DENTAL IMPLANTS

Tooth loss is common, especially among older adults. According to research, millions of adults are missing one or more teeth and many of those are missing all of their teeth. This dental condition causes a lot of issues. The good news is, there are several options for tooth replacement.

Dental implants are among the most popular tooth replacement solutions at Avery Dental Center in Dublin, OH is dental implants. This is because they look, feel, and function more like natural teeth than other options.

In this article, we’ll explain more about tooth loss and the problems it brings, as well as how dental implants can solve these issues.

Single Implant

Dental Implants: For Tooth Replacement

Dental implants are the ideal tooth replacement solution for patients who are missing one or more teeth. A single implant can replace a single tooth or multiple implants can replace up to an entire arch.

What Causes Missing Teeth?

Millions of Americans are missing one or more teeth. There are lots of reasons behind this epidemic:

  • Genetics

    For some patients, missing teeth is genetic- the teeth never erupted for one reason or another.

  • Injury/Trauma

    In some cases, teeth are missing due to being knocked out either in a sports accident, vehicle accident, or other injury/trauma.

  • Gum Disease

    If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can ultimately cause tooth loss. However, it is also important to note that it can be caused by tooth loss as well.

  • Additional Factors

    There are several other factors that could cause tooth loss:

    • Cavities or decay
    • Smoking
    • Poor nutrition
    • Little to no access to dental care
    • Poor dental hygiene habits

What Problems Are Caused by Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth must be replaced as soon as possible because, if left untreated, can lead to a variety of issues:

  • Speech/eating

    Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew, making eating challenging. In addition, the spaces change the way air flows through your mouth, which can cause you to develop a lisp or other speech impediment.

  • Shifting

    Your remaining teeth will naturally start to shift to close the gap.

  • Irregular bite

    As your teeth shift, it can cause your bite to become irregular, which can cause a variety of additional issues that require orthodontic intervention.

  • Bone loss

    Your tooth roots stimulate the jawbone to keep it healthy. When you no longer have that stimulation, your jawbone will deteriorate- which will lead to additional tooth loss, keeping the cycle going.

  • Gum disease

    Your teeth protect your gums as well. When you are missing teeth, your gums are exposed to bacteria, which can cause gum disease.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a tooth replacement solution that looks, feels, and functions more like natural teeth. There are three main pieces:

  • Implant screw:

    replaces tooth root

  • Abutment:

    secures implant screw to crown

  • Crown:

    prosthetic tooth/teeth

What to Expect Before, During, and After

The process for dental implants is extensive and takes several months to a year or more.

  • Before the surgery

    The first step in any procedure at Avery Dental Center is a consultation. During this visit, we will perform a comprehensive exam which will include imaging. We will also discuss your personal expectations for treatment. This will help us determine if implants are right for you. If so, we will move forward with the procedure.

  • During the surgery

    Some patients require prep work such as gum disease treatment, extractions, or bone grafting. These must be completed before any implants can be placed. You may require time to heal after these procedures. In some cases, implants can be placed at the same time as extractions.

  • Placing the implant

    The dentist will make an incision in the gum to expose the jawbone. Then a dental drill will be used to make a hole in the jawbone. The implant screw will be placed in the hole and the incision will be closed. You will be sent home to heal, which will take up to 6 months, depending on how your body heals and how well you care for the surgical site.

    During this time, osseointegration will occur. This is when the jawbone and the implant fuse together, making it a permanent part of your mouth.

  • Placing the abutment

    Once osseointegration is complete, the incision will be opened again and the abutment will be placed. This is the piece that will secure the prosthesis to the implant screw. A healing cap will be placed on the abutment to prevent the gum from healing over it.

  • Choosing your teeth

    Next, you will choose the material and color for your prosthetic teeth. Porcelain can be matched closer to natural teeth, lasts longer, and resists stains better than composite resin. However, porcelain is more expensive, and if it cracks or chips, must be replaced instead of repaired.

    Composite resin is less expensive but does not last as long or resist stains as well as porcelain. While it can be matched to remaining natural teeth, it will still look artificial compared to porcelain. If composite resin cracks or chips, it can be repaired.

    Typically, it takes about 2 weeks for the lab to fabricate your teeth.

  • After

    Once your teeth have been placed, you will need to return in a few weeks to make sure that everything still looks right. After that, you can go back to your regularly scheduled maintenance visits every 6 months.

Reducing the Risk of Implant Failure

Unfortunately, implant failure is always a possibility. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk:
  • Brush at least twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Use an alcohol-free mouthwash
  • Visit the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and exam
  • Stop smoking
  • Wear a nightguard to prevent bruxism
  • Wear a mouthguard when participating in contact sports
  • Increase calcium intake

Schedule Your Dental Implant

If you are missing one or more teeth, schedule your consultation with the team at Avery Dental Center in Dublin today. Dental implants look, feel, and function more like natural teeth than other tooth replacement solutions.

We are located at 6750 Avery Muirfield Drive, Suite B in Dublin. Our office hours are Monday from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. We are closed on Thursdays and open on Saturdays by appointment only.

Dental Implant FAQs

The team at Avery Dental Center in Dublin, OH is committed to providing patients with top-quality care. We believe that the key to that is making sure that patients understand procedures before undergoing them. If you have questions or concerns about dental implants, we are happy to address those. Below are some of the questions we hear most often about this procedure.

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution, designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. The prosthesis may need to be replaced in 15 to 20 years due to wear and tear but may also last a lifetime.
Patients are given local anesthesia to numb the area prior to the procedure. You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but you should not feel pain. Many patients do report some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off and while they get used to the implants, but this usually resolves within a few days. If you have pain or discomfort lasting more than a week, contact the clinic for an appointment.
Some dental insurance providers will cover dental implants, while others label it as a cosmetic procedure and will not cover anything. If you need help with your dental implants, Avery Dental Center offers financing options.
Dental implants are a tooth replacement solution designed to replace the entire tooth- root and crown. The implant screw is inserted into the jawbone, acting as a tooth root. It stimulates the jawbone, supporting jawbone health and preventing deterioration. The prosthesis replaces the visible portion of the tooth- it may be a single crown for a single tooth or a full arch to replace all of the missing teeth on the upper or lower arch.
Dairy is packed with vitamins and minerals to support a healthy body. However, this is one of the things you must give up immediately following implant surgery. Dairy has been proven to cause inflammation in soft oral tissues, which can cause implant failure. In addition, dairy has been shown to cause nausea and vomiting, especially in patients with lactose intolerance. This introduces stomach acid into the mouth, which can cause inflammation and infection at the implant site. Once the incisions have healed, dairy can be a good part of a healthy recovery diet.
Skip to content