A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up, and it helps adults and seniors who have lost one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch. A common example: a back molar cracks below the gumline and has to come out. A few months later, chewing on that side feels awkward and the neighboring teeth seem to be drifting. At Advanced Dentistry of Coral Springs, Dr. Renan Buitrago, DDS, plans and restores implant cases like this in our office on North University Drive, where patients see the same doctor at every visit.
A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone where a tooth root used to be. Once it is secure in the bone, it supports a replacement tooth, such as a crown. Because the implant stands on its own, the healthy teeth beside the gap do not need to be reshaped to hold it up, as they would for a traditional bridge.
Implants can also support more than one tooth. Here are some of the situations we use them for:
- A single missing tooth, restored with an implant and a crown
- Several missing teeth in a row, restored with a fixed implant-supported bridge
- A full arch of missing teeth, restored with implant-supported dentures or full arch options such as All-on-4
- A loose or uncomfortable denture that needs a more stable foundation
Dr. Buitrago is a prosthodontist, a dentist with three additional years of specialty training in replacing and restoring teeth. He earned dental degrees from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (2000) and New York University (2008), completed NYU's advanced program in prosthodontics and dental implants, and finished a three-year prosthodontics residency at New York Hospital Queens, affiliated with Cornell University. He is a recipient of the Gersten Award and has owned this Coral Springs practice since 2014.
Good candidates are generally adults with healthy gums and enough jawbone to hold an implant. Everything starts with a dental exam, where Dr. Buitrago looks at your teeth, gums, bite, and bone. He also reviews your goals and how any missing teeth affect your chewing and comfort.
Some patients need preparation first. If gum disease is present, we treat it, often with scaling and root planing, so the implant has a healthy base. If bone has thinned since a tooth was lost, bone grafting may be recommended to rebuild the area. If a damaged tooth still needs to come out, we offer simple and surgical extractions. For patients who feel anxious about treatment, oral sedation is available.
Because Dr. Buitrago trained specifically in tooth replacement, he plans the final tooth before treatment begins. Our on-site dental lab supports that work. When a case is complex, he handles the treatment planning and coordinates with other specialists as needed, and the restoration is completed here instead of being referred out.
How do I care for a dental implant afterward?
You care for a dental implant much like a natural tooth, with daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. After the implant is placed, we give you specific instructions for the healing period, including what to eat and how to keep the area clean while the bone and gums settle.
Long term, the gums around an implant still need attention. Our dental hygienist cleans around your implants during routine visits, and Dr. Buitrago checks the fit of your crown, bridge, or denture along with your bite. Patients who have had gum disease in the past may be scheduled for periodontal maintenance to help keep the tissue healthy.
The goal of implant treatment is a replacement that feels stable when you chew and blends in with the rest of your smile. How well an implant does over time depends on your health, your home care, and keeping up with checkups. If anything feels loose or sore, we also offer emergency dental appointments.
How can I pay for dental implants?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we also welcome self-pay patients. Our front office team files claims for you and can help you understand what your plan may cover before treatment begins.
Implant treatment often happens in stages, and we review the full plan and cost with you in advance so there are no surprises. To spread out payments, we offer financing through CareCredit, including 0% and low-interest options, and we accept all major credit cards.
Patients come to us from Coral Springs and nearby communities, including Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac, Sunrise, and Boca Raton, to work with a prosthodontist who plans and restores their case in one office. If you are missing a tooth or are tired of a denture that slips, we would be glad to meet you. Call our office at 2232 N University Drive, Suite B, Coral Springs, FL 33071, to schedule an exam with Dr. Buitrago and talk through your options.