Dental implants

Dental implants in Miami

An implant replaces the root of a missing tooth, so the tooth on top is fixed in place like your own. One tooth or several, every implant at Perla is planned on a 3D scan taken here in the office.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Rodolfo Rodriguez, DMD · Updated October 4, 2026

What a dental implant is

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone where a tooth root used to be. Once the bone has bonded to it, it holds a crown, a bridge or — for a whole arch — a fixed set of teeth.

Because it's anchored in bone, an implant doesn't rely on the teeth next to it, the way a traditional bridge does, and it doesn't move like a removable partial denture.

Replacing one tooth, several, or all of them

One missing tooth — one implant with one crown.
Several missing teeth in a row — often two implants carrying a bridge, rather than one implant per tooth.
All the teeth in an arch — four to six implants carrying a fixed full arch. See All-on-4 dental implants; that consultation is free and includes a 3D CBCT scan.

Who is a candidate

Most healthy adults who are missing a tooth can be considered for an implant. What matters is the bone where the implant would go, the health of your gums, and your medical history — including diabetes control, smoking or vaping, certain bone medications and any radiation treatment to the head or neck.

If there isn't enough bone, a graft can often rebuild it first. Sometimes an implant can be placed the same day a tooth is removed; other times the site needs to heal or be grafted before the implant goes in. Your scan decides.

Planning on a 3D scan

Before an implant is placed, we take a 3D CBCT scan here in the office. It shows the height and width of the bone, where the nerves and sinus are, and the angle the implant needs. Dr. Rodriguez plans the implant on that scan. Depending on the case, he places it with a printed surgical guide made from the plan, or freehand.

The 3D CBCT scanner in the Perla Dental office — Our 3D CBCT scanner, here in the office.

What treatment involves

Placement

The implant is placed under local anesthesia. If you're anxious, oral sedation or IV sedation are available. A single implant is usually a short visit, and many people feel well enough to return to normal activities the next day.

Healing

The bone bonds to the implant over the following months. If the implant is in a visible spot, we'll plan a temporary tooth for you to wear while it heals.

The crown

When the implant has healed, we take records for your crown. It's made with our in-house ceramist to match the shape and color of your other teeth, and checked in your mouth before it's finished.

Looking after an implant

Brush and floss around an implant the same way you would a natural tooth, and keep your regular cleanings. Implants can't get cavities, but the gum and bone around them can become infected if plaque builds up, and that is the most common reason implants run into problems years later.

Risks

Implant placement is minor surgery. Expect some swelling and soreness for a few days. Less commonly, an implant doesn't bond with the bone and needs to be replaced, or the gum around it becomes infected. In the lower jaw there's a small risk of temporary or, rarely, lasting numbness, which careful 3D planning is designed to avoid. Dr. Rodriguez will go through the risks that apply to you before you decide.

Cost and financing

The cost depends on how many implants you need, whether a tooth has to be removed or bone grafted first, the sedation you choose and the restoration on top. You'll get a written plan with the total after your consultation. We're currently out of network with dental insurance and submit claims as a courtesy — see Insurance & membership. Financing is available:

Financing partners

Apply through any of these, and we'll help you with the paperwork.

Cherry
CareCredit
Alphaeon
Avvance (U.S. Bank)

Approval, terms and rates are set by each lender.

FAQs

How long does a dental implant take from start to finish?

Usually a few months, because the bone needs time to bond to the implant before the crown goes on. Grafting adds time. Your timeline is part of your treatment plan.

Does getting an implant hurt?

The placement is done under local anesthesia, with sedation if you choose it. Many people describe the days afterward as sore rather than painful, and manage with the medication Dr. Rodriguez recommends.

Can I get an implant if I've been missing a tooth for years?

Often, yes. Bone shrinks after a tooth is lost, so you may need a graft first. The 3D scan shows us exactly what's there.

How long do implants last?

With good home care and regular cleanings, implants are designed to last for many years. The crown on top may need replacing at some point, like any restoration.

Do you take insurance for implants?

We're out of network for now and submit claims as a courtesy. Many plans pay toward implants under out-of-network benefits, but we can't guarantee what yours will cover.

Start with a conversation.

Tell us what's going on, in English or Spanish. We'll take it from there.