Dental Implants
 You may have just lost a tooth from trauma or decay, or maybe you have been living without several teeth for years. The situation may be embarrassing, but you are not alone. Many people suffer from tooth loss. Luckily, there are options and one is receiving dental implants. These prostheses are fabricated from durable, strong material and are designed to be permanently placed. Implants restore the health, function, and aesthetics of your smile. Coming in to The Strongsville Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry to discuss the teeth replacement options we have makes the first step in reclaiming your bite function and look.
What Are Dental Implants?
Implant dentistry has come a long way and today it offers an innovative method of tooth replacement. A dental implant is made up of an artificial tooth root that a dentist places into the jaw to anchor the replacement bridge or crown in place. After losing teeth, the surrounding bone begins to erode, and the jawbone eventually recedes. Patients can receive dental implants to prevent shrinkage of the bone and recession of the jawbone. Dental implants not only look and feel very natural, but they also protect your facial structure. Remaining without teeth causes jawbone resorption or recession.
Candidates for Dental Implants
Although in the past, loss of bone volume and density prevented patients from getting implants, today, due to advances in implant dentistry, many patients can now get them. You can receive a bone grafting procedure prior to getting your implant so that the restoration secures firmly in the jaw. Also, a patient will need CBCT (Cone Beam Computerized Tomography) to do a 3D evaluation of bony and vital structures to determine if they are a candidate. If you receive dental implants, you should be sure to take care of your teeth and gums by regularly brushing and flossing, and keeping up with regular cleanings at our dental office.
Children are not usually candidates for dental implants because their teeth and jawbone are still growing. Implants are more successful when placed in a fully matured bone. Additionally, those with underlying conditions including osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease need to first have good overall medical health prior to receiving dental implants.
Dental Implant Procedure
First, our dentist drills a minute hole into the bone within the location of your missing tooth. The hole often referred to as osteotomy, is created with a highly precise drill and a guide so that accurate placement is achieved. Next, the dentist inserts a titanium alloy screw into the site. You will need to wait for about three to six months to have the site heal. You can get a temporary tooth replacement. After the implant integrates with the bone and healing is complete, our dentist uncovers it with a special instrument like a laser in order to fabricate and install the final permanent tooth.
It takes 30 to 45 minutes utilizing precision surgical guides for our dentist to place a single implant. In some instances, a temporary tooth can be placed on the same day. The treatment itself is often a two-phase process where the initial visit involves inserting the implants and after several months, you come back in for the final visit where the permanent artificial implants are placed. We offer metal-free implants made of zirconia. To help you feel fully informed, we’ve answered the most common concerns patients have in our Dental Implant FAQs. Explore these details to see if implants may be the right choice for your smile.
Get in touch with our dental implant team if you have missing teeth. Visit us at The Strongsville Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry to get a comprehensive evaluation to see if you qualify for the prostheses. Contact us at (440) 580-1028 to book your appointment.
FAQs
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed in the jawbone to support replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. At The Strongsville Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, our dental team may recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth, restore chewing function, and help maintain jawbone support.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
A good candidate for dental implants typically has healthy gums, adequate jawbone, and overall health that supports proper healing. Our dentists will evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and bone structure to determine whether implant treatment is appropriate for your needs.
What happens during the dental implant process?
The dental implant process usually begins with a consultation, exam, and diagnostic imaging. The implant post is placed in the jawbone, where it gradually bonds with the surrounding bone. After healing, a custom restoration is attached to complete the replacement tooth and restore your smile.
Can dental implants replace multiple missing teeth?
Yes. Dental implants can be used to replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth, or help support a denture. Depending on your needs, our dental team may recommend an implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture to improve comfort, stability, and function.
How do I care for dental implants after treatment?
Dental implants should be cared for with daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits at The Strongsville Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry. Our dental team will show you how to clean around your implant restoration and monitor your gums to help support long-term oral health.
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