Frequently Asked Questions

No, you must stop the use of nicotine in any form (cigarettes, vape, etc…) 30 days prior to your surgery. Nicotine in any form has been shown to reduce the blood flow to the mouth, which can lead to a higher chance of implant failure. If you smoke after surgery you could jeopardize the healing and success of your Natural Teeth™.

We prefer that you not have your teeth extracted prior to surgery. Extracting your teeth during the procedure helps give us a reference on where to place the implants. In addition, our technique will help preserve more bone and tissue. Extractions of your teeth are included in the cost of the procedure.

If you are diabetic, your blood sugar should be controlled. We will not perform the surgery if the A1-C is above 7 due to the higher chance of implant failure rising to 30%.

We provide IV twilight sedation for all surgical procedures. Our entire team is here to calm all of your fears and help you in any way we can. We will treat you like a member of our family and change your perception of the dental office for good.

The surgical portion of the procedure is approximately 1-3 hours depending on complexity. The laboratory portion will take place over the next 2 hours while you are relaxing and recovering.

After your teeth are extracted, the gums are gently pulled back. The bone is then contoured smooth, eliminating the previous tooth socket while also making room for your teeth.

Before you undergo the procedure, we’ll discuss any and all medication tailored for your needs, based on your health and personal situation.

Articulating paper goes in between your teeth and a mark is left when you bite into it. The markings showing the points of contact between teeth. However, it does reveal the level of force and timing of when the teeth come together.

We use the Tekscan Pressure Mapping, Force Measurement & Tactile Sensors. With the T-Scan’s digital bite force data, we can balance the bite force and identify quickly remove issues before they cause problems with your implants.

We recommend at least biannual cleanings with an annual implant examination and x-rays.

It depends on bone density and the level of torque we were able to achieve on the dental implants. Each patient’s case is different, so you will receive specific instructions from your doctor. However, most patients are able to eat soft foods immediately following the procedure.

Yes. It happens to all immediately placed implant-supported bridges. After the Trial Smile™ bridge has healed,  space between your bridges and your gums will appear. This is one of the main reasons wait to create your final Natural Teeth™ bridge! We wait for the final resting position of your new gumline to deliver your final teeth.

We begin with a free teleconsultation. You are then scheduled in the office for a CT scan and a consultation with the doctors.

Your procedure may be tax-deductible. Talk it over with your tax advisor or visit the IRS website to learn more about itemized deductions for medical expenses.

Well, first of all, this is all we do. We help transform lives by giving you a second chance with teeth.

We purchase implants from the Straumann Group in bulk to lower our costs, and then we are able to pass these savings on to our patients.

We are able to maintain a world-class dental team with competitive pricing by streamlining our systems, using cutting-edge technology, and minimizing failures. Our proven systems allow us to deliver consistent, successful outcomes which makes our treatment affordable to most people needing treatment.

We offer several payment options. The majority of our patients use our payment plans. With our dental finance expertise, you’ll get friendly help every step of the way. Please note that when using any financing, all arrangements must be finalized two weeks prior to the date of surgery. Want to apply before your visit? Just give us a call at (904) IMPLANT.

At the time of the surgery:

• major credit credit cards
• cashier or bank checks
• wire transfers

One week prior to surgery:

• personal checks and
• third-party financing

If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your procedure up to two weeks prior to surgery, you will receive your deposit back; however, a cancellation fee of $500.00 will be charged. If you reschedule immediately we will waive the cancellation fee.

Absolutely! Funds you withdraw from your FSA or HSA are tax-free when used to pay for qualified expenses. We recommend you double-check to make sure this procedure qualifies for your account.

A flex spending account (FSA) is a reimbursement plan, so you will need to arrange withdrawing funds prior to the procedure in order to pay for treatment. Paperwork and documentation may be necessary to receive reimbursement for the FSA withdrawal. A health savings account (HSA) typically has a debit card associated with the account so you can bring this to your visit and use it as a credit card.

Yes, and it is simple. Just utilize your major credit/debit card associated with your HSA to pay for your treatment. Then, if you have qualifying dental coverage included in your dental plan, we’ll file the insurance claim forms so you get the proper reimbursement.

Natural Teeth™️ is a permanent implant-supported bridge to replace all of your missing teeth. We use 4-8 implants to support this bridge. Natural Teeth™️ can only be removed by a dental professional so it is fixed in your mouth (non-removable).

Natural Teeth™ bridges are made from Zirconia and are reinforced by titanium. By far the biggest advantage of zirconia is in its performance over time. Our zirconia has a weight and texture feeling more like natural teeth.

The All-on-4® procedure, as its name implies, uses 4 implants in each jaw to provide support to a titanium-reinforced plastic or acrylic bridge. Natural Teeth™ was created to solve many of the issues associated with the All-on-4® treatment process: increased speed, controlled cost, and better esthetic and hygienic outcomes to traditional All-on-4® treatment.

Natural Teeth™ uses typically 5-8 implants per arch. There are rare instances where we will place only 4 implants but this is not the norm. During your examination and plan review will discuss how many implants you need and why. In addition, Natural Teeth™ is reinforced with a nonmetal, lightweight substructure to provide gentle shock absorption and a natural feel.

There are three big reasons. Really big reasons. Don’t settle on one final bridge!

1. Implants must adhere to the jawbone through a biologic process known as osseointegration. The Trial Smile™ acts to splint the implants and control the forces during the healing process. The material also absorbs some of the lighter forces applied to it. After healing, we replace the Trial Smile™ with a rigid Natural Teeth™ Pretaau Zirconia bridge. We avoid using this material during implant healing as it has the potential to disturb the process of implant healing! The Natural Teeth™ system is designed to eliminate risk while always having permanent teeth.
2. The Trial Smile™ bridge allows us to assess the aesthetics and function throughout the healing process. If there are any changes required, we can incorporate these changes into the design of the Natural Teeth™. We do not believe final teeth should be delivered early on as bite, function, esthetics, and fit can all be compromised.
3. The tissue will shrink after surgery and a natural gap forms under the bridge. Natural Teeth™ is designed for a perfect fit instead of just patching up your investment.

The vast majority of patients experience only moderate pain and it is typically limited to the first 3-4 days. To mitigate any potential pain, patients are prescribed medication for the week after surgery. If you are traveling from out of town, patients are cleared to fly in as little as 72 hours after surgery.

When the implants are placed, the bone is first cleaned and smoothed. Space is created to allow for the permanent teeth to go on top. Often, existing implants will impede our process and will need to be removed. However, if the implant is in an ideal position we will definitely use it.

Most patients who have been told they are not candidates for traditional dental implant options are eligible for Natural Teeth FAST™ Zygoma. This placement strategy makes for a much less invasive procedure, avoids the need for costly and time-consuming bone grafts, and provides a solid foundation for your teeth in one visit. See more here.

The bridges provide a new sensation for your mouth—especially if your teeth have been compromised or missing for many years. So after surgery, it will take time for you to get used to your new bridges. However, we customize your bridges to feel as comfortable and as close to natural teeth as possible.

Historically, the field of occlusion in dentistry has been dominated by subjective analysis and “patient feel” to diagnose and treat problems related to the bite. Articulating paper only shows points of contact between teeth and fails to provide data on the level of force and timing of when the teeth come together.

This is why our doctors use Tekscan Pressure Mapping, Force Measurement & Tactile Sensors. With the T-Scan’s digital bite force data, our clinicians can pinpoint occlusal interferences, quickly remove them, and treat them with greater accuracy than ever before. The T-Scan is also a great visual aid that helps patients better understand their occlusion and the treatments that may be necessary to balance bite forces.

We will go through multiple smile libraries and simulate your new smile digitally. We also encourage you to bring photos of your ideal smile. In addition, when you have the Trial Smile™ bridge, you will be able to provide us feedback as we assess esthetics, length, shape, size, etc…  Any changes that are needed are then incorporated in your final Natural Teeth™.

Natural Teeth™ is a permanent implant-supported bridge to replace all of your missing teeth.

We always focus on the satisfaction of our patients rather than commissions and shareholders. We don’t advertise a lot, so we don’t need to hit a quota each month. We truly care for our patients and have built our reputation on going above and beyond to ensure your comfort, health, and wellbeing.

 

Nothing is perfect. Even the most skilled doctors deal with complications. There are many reasons dental implants can fail. When it comes to early implant failure, most of the time this occurs because the bone did not successfully integrate with the implant.

This can happen because of:

• diabetes,
• low bone density,
• poor oral hygiene,
• gum disease,
• or if the patient continued smoking/vaping after the implant was placed.

Taking care of a dental implant failure depends on what caused it. In severe cases of failure, the implant may need to be replaced and the bone that was destroyed may require bone grafting. It is essential that you choose a surgeon who is both qualified and experienced in handling complications in the event you experience one. Fortunately, this makes up such a small percentage of cases!

If you need to get your implant removed, you have a tough choice ahead of you. You can get some sort of removable prosthesis.

But most patients choose to simply get another dental implant. The problem is the success rate ranges between about 70% and 90%, much lower than the success rate of 95% for the initial procedure. As long as you are on an active SecureSmile program, we will replace your implant and perform any necessary corrective bone grafting that is required at no cost (other than the deductible).

The bridges provide a new sensation for your mouth—especially if your teeth have been compromised or missing for many years. So after surgery, it will take time for you to get used to your new bridges. However, we customize your bridges to feel as comfortable and as close to natural teeth as possible.

We recommend a biannual implant examination including x-rays and regular cleanings. Your dental implants and Natural Teeth™ bridges are covered by our 5-year unconditional warranty.

You will typically return twice a year. Visits will include examination, x-rays, bite assessment and adjustments, and cleaning to assure lifetime results. We may increase the frequency of your visits depending on your specific case.

One of the reasons we provide two bridges is to allow your personal assessment as you heal. When you return for the second bridge we will ask you to weigh in on the look, shape, and shade of the teeth.

After extractions and implant placement it is normal for your gum tissue to shrink below your bridge. This is the normal healing process and is one of the main reasons we provide you with two bridges rather than just one! If you have been told about relines, stay away. This is just a patch-up of the bridge instead of remaking it to fit your new gum line.

You can call us at (904) IMPLANT. We look forward to speaking with you! Or request a virtual consult here: https://portal.instaconsult.pro/user/904implant

Dr. Nicholas Tawil

Dr. Tawil is one of Florida’s leading restorative dentists. He is firmly committed to his continuing the mission of providing affordable, quality dentistry. Dr. Tawil earned his DDS from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1986. For more than 30 years he has extended his expertise to help patients with periodontal health, comprehensive dental restoration, complex dental reconstruction, full-mouth implant restorations, and aesthetic smile design. Using a blend of traditional dental experience with modern technology, he has been helping provide function and dental rehabilitation to those faced with full-arch or full-mouth tooth loss. DN11714

 

Barrett R. Tolley, DDS

Dr. Tolley is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). He maintains the highest accreditation and is committed to lifelong learning, keeping current in knowledge and skills, and practicing in a safe and contemporary manner.

In 1997, Barrett R. Tolley earned his undergraduate degree in Biology Magna Cum Laude at Florida State University. He then attended is a fourth generation graduate of the University of Maryland/ Baltimore College of Dental Surgery (The world’s first Dental School). He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (DDS) in 2002.

Following dental school, Dr. Tolley moved on to Jacksonville, Florida where he completed a rigorous four (4) year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Florida/ Shands Jacksonville. Residents receive extensive training in all aspects of contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery including Maxillofacial Trauma/Reconstruction, Head and Neck Oncology/Pathology, Temporomandibular Joint Surgery, Dental Implant Surgery, Facial Aesthetic Surgery, Traditional Oral Surgery, and IV Sedation/General Anesthesia.

UF/Shands Jacksonville is also a Level I Trauma Center. Residents are exposed and trained in the art and care of the Maxillofacial Trauma.

Following his residency, Dr. Tolley completed a one year associate position in Lakeland, Florida and then decided to open a practice in Tallahassee. The development of the trauma center at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital was pivotal in Dr. Tolley’s decision to return to the Tallahassee area. His kinship with FSU also encouraged his return to the state’s capital.

In 2007 with the support of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Dr. Tolley founded the Oral and Facial Surgery Center of Tallahassee. Dr. Tolley is also currently affiliated with Capital Regional Medical Center in Tallahassee performing oral trauma surgery and treating dental emergencies.

The Oral and Facial Surgery Center serves local patients in Tallahassee and surrounding counties. His practice is full scope with particular interests in Maxillofacial Trauma, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Facial Surgery, Anesthesia, Orthognathic Surgery, and General Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Tolley also obtained additional skills including the completion of The Difficult Airway Course, Intermediate Computing Skills, and Intermediate Level of Spanish.

A majority of patients qualify for Natural Teeth™️ in one day without additional procedures such as sinus lifts or other types of bone grafting. Most patients will have permanent teeth delivered within hours after surgery. In rare cases deemed to be complex, a few patients may leave with provisional prostheses with the permanent prostheses to be placed later. This group of patients is rare, but it includes patients with severe bone loss requiring bone grafting or poor quality bone requiring additional time for healing.

All patients are evaluated with a history and physical exam prior to any services performed. Not all patients are good candidates medically for this procedure. Sometimes patients will be required to have physician assessment or consultation.

Our goal is to provide the highest quality procedures with results that can last a lifetime. Our promise to our patients is to provide optimal results, by utilizing only necessary procedures to achieve these results, in the safest, and most efficient manner. Every patient is an individual, and the complexities involved in each case can vary. Some of these complexities may include:

• Thin or soft bone
• Existing implant removal
• Sinus lifts
• Bone grafting
• The need for additional implants
• Tori removal
• Gummy Smile
• A heavy or misaligned bite

Although most patients qualify for treatment without additional care, some will need additional treatment which leads to additional cost and healing time. In most cases, the fees for these Our goal is to provide you with an outcome that can last a lifetime. We realize you are making a major investment in your health and overall well-being. That is why we will do what is necessary to ensure long-term results, no short-term fixes.