A Permanent Solution for Tooth Loss From Our Willoughby Hills Dentist
If you struggle with eating or speaking due to missing teeth or find yourself frustrated with your current tooth restoration, dental implants may be ideal for you. They’re permanent and natural-looking smile restorations that can last a lifetime with proper care.
At Smile Brighter Willoughby Hills, our Ohio implant dentist Dr. Phillip Wallace has helped countless patients in Eastlake, Wickliffe, and Willowick, OH reclaim the freedom to smile with confidence. Discover how he can do the same for you by reading our guide to dental implants below.
What are Dental Implants? Explained by Dr. Stern
Dental implant is a great way to replace a missing tooth. Are you someone in the Willoughby Hills, OH area looking for a dentist to get a missing tooth fixed? Then Dr. Stern at Smile Brighter Willoughby Hills is the dentist you should visit.
What are dental implants?
Dental Implants are surgically graded titanium that is shaped like roots of teeth, and they are surgically placed into the jaw by a dentist or surgeon to replace teeth that have been lost. These are called root-form implants.
How does the procedure work?
If a patient loses a single tooth and wants it replaced, a single root-form implant can be placed. After it’s fused to the jawbone, which takes a few months, a crown to replace the missing tooth can be attached to the implant via a titanium post that is attached to the root-form implant.
When that’s done, the implant visually and functionally is pretty much improved and savable from the actual adjacent natural teeth. They integrate into the jaw very nicely.
How can implants be used for dentures?
Implants can also be used in a situation where somebody has lost all of their natural teeth in the lower or upper jaws and has difficulty wearing a denture. Implants can have attachments on them where the dentures would snap on to the implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are surgically-graded restorations shaped like the roots of natural teeth. They’re placed into the jaw for a sturdy and long-lasting fit, also called root-form implants.
A dental implant consists of three parts: the post (titanium or zirconium), which replaces the tooth’s roots, the porcelain crown, which serves as a prosthetic tooth, and the abutment, which connects the two. Our Willoughby Hills implant dentist will customize your dental restoration to blend naturally with your smile for stunning results.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are several advantages to dental implants that make them appealing to many patients. Some benefits you can enjoy with implant restorations include:
- Prevents Jawbone Deterioration: Implant posts mimic tooth roots, helping combat the loss of jawbone mass.
- Preserves Facial Shape: Because implants are inserted into the jawbone, it can prevent common tooth loss symptoms that may cause a sunken appearance.
- Natural Appearance: Our Willoughby Hills implant dentist will customize your restoration to blend seamlessly with your smile for stunning results.
- Longevity & Durability: Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and won’t shift out of place as you speak or eat.
- Easy Maintenance: Unlike other tooth restorations, you can care for dental implants like a natural tooth.
Candidacy for Dental Implants
Today, many patients choose to replace missing teeth with dental implants versus other restoration options. Implants can replace solitary teeth, saving the need for bridgework. They can also be used with a denture appliance for a more stable fit.
Dental implants may be a good solution for patients with:
- One or more missing teeth
- Broken or decayed teeth that are beyond repair
- Healthy gums
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Fully-developed jaw
Schedule an appointment with our implant dentist in Willoughby Hills to learn if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process begins with the insertion of your implants, as recommended by your oral surgeon, collaborating with Dr. Wallace. He’ll administer a local anesthetic beforehand to ensure your procedure is pain-free. After placement, Dr. Wallace will provide you with a temporary restoration while your surgical site heals.
During this time, your jawbone tissue fuses around the implant post, a process known as osseointegration, which will take three to six months to complete. After the structure heals, you’ll return to our Willoughby Hills office for your final restoration fitting. He’ll make necessary adjustments to ensure your restoration fits naturally and comfortably before attaching it to your implant fixture. You’re then ready to showcase your newly restored smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike other restorations, dental implants are anchored within the jawbone to replace tooth structures above and below the gum line. As such, dental bridges and dentures can’t prevent jawbone degradation like implant posts. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of a natural tooth with implants, never having to worry about special maintenance.
Implants can help patients missing all of their natural teeth in the lower or upper jaws who have difficulty wearing a traditional denture. Our implant dentist can provide implant-supported dentures that won’t need removal for maintenance, mealtimes, or overnight. This denture appliance won’t slip or slide as you speak and chew for a comfortable fit.
Some insurance companies may cover a portion of your dental implant treatment cost. We recommend contacting your provider to better understand your plan’s benefits.
We’re proud to offer an in-house dental savings plan to help patients receive the dental care they need without breaking the bank. Call our Willoughby Hills office at (440) 210-0999 to learn more.
While most patients are good candidates for dental implants, Dr. Wallace may recommend a supplemental procedure for patients who:
- Grind or clench their teeth (bruxism).
- Have pre-existing conditions such as gum disease, diabetes, cancer, or alcoholism.
- Lack sufficient jawbone density.
- Use tobacco products.
- Take medications such as steroids or immune system suppressants.
Restore Your Oral Health at Smile Brighter Willoughby Hills
Patients looking for reliable solutions to missing teeth may benefit from dental implant restorations. They’re the only dental restoration that enhances jawbone health and lasts a lifetime.
If you’d like to learn more about our dental implants, or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment, contact our Willoughby Hills, OH office at (440) 210-0999. You can also request more information by filling out our online contact form, and one of our team members will be happy to assist you.