Dental Implants
Most people come in worried about two things: whether it hurts and how long it takes. Placing the implant is done under local anesthetic and takes about an hour. The finished tooth comes later, after the bone has grown around the post.
Book Your Implant ConsultationWhat are dental implants?
An implant is a small titanium post that goes into the jawbone where the root of the tooth used to be. Bone grows against it and holds it in place. A crown goes on top. Once it is finished you brush and floss it like the teeth around it. Unlike a bridge, it does not require filing down the healthy teeth on either side.
The same post can carry more than one tooth. Two implants can hold a bridge across a longer gap, and a set of implants can anchor a denture so it stays put instead of shifting while you eat. Which one fits depends on how many teeth are missing and how much bone is there to work with.
What to expect with dental implants
Comfort
The site is numbed with local anesthetic. You feel pressure and hear the drill, but the placement itself should not hurt.
Time
Plan on about an hour in the chair for a single implant, plus a shorter visit later to seat the crown.
After
Expect soreness and swelling for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medicine is usually enough. Soft food while the gum closes, and no smoking.
Insurance
Coverage varies a lot between plans, and some pay for the crown but not the post. We accept most PPO plans and check yours before you decide.
Healthy Smiles Are Possible
Exam and imaging
The first visit is an exam: the gum, the bite, and the gap itself. Imaging comes next, so we can see how much bone is there and where the nerve and sinus sit.
Placing the post
We numb the area, make a small opening in the gum, shape the bone, and thread in the titanium post. A few stitches close it. Placing a single implant takes about an hour.
Healing time
Bone grows tight around the post over the next few months. You go home with a healing cap, or a temporary tooth if the gap shows when you smile.
Fitting the crown
When the post is solid, we take an impression and a lab builds the crown. At the next visit it goes on, and we adjust the bite until it feels level with the rest.
When an implant makes sense
There is no age cutoff for implants. What matters is the bone: enough of it, in the right place, to hold the post. Gums have to be free of active infection first, and the bite has to be one the new tooth can take. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes slow healing. Neither rules out an implant by itself, but you should hear that before you decide.
If the tooth is still in the mouth and failing, we plan the extraction and the implant together. Sometimes the post can go in the same day the tooth comes out. Sometimes the socket has to heal first. That call gets made once the tooth is out and we can see what the bone looks like.
Who you will see
Two dentists see patients here. Dr. Ion Rotaru, DMD, grew up in Moldova and speaks Romanian and Russian, so you can go through the plan in your first language if that is easier. Dr. Miguel A. Lopez Jr., DMD, also treats implant patients. You can be seen at the Tampa office on N Blvd or in Land O' Lakes, whichever is closer.
Dr. Ion Rotaru, DMD
Dr. Rotaru holds degrees in biomedical sciences and in dental medicine. He is from Moldova and moved to the United States to practice dentistry. His work is general dentistry, which covers most of what a person needs over a lifetime: checkups and cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, and the ordinary repairs in between.
He is fluent in English, Romanian, and Russian, and sees patients in all three languages. His approach starts with the person rather than the chart: what is bothering you, what you have been putting off, what you can manage right now. He would rather spend an extra ten minutes explaining than have you agree to something you do not understand.
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What Patients Say
Real stories from real patients who trusted us with their smiles.
Well, let's be honest. I don't know anyone who actually likes having dental work done. But if you are in need I highly recommend Dr Rotaru. He saw me for the first time after my friend and dentist Angel Lopez retired. And it was under an emergency situation. I had cracked a tooth and was in a lot of pain. He saw me on the same day and explained he would be in and out of the room as he worked me in. He is professional but kind. Understanding, respectful and listens. I am very grateful and have found my new Dentist.
Debi R.
Patient
Dr. Ion Rotaru just performed a root canal. He is compassionate, professional, and caring. He explained the entire process as he went along. That brought peace to me. I love he's my new dentist. Thank you Dr Angel Lopez for taking care of your patients until your very last day! You served the Tampa bay community for very long. May you and Betsy enjoy your retirement.
Josie S.
Patient
Dr. Rotaru was very professional and explained the procedure step by step as he was going along. He was attentive in asking if I had any discomfort as the procedure went along. He explained what I would expect and feel after the procedure. Everything went smooth and painless. Thank you so much.
Miguel P.
Patient
The dentist I had been seeing for 20 years retired. Dr Rotaru and staff were excellent and made the transition feel seamless. What a relief! Highly recommend this practice.
Susan B.
Patient
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The placement is done under local anesthetic. You feel pressure and movement, and you hear the drill, but it should not hurt. Soreness starts once the numbness wears off, and for most single implants it is the kind of sore that over-the-counter pain medicine handles. Plan a quiet rest of the day.