Dental Implants – Columbus, OH
The Modern Answer for Missing Teeth
Traditional tooth replacement restores the parts of the teeth that are visible when dental patients smile, but below the gumline, there is a significant part of the tooth that goes unreplaced – the root. The tooth’s root structure provides stability for the tooth anchoring it to the jawbone, so dental patients can eat, speak, and smile confidently. Additionally, the roots stimulate the flow of blood to the gums and nutrients to the jawbone. Without the root structure, gum and bone tissue density diminish, leading to further issues including dental drift and frequent, additional tooth loss.
In recent years, dental implant-supported tooth replacement has become the gold standard in tooth replacement because it restores not just the visible portions of dentistry patients’ smiles but the underlying root structure as well. At Glamm Dentistry, we’re happy to partner with a trusted oral surgeon or periodontist to offer dental implants in our Upper Arlington, OH dental office combined with beautiful, natural-looking smile restorations for our dentistry patients. Contact our dental team to schedule a dental implant consultation to find out more today.
Why Choose Glamm Dentistry for Dental Implants?
- Partnered with Local Implant Specialists
- Dentist That Cares About Your Whole Body’s Health
- High-Quality, Community-Based Private Practice
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is embedded below the gumline to mimic the form and function of natural root structures. These implant posts resemble screws but are actually hollow cylinders. Once the implant is in place, an abutment can be screwed into the implant post, securing a replacement tooth or teeth.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Dental implants are placed in four phases and can take anywhere from three to six months and longer in some cases. The first phase is the initial consultation; during this visit, we can determine whether or not you’re a viable candidate for implants based on your oral health and the state of your jaw. Next is the surgical placement of the implant posts below the gumline. This part of the process is completed by a trusted specialist.
During the third phase, following implant placement, patients need to wait three to six months for the tissue to heal and for the dental implant to fuse with the jawbone. This healing and attachment phase is known as osseointegration. Once osseointegration is complete, patients return to our office for the fourth and final phase where we place the final restoration. From a single dental crown to a full denture, we’re able to provide custom-crafted restorations to restore any number of missing teeth comfortably and securely with dental implants.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Dental implants replace the roots of your missing teeth so that they can keep your new smile firmly in place and keep the underlying jawbone healthy and strong.
- The chewing power provided by implants is almost on par with natural teeth, so you’ll be able to eat whatever you want again.
- Dental implants are much more durable than traditional bridges and dentures, and they can potentially last the rest of your life if you take proper care of them.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Any patient who has experienced tooth loss from a single tooth to a full arch should consider dental implants. If patients have a history of surgical concerns or immune-compromising diseases like diabetes, they may not be a good candidate for dental implants. These patients may want to consider more traditional tooth replacement options like crown and bridge or partial and full dentures. Patients also need an adequate amount of bone density to support a dental implant, so those patients with significantly diminished jawbone density will need to consider bone tissue grafting or other procedures before implant placement.
Missing Single Tooth
When just one tooth is missing, a single titanium implant post is placed in the gap. Once the area around the tooth has healed and an abutment has been attached, we can restore the implant post with a fully personalized dental crown that is made out of lifelike tooth-colored materials.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Dental bridges can be attached to a pair of dental implants to replace three or more consecutive teeth at once. Using carefully placed implants to support a bridge means we won’t have to remove any enamel from your natural teeth to make room for your restoration.
Missing All of Your Teeth
Dental implants can be used to support an entire row of new teeth. A full denture can be attached to four to eight implant posts so that it remains anchored in the mouth without having to rely on natural suction. Implant dentures offer better chewing strength and stability than traditional dentures, and they can be brushed as if they were your natural teeth.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
The exact cost of dental implants can vary. The number of implants and the type of restoration they support can have a significant impact on the price, and some patients will need to pay for separate preliminary treatments before they can have implants placed. You’ll be given an estimate of how much you can expect to pay for dental implants during your initial consultation. Bear in mind that while dental implants have a higher cost than traditional bridges and dentures, they also have longer lifespans and won’t need to be replaced as often.
Dental Implant FAQs
Can I Take Dental Implants Out?
Dental implants in Upper Arlington are designed to treat tooth loss permanently. They are surgically placed into your jaw, replacing both the tooth roots and the crowns. Your bone will fuse to them through a process called osseointegration. Therefore, only a trained dental professional can take them out, such as in rare cases of implant failure. While you cannot remove the posts, some implant dentures can be taken out for easier cleaning.
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
You will require oral surgery to place your implant post into your jawbone, but you don't have to worry about a painful procedure. Your implant dentist in Upper Arlington, Dr. Jayme Glamm, will keep your comfort as her top priority. Sedation or anesthesia will be used to block any pain during your implant surgery. You won't feel anything. However, after the effects of any medications wear off, you can expect your mouth to be sore for a few days. You can manage it with an over-the-counter or prescribed pain reliever. Follow your dentist's aftercare instructions, like applying cold compresses and eating soft foods.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer the most reliable results when replacing lost teeth. They have over a 95% success rate and a lifespan of 30 years or more. You can ensure your new smile succeeds by committing to good oral hygiene habits. Besides brushing and flossing, schedule a cleaning and checkup every 6 months. Break any bad habits that may damage your dental implants, like crunching ice or chewing on your fingernails. It's best to limit your alcohol consumption and stop smoking because both can increase your risk of dental implant failure.
What Are the Signs of Dental Implants Failure?
Less than 5% of dental implants fail, but it's important to be vigilant for any signs of complications. Early detection and treatment can prevent your new smile from failing. Don't wait to contact your dentist if you have redness, swelling, or bleeding near your implant. They can be symptoms of an infection called peri-implantitis, which is like gum disease. With no treatment, it will lead to dental implant failure.
What Should I Do If My Implant Feels Loose?
After your jaw has integrated with your post, your dental implant should never feel loose. If your implant is wiggling, you need to get to a dentist right away. It could be as simple as a damaged restoration, or it could be more serious, like rejection, bone loss, or an infection. Don't take the risk. Schedule an appointment immediately.
I Need a Checkup & Cleaning I Need a Dentist for My Child I am Concerned About Bleeding Gums I Have a Cavity or Broken Tooth I am Missing One or More Teeth I Want to Enhance My Smile I Want a Straighter Smile I am Scared of the Dentist I am in Pain & Need Help I Have Pain in My Jaw View Our Services