. If you have dental insurance that will cover a portion of the procedure, they may require you to see a certain provider. 


The oral surgeon should be prepared to outline the cost of the procedure, what will be covered, and what will be an out-of-pocket expense. 


If you don't have insurance or insurance that doesn't cover the surgery, ask about possible payment plans to cover the expense. 


Cost Factors

Having said all that about insurance and cost, you should not choose an oral surgeon solely on cost factors. Getting oral surgery for a dental implant is a surgical procedure. 


You need a person who is well-trained and experienced. You shouldn't choose your care provided solely because they are the least expensive option. This isn't like buying a TV. 


Consider cost, then also factor in other considerations to find the best care provider. 


Dentist Input

Your regular dentist is part of your oral health plan. They probably also know you well. 


They are professionally trained and know more about what happens during dental implant surgery. Ask for their feedback about your oral surgeon's choice. 


They should be willing to provide referrals to oral surgeons who have provided quality care for other patients. 


Patient Reviews

It's always a good idea to go online and read the reviews left by previous patients. Their experience can give you insight into what to expect as you approach your surgery. 


When reading reviews, it's important not to get too focused on one negative review. Instead, look for the trends in reviews. Overall, what was the experience like for previous patients who had oral surgery with the doctor you're considering? 


Before and After Images

Finally, ask the oral surgeon to allow you to see some before and after photos from previous patients. 


Of course, they must protect the privacy of those patients, as they should protect yours. But they should have some close-up images available to see how the oral surgery site might look before, during, and after.


Find Your Dental Implants Oral Surgeon in Lutz, FL

Deciding to have dental implant surgery is a big decision. Anytime you undergo surgery, you want to know if you have the best person performing it. 


We hope you'll consider our office as you look for dental implants oral surgeon in Lutz, FL. Contact us to arrange a consultation to discuss how we can help you.

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A recent study by Rojas et al. (2025) found that individuals who received implants as part of their treatment reported significantly improved comfort and quality of life compared to those who used dentures, highlighting the inherent benefits of implants. However, implants are no longer limited to single-tooth installations, as you can now receive an All-on-4 implant, which replaces an entire arch of teeth. With both dental implant options available, which one is best for your needs? Let us help you make that decision. Below, you will find information on single implants vs arch reconstruction, including: Types of implants offered by TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery The benefits of each option How the dentist determines suitability Step-by-step walkthrough of the procedure Healing timelines Learn what each requires, as well as its costs. Our expert guidance can help you decide which dental implant option is best for you when you come for a consultation with us. Dental Implant Options Offered by TERSA There are several different types of dental implants that TERSA offers to our clients, all of which provide different benefits, including: Treating traumatic dental injuries Offering All-on-4 full-arch implants Using guided surgery with computerized scans Individual dental implants Single-tooth implants are ideal for individuals who have only a single missing tooth, provided all adjacent natural teeth are still healthy. This means that we can focus purely on the single area and also try to recreate the bone's interaction with its previous tooth as much as possible. Through mimicking the root with the implant itself, you also preserve the jaw's density . These need minimal preparation compared to many other processes. However, if you have more than one or two teeth that need replacement in this way, it may be wise to explore alternatives . Why the Dentist Needs to Assess Suitability Dr. Guerra has gained a great deal of knowledge over his 15 years of education , as he discussed with Laker/Lutz News, which he applies to every patient, ensuring that you receive the highest-quality care possible. For example, he will start by imaging the area where the implant will be placed, as well as assessing local nerves and sinus cavities to ensure that the implant will not interfere with them. By reviewing your medical history, he can also discuss various risk factors with you that may impact bone healing, such as diabetes or a history of smoking, helping you avoid complications . The doctor also has a keen understanding of the mechanics of an implant. He will want to ensure that your implant can withstand functional forces, such as chewing, without overloading the surrounding tooth and jaw. This means he has the experience to discuss the issue with you in great detail . Preparing Yourself for Surgery After consultation, and if you choose to go under IV-sedation, be aware that your surgery will require you to not eat for around six hours before the surgery, and not drink anything for two hours before. If the dentist has any specific other requirements or recommends a different amount of time, he will inform you. The dentist may also request that you take other steps , such as: Using a mouth rinse beforehand to reduce mouth bacteria Scheduling your work so that you only have light duties for up to 72 hours after the surgery Arranging a driver to take you home or ensure you can travel for a day after surgery Ensure you have already collected any necessary medication Step-By-Step Dental Implant Procedure During the surgery, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure that the area is numb and unable to feel the effects of the surgery. However, they may also offer you sedation to ensure your comfort . After you are appropriately prepared, they will make a careful incision to expose an area of your gums and jawbone, then carefully create a space in which to insert a small titanium implant . After the implant is in place, they will suture the space closed, allowing the gum to heal and the jaw to start accepting the titanium post. Once the surgery is completed, you will need to wait up to three or four months for your jaw to adapt to the existence of the post. It will undergo a period of "osseointegration", in which your body will start building natural structures around it and your bone fuses with it, preventing the implant from moving. Healing Timeline for Working Floridians While every individual is different, you should expect the timeline to look something like this: Day 1: Apply an ice pack to your jaw after surgery, and expect mild swelling. You may also experience discomfort, so be sure to have painkillers available. Avoid solid food if possible, and be cautious if not. End of week 1: At this point, you can switch to softer foods, such as yogurts and smoothies, or you can try to chew foods carefully, so long as you keep them on the non-surgery side of your mouth. End of month 1: Attend a check-up for your implant so that the dentist can ensure your body is accepting it. End of month 3: You should return to the dentist for the installation of a custom crown around this time. They will ensure that the shape and color of the implant matches the rest of your mouth, which ensures that the implant is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. The process may take more than one appointment, as the dentist must scan your gums and jaw following the surgery to ensure they get the shape of the crown correct. The dentist may request another check-up after one year, to ensure that everything is as it should be. Key Benefits of Dental Implants Dental implants are an excellent option for individuals concerned about their jawbone starting to lose volume. The additional load placed on the area due to eating and other activities will prevent atrophy, which is usually seen with missing teeth. An implant also acts just as your previous tooth did, ensuring that you can continue to chew with complete efficiency. It is also very common for them to survive for a significant period, with many lasting beyond the 25-year mark and into the remainder of someone's life. All-on-4 at TERSA One could think of the "All-on-4" as a "Denture implant". It is designed for patients with several failing or missing teeth, who would otherwise order a set of dentures but are worried about the upkeep and appearance of removable dental arches. Unlike a single implant, the All-on-4 system uses four angled implants that securely hold a large denture in place. These implants can even be used to hold a temporary denture between implant installation and the creation of the final arch. This way, you can have the benefits from day one that you would not have with a single-tooth implant. It also significantly reduces the cost of having a full row of single implants due to the reduced number of installations. Surgery Preparation Steps The preparation for an All-on-4 denture is similar to that of a single denture, except that it is more involved due to the dentist needing to check more areas in the mouth. However, they are also likely to check things that you would usually expect when doing a consultation for traditional dentures, like: Gum contouring Tooth proportions Full-mouth bite Residual root existence They will then create a custom-printed denture frame, using it to test your mouth's shape so that they can have a full denture immediately for surgery day. Additional Steps For All-On-4 Surgery Although the majority of the surgery is similar to four individual implants as described above, there are distinct differences: The dentist may remove other teeth to make way for the denture All implants will sit at different angles for more stability Postoperative scans will verify the alignment of the implants Advantages of All-On-4 Surgery As opposed to getting all of your teeth replaced, an All-on-4 implant will require you to have only four implants on which the denture sits. Fewer incisions and a reduced time taken mean that you can get a greater benefit more easily. The complete denture will also look perfectly natural, sitting comfortably in your mouth and secured by four posts that are angled to prevent slipping and reduce stress on each one. This option is ideal for individuals with slightly lower bone density who are still eligible for surgery. If you need a future upgrade throughout your life , such as a change in the material, you can also follow through with implant changes without as much hassle. The removal of old materials and replacement with new ones takes significantly less time, providing you with more options. Choosing Single-Tooth or All-on-4 Implants Whether you want to make use of a full arch or a single new tooth, Dr. Andrés Guerra of TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery is ready to bring his expertise to bear. In a procedure that demands precision, empathy, and in-depth knowledge, he will do everything necessary to ensure your comfort and confidence in the process.  We are ready to discuss your dental implant options and schedule a consultation for you . Reclaim your smile and ensure you are happy with the person you see in the mirror today.