Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement — the only solution that replaces both the visible tooth and the root, preserving your jawbone and providing function indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Dr. Magela Martinez offers single-tooth implants, multi-tooth restorations, and full-arch All-on-4 solutions for patients across Jupiter, Tequesta, Palm Beach Gardens, and Palm Beach County.
Whether you're missing one tooth, several teeth, or considering replacing failing dentures, this page walks through every option, what each costs, what the procedure involves, and how to determine the right solution for you.
Free implant consultation — includes 3D CT scan
Meet with Dr. Martinez, get a complete treatment plan with exact pricing, and see your own jawbone in 3D — all free, with no obligation.
Book Free Consultation Call (561) 295-3430What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post — about the size of a single tooth root — that's surgically placed into your jawbone to replace a missing tooth's root. Once the bone heals around the implant (a process called osseointegration), the implant becomes a permanent part of your jaw and serves as the foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
The complete dental implant has three parts:
- The implant post — titanium screw placed in the jawbone. Once integrated, it's there for life.
- The abutment — small connector that attaches to the implant and supports the crown above the gumline.
- The crown — the visible tooth on top, custom-made to match your other teeth in shape, color, and size.
Implants matter because they're the only tooth replacement that preserves your jawbone. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone underneath begins to shrink (the technical term is "resorption") because there's no longer a root stimulating it. Within 1-2 years of losing a tooth, you can lose 25% of the bone volume in that area. This is why people with missing teeth — especially full dentures — develop a sunken facial appearance over time. Implants prevent this by stimulating the bone the same way a natural root does.
Modern dental implants are made from titanium, the same material used in joint replacements, and have been used safely in dentistry for over 60 years. Long-term studies show 95-98% success rates over 10+ years, making implants the most predictable restoration in modern dentistry.
Types of implant restorations
Implants can replace anything from a single missing tooth to an entire arch of teeth. The right solution depends on how many teeth you're missing and where they are.
Single tooth implant
For replacing one missing tooth without affecting adjacent teeth. A single implant post supports a single custom crown. This is the most common implant procedure and the gold standard for replacing one tooth — better than a bridge because no adjacent teeth are altered.
Implant-supported bridge (2-4 teeth)
When you're missing 2-4 adjacent teeth, we can use 2 implants to support a bridge that replaces all the missing teeth — much more conservative than placing a separate implant for each tooth, and stronger than a traditional bridge supported by natural teeth.
Multiple individual implants
For patients missing several teeth in different parts of the mouth, multiple individual implants are typically the longest-lasting solution, even though the upfront cost is higher.
All-on-4 / All-on-6 (full arch)
For patients missing all teeth in an arch, or wearing dentures they want to replace, four (or six) strategically-placed implants can support a complete fixed bridge — permanent teeth that don't come out, don't slip, and look and feel natural. See the dedicated section below.
Implant-supported overdenture
A middle option — 2-4 implants that snap-on to a removable denture, giving you a much more stable denture than traditional. Better than regular dentures, less costly than All-on-4. The denture can still be removed for cleaning.
Implant cost in Jupiter, FL
Dental implant pricing varies based on how many implants you need, what's being restored on top of them, and any preparatory work (bone grafts, sinus lifts, extractions) required. Here are typical investment ranges at Sunset Smiles:
Single dental implant (complete)
Includes implant post, abutment, and final ceramic crown. Most patients fall in the $4,000–$4,800 range for a single implant in the back of the mouth; front-teeth implants run higher due to cosmetic requirements.
Implant-supported bridge (3 teeth on 2 implants)
Replaces 3 missing adjacent teeth using 2 implants supporting a bridge. More cost-effective than placing 3 individual implants while being significantly stronger than a tooth-supported bridge.
All-on-4 full arch (one jaw)
Complete replacement of all upper or lower teeth with 4 implants and a fixed bridge. Both arches: $40,000–$65,000. Includes all surgery, healing temporary, and final teeth.
Bone graft (if needed)
If your jawbone has lost volume from a long-missing tooth, we may need to graft new bone before placing the implant. Small grafts done at the implant surgery are inexpensive; larger grafts done as a separate procedure cost more.
Sinus lift (upper back teeth)
For implants in the upper back jaw, sometimes a sinus lift is needed to create enough bone height. We use the latest minimally-invasive techniques to keep this affordable.
About implant pricing transparency: Some practices advertise "$899 implants" — these prices typically cover only the implant post, not the abutment or crown, and may use lower-quality implant systems. A complete, finished implant restoration at the prices above includes everything you need. We'll provide a written, itemized treatment plan with no surprises.
The implant process — step by step
Implant treatment typically spans 4-6 months from start to finish, with most of that time being healing rather than active treatment. Here's what to expect:
Step 1: Free consultation & 3D CT scan
You meet with Dr. Martinez to discuss your situation and goals. We take a 3D CT scan — a low-radiation scan that gives us a complete picture of your jawbone, sinuses, and nerves. From the scan, we plan exactly where to place the implant for optimal long-term success. You leave the consult with a complete treatment plan and exact pricing.
Step 2: Preparatory work (if needed)
If you need an extraction, bone graft, or sinus lift before implant placement, we schedule that first. Healing typically takes 3-4 months before we can place the implant. For many patients, no preparatory work is needed and we go straight to step 3.
Step 3: Implant placement surgery (1-2 hours)
This is the day the implant goes in. Performed under local anesthesia (with optional sedation), this is typically far easier than a tooth extraction. Dr. Martinez uses a small surgical drill to create a precise pilot hole in your jawbone, then places the titanium implant post. The gum is closed with a few small sutures, and you go home the same day. Most patients take Tylenol or Advil for 2-3 days and return to normal activity the next day.
Step 4: Healing & osseointegration (3-6 months)
This is where the magic happens — your jawbone grows around and bonds to the titanium implant. You can't see or feel this process. During this time, we may place a temporary tooth (especially for front teeth) so you have something to smile with, or we may wait until placement.
Step 5: Abutment placement (15 minutes)
Once the implant has integrated, we attach the abutment — a small connector that will support the final crown. A brief healing period of 2 weeks lets the gum tissue contour properly.
Step 6: Final crown placement (1 hour)
We take a precise impression of the implant area and have a custom ceramic crown made by our lab to match your other teeth in shape, color, and size. At the placement appointment, the crown is screwed into the implant or cemented to the abutment. Your new tooth is now permanent.
Step 7: Maintenance
From here on, the implant is just another tooth. Brush, floss, and come in for cleanings every 6 months. The titanium implant itself can last a lifetime; the crown on top typically lasts 15-25 years before potentially needing replacement.
Same-day implants? In some cases — especially in the front of the mouth where cosmetic appearance matters — we can place an immediate temporary crown on the implant the same day as surgery. The final permanent crown still requires the full healing period, but you'll never be without a tooth in the smile zone.
Am I a candidate?
Most adults with missing teeth are candidates for dental implants. The key factors we evaluate at consultation:
- Jawbone density: The implant needs enough bone to anchor into. If you've been missing the tooth for years, you may have lost some bone — bone grafts can rebuild it.
- Gum health: Active gum disease must be treated first. Once stable, you can proceed.
- General health: Uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune conditions, or bisphosphonate medications (osteoporosis drugs) can affect healing. We'll review your medical history.
- Smoking: Smokers can absolutely get implants, but success rates are lower (about 85% vs 97%). We strongly recommend stopping during the healing period.
- Age: No upper age limit — we routinely place implants in patients in their 70s, 80s, and beyond. Lower limit is once the jaw has stopped growing (typically late teens).
Not sure if you qualify? Book a free consultation with 3D CT scan. We'll give you a definitive answer based on your actual anatomy, not a guess.
All-on-4: full-arch implants
If you're missing most or all of your teeth in an arch, or wearing dentures you've grown to hate, All-on-4 may be life-changing. The procedure uses just four implants per arch — strategically angled to maximize bone contact — to support a complete fixed bridge of teeth.
Why All-on-4 is different from dentures
- Fixed, not removable — your teeth stay in your mouth 24/7. You don't take them out at night.
- No adhesive needed — no slipping, no embarrassment when eating or laughing.
- Eat anything — steak, apples, corn on the cob. Bite force is 70-90% of natural teeth (vs about 30% with dentures).
- Preserves jawbone — unlike dentures, which accelerate bone loss.
- Better facial appearance — restores the lower-third facial structure that collapses with dentures.
- Permanent — properly cared for, lasts 20+ years.
The All-on-4 timeline
Treatment can begin and complete the surgery phase in one or two appointments, depending on whether extractions are needed. The same day as implant placement, we provide a temporary bridge of teeth — many patients walk out with new teeth the same day. The final permanent bridge is placed 3-4 months later after the implants have integrated.
All-on-6 alternative
For patients with adequate bone, All-on-6 uses six implants instead of four for added stability. About $5,000-$8,000 more per arch but slightly longer-lasting and more secure. We discuss the right choice for you at consultation.
Implants vs bridges vs dentures
If you're missing teeth, you have three main replacement options. Here's how they compare:
| Option | Lifespan | Bite force | Affects other teeth? | Bone preservation | Cost (1 tooth) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single implant | 20+ years (often lifetime) | ~100% | No | ✅ Yes | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Traditional bridge | 10–15 years | ~70% | Yes — files down 2 adjacent teeth | ❌ No | $2,500–$4,500 |
| Partial denture | 5–10 years | ~25% | Clasps onto adjacent teeth | ❌ No | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Full denture | 5–8 years | ~30% | N/A (no other teeth) | ❌ Accelerates loss | $1,500–$3,500 (per arch) |
| All-on-4 | 20+ years | ~80-90% | N/A | ✅ Yes | $20,000–$35,000 (per arch) |
The math typically favors implants long-term: a single implant at $4,500 lasting 25 years costs $180/year, while a bridge at $3,500 lasting 12 years costs $290/year (and you also lose two adjacent teeth's enamel in the process).
Recovery & aftercare
Recovery from implant surgery is typically easier than patients expect.
Day of surgery
- Local anesthesia wears off in 3-4 hours
- Mild bleeding for a few hours is normal
- Some swelling that peaks at 48-72 hours
- Soft food only (smoothies, soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes)
- Tylenol or Advil typically sufficient for pain
First week
- Swelling resolves in 5-7 days
- Soft food diet for the first 3-5 days, then transition to normal
- Sutures dissolve naturally or come out at 7-10 days
- No vigorous exercise for 3-4 days
- No smoking for at least 7 days (preferably much longer)
Long-term care
- Brush implants twice daily like natural teeth
- Floss daily — special floss for implants (like Super Floss) makes it easier
- Cleanings every 6 months — we use implant-safe instruments
- Annual X-rays to monitor bone levels
- Avoid biting very hard objects (ice, pen caps, etc.) — the crown can chip just like a natural tooth
Financing & insurance
Insurance coverage
Most modern dental insurance plans now cover implants, typically classified as "major restorative" at 50% reimbursement up to your annual maximum. What this means in practice: Insurance typically covers $1,500-$2,000 of a $4,500 single implant. The rest is your responsibility. Read our complete insurance guide →
Cherry — 0% APR financing
The most popular financing option for our implant patients. Cherry offers monthly payment plans starting at 0% APR with terms up to 60 months.
Example payments at 0% APR:
- Single implant ($4,500) over 36 months: ~$125/month
- All-on-4 ($28,000) over 60 months: ~$467/month
Pre-qualify with Cherry → (60-second pre-qualification, no impact on credit score)
Membership plan — 20% off
Members of our in-house membership plan ($30/month) receive 20% off implant treatment. A $4,500 single implant becomes $3,600. See membership plan details →
FSA / HSA
Implants are FSA and HSA-eligible since they're considered medically necessary tooth replacement. Tax-advantaged dollars can substantially reduce your effective cost.
Atención en español
Dr. Magela Martinez es bilingüe (English/Spanish) y atiende pacientes hispanohablantes con todos los servicios de implantes dentales — incluyendo implantes unitarios, puentes sobre implantes, y All-on-4. Toda la consulta, planificación, y procedimiento puede realizarse en español si lo prefiere.
Visite nuestra página en español → o llame al (561) 295-3430 para programar su consulta gratis.
Common questions
How long does the entire implant process take?
What if I have no teeth at all?
Can my body reject a dental implant?
Are dental implants safe for older patients?
What's an "abutment" and is it included in the price?
Will my insurance cover bone grafts or sinus lifts?
What is mini implants and are they an option?
Why are dental implants so expensive?
How do I get started?
Ready to learn if implants are right for you?
Free consultation with Dr. Magela Martinez. Includes 3D CT scan and complete treatment plan with exact pricing. No obligation.
Book Free Consultation Call (561) 295-3430