Dental Implants in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth root with a small titanium post placed in the jawbone, then attaches a crown, bridge, or denture to it. Dr. David Skopp, who holds a postgraduate certificate in oral implantology and trained at the Misch Implant Institute, and Dr. Eden Skopp, who is trained in prosthodontics, plan and restore implants at our Palm Beach Gardens office.
What is a dental implant?
Losing a tooth, whether from gum disease, injury, or decay, can affect how you speak, chew, and smile, and can lead to further problems for your remaining teeth.
Unlike removable dentures or a dental bridge, an implant replaces the tooth’s root. A small titanium post is placed in the jawbone and, as it heals, the bone fuses around it. That creates a stable base for a replacement crown, bridge, or denture.
An implant can replace a single tooth, support a bridge that replaces several teeth in a row, or anchor a full or partial denture. Your doctor will recommend the option that fits your health, your goals, and your budget.
Benefits of dental implants
Natural look and feel
Implant crowns are shaped and color-matched to blend in with your own teeth.
Comfortable chewing
Because the implant is anchored in the jawbone, you can eat comfortably without worrying about a replacement tooth slipping.
Protects neighboring teeth
Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant does not require altering the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
Built to last
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, implants can last many years.
The dental implant process
Consultation and planning
Your doctor reviews your health history, examines your mouth, and takes x-rays to see whether implants are right for you. You leave with a customized plan and timeline.
Implant placement
After the area is numbed with local anesthetic, a small titanium post is placed in the jawbone where the tooth was missing.
Healing
Over about one to three months, the bone heals and forms around the implant, holding it securely in place.
Abutment
Once the implant has healed, a small connector called an abutment is attached to it.
Impressions and temporary crown
We take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental laboratory to make your permanent crown. That can take a few weeks, so a temporary crown protects the area in the meantime.
Final crown
When your crown is ready, we check the fit and cement it in place.
Treatment usually takes several appointments over several months or more. Your doctor will give you a timeline that fits your case.
Are dental implants right for you?
Good candidates generally have healthy gums and enough jawbone to hold an implant. Gum disease, bone loss, certain medical conditions, and smoking can affect healing and treatment planning. In some cases, bone grafting or gum treatment comes first.
Not everyone is a candidate for implants. A consultation, exam, and x-rays are the best way to find out, and if implants are not the right choice, we will walk you through the alternatives.
Training in implants and prosthodontics
David M. Skopp, DDS
Postgraduate certificates in prosthodontics and oral implantology, and a graduate of the Misch Implant Institute with 300 additional hours of training.
Read Dr. David’s bio
Eden Skopp, DDS, MS
Certificate in Prosthodontics and Master of Science from the University of Maryland, with a focus on technology in prosthodontics.
Read Dr. Eden’s bioDental implant FAQs
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It is placed in the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone as it heals, and a crown, bridge, or denture is then attached to it.
How long does the dental implant process take?
Most implant treatment takes several months from start to finish. After the implant is placed, the jawbone typically needs one to three months to heal around it before the abutment and permanent crown are added. Your doctor creates a customized timeline after your consultation.
Is getting a dental implant painful?
The area is numbed with local anesthetic before the implant is placed, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some soreness afterward is common, and our team explains how to manage it and what to expect while you heal.
How long do dental implants last?
Implants are designed to be long-lasting. With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, they can last many years. Gum health and daily care play a big role in how well an implant lasts.
Will I need a bone graft?
Some patients need bone grafting if there is not enough jawbone to support an implant. Your doctor checks this with an exam and x-rays at your consultation and tells you before treatment whether a graft is recommended.
How are dental implants different from a bridge or dentures?
A bridge relies on the teeth beside the gap for support, and removable dentures rest on the gums. An implant replaces the tooth root itself, so it does not require altering neighboring teeth and holds a replacement tooth firmly in place. Your doctor can explain which option fits your situation.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost depends on how many teeth you are replacing, whether treatment such as bone grafting is needed, and the type of restoration. We review your options and cost with you at your consultation so you know what to expect before you decide.
Other ways to restore your smile
Ready to talk about dental implants?
Schedule a consultation at our Palm Beach Gardens office. New patients are welcome.