Maybe you lost a molar years ago and simply learned to chew on the other side. Maybe a front tooth cracked and you have been living with a flipper you never quite trust. Either way, a gap in your smile affects how you eat, how you speak, and how comfortable you feel around other people.
Precision Cosmetic & Family Dentistry offers dental implants to Edgewater patients only a few minutes north on US-1. Dr. James Kortbus has a strong interest in surgical and implant dentistry, and he plans each case with 3D imaging before treatment begins. Implant care is one of the many services we provide our Edgewater dental patients.
Request an AppointmentWhy Implants Feel Like Natural Teeth
Unlike a bridge or a removable partial, a dental implant replaces the root of your missing tooth. A titanium post is placed in the jawbone, the bone bonds to it over several months, and a custom crown attaches on top. The result stands on its own, so the healthy teeth beside it stay untouched.
Patients often notice the difference in daily life. A 2025 study of 1,303 implant patients published in Healthcare found that patients reported better oral health-related quality of life after implant treatment, with single implants and overdentures showing the strongest link to improvement. Eating, speaking, and smiling simply feel more normal again.
Planning Your Implant With 3D Imaging
The success of an implant starts long before surgery. Dr. Kortbus uses several tools to plan your treatment with care.
CBCT Scanning
Our cone beam CT scanner creates a three-dimensional image of your jaw. It shows bone height, bone width, and the location of nerves and sinuses, which helps Dr. Kortbus choose the right implant size and angle.
Digital Impressions
A PrimeScan digital scanner records your teeth and bite in minutes, without impression trays. That scan guides both the surgical plan and the design of your final crown.
A Plan You Can See
We review your images with you on screen so you know where the implant is planned to sit and why. You leave your consultation with a clear sequence of steps and an estimated timeline.
When You Need Extra Preparation
Some implant cases need groundwork first. If a damaged tooth is still in place, tooth extraction for implants can be done in a way that protects the surrounding bone. If the jaw has thinned after an old extraction, a bone graft can rebuild the support an implant needs.
These steps add time, but they can make the difference between an implant that struggles and one that lasts. Because Dr. Kortbus handles surgery in our office, your preparation and placement stay with one team.
Implant Solutions for Different Situations
There is more than one way to use implants, and the right choice depends on your mouth and your goals. Options we offer include:
- Single implants: One post and crown for one missing tooth.
- Implant bridges: A few implants supporting several replacement teeth.
- Temporary teeth during healing: Implants with temporary teeth so you are not left with a gap while you heal.
- Implant-supported dentures: A full arch that snaps securely onto implants.
- Failed implant care: Failed implant treatment for an older implant that has loosened or become painful.
Dr. Kortbus explains the pros, cons, and costs of each option so you can choose with confidence. There is no pressure to commit during your first visit.
Protecting Your Jawbone After Tooth Loss
When a tooth is lost, the bone that once held its root no longer gets the same stimulation from chewing. Over months and years, that area can shrink, which may shift nearby teeth and change the shape of your face.
An implant acts like a root, so it may help keep that bone active and stable. That is one reason Dr. Kortbus often suggests discussing replacement options sooner rather than waiting years after an extraction.
Recovery After Implant Placement
Implant placement is done with local anesthesia, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Afterward, mild soreness and swelling are common for a few days and usually respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses.
We give you clear instructions for eating, brushing, and rinsing while the area heals. Most Edgewater patients return to work or normal routines within a day or two. If anything feels unusual during healing, our Edgewater emergency dentist team can check it quickly.
Insurance and Financing for Implants
Many dental plans cover part of implant care, such as the extraction, the crown, or the imaging. We accept Delta Dental PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Dental, Guardian, MetLife, Humana, and others, and we check your benefits before you start.
CareCredit and Cherry financing can spread the cost into monthly payments, and Cherry has offered 0% financing for up to 24 months for qualified patients. Our $299 per year membership plan also includes 20% off additional treatment.
Dental Implant Questions From Edgewater Patients
Here are answers to the implant questions Edgewater patients ask us most.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults with missing teeth may qualify. We check your bone, gums, and medical history with an exam and a 3D scan before recommending treatment.
What if I do not have enough bone?
Bone grafting can often rebuild the jaw so it can support an implant. Dr. Kortbus reviews your 3D images to see whether grafting or another approach makes sense.
Are implants better than a bridge?
An implant does not rely on the teeth next to the gap, so those teeth are left as they are. A bridge requires reshaping neighboring teeth. We help you weigh both based on your health and budget.
How do I care for a dental implant?
Brush twice a day, clean between teeth daily, and keep up with professional cleanings. Implants cannot get cavities, but the gums around them still need care.
How far is your office from Edgewater?
Our office at 1111 S Dixie Fwy in New Smyrna Beach is a short drive north of Edgewater on US-1.
Choose Precision Cosmetic & Family Dentistry for Your Implants
Edgewater patients choose us for implants because Dr. James Kortbus combines NYU training, a hospital residency, and a real passion for surgical dentistry. With 3D CBCT planning, in-office placement, digital crown design, and more than 800 Google reviews, we guide you from the first scan to your finished smile.
A complete, confident smile may be closer than you think. Request your implant consultation today.