Dental Implants Specialist in Toledo, OH

A dental implant is a prosthesis used to replace the roots of damaged or missing teeth. Typically, dental implants are titanium fixtures inserted into the jawbone or underneath the gum line, upon which the dentist can apply a fixed bridge, single crown or cap, and either complete or partial dentures, depending on what the patient’s implant needs dictate.

With that in mind, orthodontic surgery is required for a dental implant procedure that occurs in multiple stages. Those stages typically involve all or some of the following:

• Removal of the damaged tooth
• Jawbone grafting, if the patient lacks the sufficient bone mass to receive implants
• Placement of the dental implant
• Healing and integration of the bone and implant
• Installing an abutment to set the bridge, crown, or dentures upon
• Placement of the artificial tooth (i.e., bridge, crown, or dentures)

Since a dental implant procedure requires the bone and gums to heal after the implant is installed, the entire process can take several months to complete.

Dental implants consistently provide patients who need them with numerous benefits! Some of those benefits are as follows:

• Better oral health and hygiene
• Easier and less painful eating
• Fewer disruptions and hindrances to your ability to speak clearly
• Improved appearance of your teeth and smile, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem
• More durability, security, and stability than other denture options

The two general types of dental implants are known as endosteal and subperiosteal. The main difference between these two types of dental implants is where they are inserted. With that in mind, endosteal implants are inserted into the jawbone, while subperiosteal implants are inserted above the jawbone and underneath the gums. Endosteal means “in the bone,” while subperiosteal is the area beneath the periosteum that surrounds all bones. While subperiosteal implants are sometimes used for patients with insufficient bone mass, most dentists recommend endosteal implants, even if bone grafting is necessary. In general, endosteal implants have a much more successful track record than subperiosteal implants.

The main reason that any person may need dental implants is if they are missing one or more teeth and are either unable to wear dentures or prefer an alternative option. With that being said, not everyone can qualify for dental implants. As such, you may be a good candidate for dental implants if:

• You have sufficient bone mass in your jawbone or are willing or able to receive bone grafting.
• Your jawbone is fully developed.
• You do not have any medical conditions that could hinder bone healing.
• Your oral tissues are healthy.
• You do not smoke tobacco.
• You are willing to commit to a long process of several months.

Great Smiles Family Dentistry is proud to provide dental implants to our fantastic patients from Toledo, Ohio, and the surrounding area! If you would like an appointment or more information about dental implants with us, please do not hesitate to call us or schedule an appointment through our website. You can find our clinic at 4646 Nantuckett Drive Toledo, OH 43623. We serve patients from Toledo OH, Oregon OH, Ottawa Hills OH, Perrysburg OH, Woodhurst OH, Sylvania OH, and Shoreland OH.