Dental Implants In Toledo & Sylvania
AT OUR DENTAL OFFICE IN SYLVANIA
If you have lost a tooth, it is important to learn about all available treatment options, including dental implants. Only after you have evaluated all of your options should you decide on a course of action.
Many dental professionals consider dental implants to be the next best thing to your natural teeth. They are a long-term solution to missing teeth and can protect surrounding bone, teeth and tissue from further damage. Best of all, with dental implants there is no slipping or worrying about them falling out. They are fixed in the jawbone and provide a sturdy base for lifelike artificial teeth. Dental implants allow you to eat, drink, brush and talk normally.
We offer several approaches to dental implants at our Toledo, Sylvania office, including Mini Dental Implants. The following information will guide you through the basics about dental implants.
The Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great tooth replacement option for the following reasons:
- Last for many years with the proper care and attention
- Provide stimulation to the jawbone to prevent bone deterioration
- Preserve facial structures and natural face shape
- The artificial teeth are indistinguishable from natural teeth
- Stable and sturdy
- No clicking or shifting in the mouth
- Can be cleaned like natural teeth
- Do not develop cavities (but must be brushed and flossed daily)
- Can support a single tooth implant, bridge or denture prosthetic
- Track record of reliable and long-term success
- Protect surrounding teeth by filling the gap left by one or more missing teeth
What is the dental implant process like?
The placement of dental implants involves several stages. Our team begins with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical and dental history and a full clinical examination of the entire mouth and missing tooth area. Following the exam, we take X-rays and evaluate the patient’s needs based on their individual situation. Our dental team will create a comprehensive treatment plan and talk with the patient about all available options.
Dental implant posts are surgically placed into the jawbone while a patient is under local anesthesia. The post is topped with a temporary tooth so the patient is never without a tooth. The post integrates with the bone over a period of several months. This process is known as osseointegration. Once the implant post has healed, the temporary tooth is removed and replaced with a permanent crown, bridge or denture.
With the proper care and attention, the implant lasts for many years. Implants should be brushed and flossed like normal teeth daily. They should also be examined by a dentist regularly (once or twice a year).
Are there different types of dental implants?
There are several types of dental implants. Your dentist will determine which type best suits your needs based on the condition of your mouth, your health, and the function of the implant.
Standard Implants
In many cases we can also place a standard size implant if that is what you need. We also work with the top specialist in the area if necessary. In that case, the specialist will place your implant and then our team will place your restoration.
Who should I see about getting dental implants?
Implants are placed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, and general dentists with advanced training. Restoring an implant with a dental crown or denture is done by a general dentist or prosthodontist. We provide dental implant results that our Toledo, Sylvania patients love! At Dental Health Associates, we do it all!
Dental Implant FAQs
How long does a dental implant last?
The titanium post used for a dental implant can remain secure in the jaw for over two decades. Patients who maintain good gum health by brushing and flossing regularly may see their post remain intact for the rest of their lifetime. On average, the prosthetic tooth attached to this post needs to be replaced once every 10 to 15 years. Over time, this artificial tooth wears down from the pressure related to chewing. Fortunately, a new tooth can easily be added to the post without requiring additional surgery.
How many dental implants can I have?
If you have multiple missing teeth, you have the option of replacing each one with a dental implant, so long as your jawbone is strong enough to hold an implant securely. The main reason why people do not replace all of their teeth with dental implants is that the cost can be prohibitive. If you have several missing teeth, particularly in a row, our dentists may recommend an alternative treatment like a dental bridge to fill in the gaps.
Will my dental implant stand out in my mouth?
Your dentist will help you to select a prosthetic tooth that matches the natural teeth in your mouth in size, shape and color so that it fits in seamlessly with your smile. The people you meet should have no idea that your implant is anything other than a real tooth in your mouth. In fact, most likely you will not even be able to feel the difference between your implant and your natural teeth once it heals. Because it is connected to the jawbone and you treat it and use it like any other tooth, it is easy to forget that it has not always been a part of your body.
Is everyone a good candidate for dental implants?
You need adequate jawbone for the implant to successfully fuse with the bone. Many patients require a bone grafting procedure, which attaches donor bone to the jawbone so that it becomes strong enough to hold the implant’s metal post. The need for bone grafting becomes more likely the longer a tooth is missing because tooth roots play an important role in keeping the bone strong.
If you have many teeth missing, especially in a row, you may be a better candidate for an alternative tooth replacement procedure like a dental bridge, or dentures/partial dentures. Our dentists can review potential treatment plans, including costs, so that you can make an informed decision for restoring a full smile. You may also benefit from implant-supported dentures (better known as All-on-4) to replace many teeth in your mouth at once.
Why do adults lose teeth?
Adult teeth can fall out for a variety of reasons, including:
- Gum disease: As gums recede due to periodontitis, the bones weaken and have more trouble supporting your teeth. In advanced stages of gum disease, teeth are vulnerable to loosening and falling out.
- Injury: An accident or physical trauma can knock teeth out of the mouth, or damage teeth so significantly that they must be extracted.
- Malnutrition: Your teeth are given strength through nutritious foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Without enough potassium, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D, your teeth are more likely to start decaying and — when left untreated — even fall out altogether.
To learn more about dental implants, contact Dental Health Associates today!