Dental Implants – Toledo, OH

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Our team will start off the dental implant process with an initial consultation, which is where we will discuss your dental history and oral health, and determine if this treatment is a viable option for you. In some cases, patients may need to undergo preliminary procedures to prepare their mouths first. This may involve gum disease treatment, bone grafting, or even tooth extractions—all so that we can ensure the success of your dental implants. Once we’ve confirmed that your gums and jaw are healthy enough to support your metal posts, and we’ve discussed the details of the process like the timeframe and cost, we can move forward with your surgical portion.

Dental Implant Surgery

As mentioned before, our team will work closely with a local dental implant specialist so that your treatment has the highest chance of success. Your dental team will first numb your mouth completely with a local anesthetic, that way you can be pain-free while they place your metal posts in the jawbone. You might even receive sedation dentistry to further minimize discomfort as well as help you remain as relaxed as possible. Your surgeon will create small incisions in your gums to access the jawbone where they will place the metal posts. Once in their positions, they’ll suture the tissue closed and then place protective caps around the implants so that they remain safe during your recovery.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

Your dental implants will need to undergo osseointegration, which is the process of fusing with the jawbone tissue. This portion of the treatment typically takes around three to six months to finish, but afterward, you should be able to expect an incredibly stable and natural-feeling foundation for your restorations. Once you’re healed, you’ll come back to our office to have your abutments placed atop your implants and then sent home so that your gums can heal for the next few weeks.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

Before sending you home to recover, our team will take impressions of your smile to create your new pearly whites. After they’ve been constructed, you’ll return to us to have your final dental crown, bridge, or denture fitted in place. We will double-check that your bite is correct and that you’re happy with the results before sending you on your way to enjoy your rebuilt smile.

Day-to-Day Benefits

You rely on your teeth to complete basic tasks like chewing and speaking so when you’ve lost one or more of them, your daily quality of life can suffer. Fortunately, dental implants can help by allowing you to:

• Mash up food. They are so sturdy that there are very few dietary restrictions, so you can once again enjoy your favorite meals.
• Enunciate words. You might develop a lisp if you’re missing one or more teeth, but once your dental implant is placed, you’ll be able to speak as clearly as ever.
• Boost your confidence. If you try to remain tight-lipped so no one will notice the gap in your grin, filling it in can enhance your appearance so you don’t feel so anxious.
• Easily clean your mouth. Taking care of them is as easy as brushing and flossing twice daily, and visiting your dentist every 6 months, to avoid oral issues.

Health Benefits

Although it may not be as immediately apparent, dental implants can also help you preserve your oral and physical wellness. They do this by:

• Preventing additional tooth loss. Your dental implants include a titanium rod that’s placed into your jawbone. This stimulates your jaw every time you bite down which precludes the deterioration that normally happens with tooth loss. This keeps it strong enough to provide a firm foundation for your remaining teeth.
• Avoiding gum sores. The alternative restorations are known to rub raw spots in your mouth that can become infected. For example, dentures rely on a tight suction with your gums to remain put which can cause sores and inflammation.
• Maintaining your dental health. If left unaddressed, tooth decay and gum disease can enter your bloodstream and contribute to issues like heart conditions or diabetes. This can fortunately be averted by consistently cleaning your mouth.

Long-Term Benefits

Dental implants also tend to last longer than dentures and dental bridges, and offer the following long-term advantages:

• A high success rate. This type of restoration has a success rate of over 95% even 10 years after being placed.
• They have a long lifespan. Dental implants can last 30+ years with the right care.
• You could save money. Although they may cost more upfront, these artificial teeth are more durable, requiring fewer replacements and repairs over the years. That means you’ll spend less on additional treatments down the road.

Missing One Tooth

For a single missing tooth, we can restore your dental implant with a personalized dental crown. We make dental crowns out of high-quality dental porcelain, allowing for your restoration to seamlessly blend into the rest of your smile. The results are a complete set of teeth with a dental crown that matches the size, shape, and shade of your natural dental structure.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Are you missing multiple teeth consecutively? We can use a dental bridge to literally “bridge” the gap in your smile. This custom-made prosthetic is held in place with a dental implant on either side, and it’s the most effective and aesthetically pleasing way to restore multiple missing teeth. The results are a strong and beautiful smile.

Missing All Teeth

If you’re missing all or most of your teeth, we have an amazing solution. Instead of a traditional denture that slips and slides, we can restore your smile with an implant denture. With this replacement, we will attach a custom-made prosthesis to an average of four to six dental implants, allowing for the strongest and most secure full smile restoration.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

Immediately after your dental implant surgery, you’ll need to make it a priority not to dislodge the blood clot that is forming. This will allow your recovery to go more smoothly and ensure proper healing. To accomplish this task, you’ll need to:

• Avoid spitting. Instead, keep plenty of tissues nearby or simply swallow your saliva.
• Not use straws to drink beverages.
• Avoid smoking altogether, but if this is not possible, at least wait a full 24 hours.
• Keep your fingers and tongue away from the implants and surgical sites.

Common Side-Effects

You may be concerned should you develop a side effect you were unexpecting. But remember, your implant dentist in Toledo will explain which ones are most common. In fact, it is normal to experience mild side effects in the first few days, some of which may include:

• Intermittent bleeding that can be reduced with the help of gauze and gentle pressure. This is normal for several days, so do not be alarmed.
• General swelling can last 72 hours or even one week; however, a cold compress can help to alleviate swelling and discomfort.
• Mild discomfort, which can be curbed by taking pain medication as directed.

Diet

Anytime you have oral surgery, you’re likely to crave the unhealthiest food option possible, but if you want to avoid possible complications, it’s best if you stick to soft foods in the beginning. These can include:

• Pasta
• Scrambled eggs
• Yogurt or ice cream
• Pudding
• Soup (warm, not hot)
• Mashed potatoes

Once you feel more like your “normal” self, you may begin to slowly incorporate other foods; however, it is best to minimize your intake of crunchy, hard foods.

Health & Oral Hygiene

It is imperative that you maintain good oral hygiene after receiving your dental implants in Toledo. Although it may require a slight adjustment in the early days of recovery, you don’t want an infection to form, so you’ll need to:

• Wait until the following day after your surgery to brush your teeth, being mindful of your surgical sites.
• Rinse your mouth 2-3 times each day with mild salt water or a prescription mouthwash.
• Not use mouthwash that contains high levels of alcohol or peroxide.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

Now that the surgery and recovery are complete, you can appreciate that the hard part is over. Receiving your new teeth will allow you to enjoy your new crown, bridge, or denture, but you will likely experience some mild and temporary sensitivity along your gum tissue. Pain medicine can easily control your discomfort but don’t worry, as you should have no signs of swelling, bleeding, or extensive recovery following the placement of your new teeth.

Can I Take Dental Implants Out?

No, you cannot take dental implants out. They are unlike any other treatment because they replicate both the roots and the crowns. Titanium posts are surgically inserted into your jawbone to mimic roots. Your bone will fuse to them through a process called osseointegration. As a result, they have the potential to stay in place forever. Although some implant dentures can be taken out for easy cleaning, only a trained dental professional can remove the post.

Does It Hurt to Get Dental Implants?

The process of getting dental implants requires oral surgery, but you don't have to worry about a painful day in the dentist's chair. Sedation and numbing medication will be used to keep you comfortable. Although you won't have any pain during your surgery, your mouth can be tender for a few days after the effects of any medications wear off. You can manage your discomfort with an over-the-counter pain reliever and applying a cold compress. Follow your dentist’s dietary instructions to avoid putting too much pressure on the post. Your gum tissue will be healed in a couple of weeks, but it may take several months for your bone to fuse to the implants.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants have over a 95% success rate and are proven to last for 30 years or longer with the correct care, like brushing and flossing. However, many factors affect their lifespan, like their location. Back teeth undergo more pressure naturally, which means dental implants used for molars may have a slightly shorter life expectancy than those used in the front of the mouth. You can get the most from your investment by committing to good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup.

What Are the Signs of Dental Implant Failure?

The risk of dental implant failure is less than 5%, but it's important to watch for any signs of a problem, like redness, pain, or inflammation near the implant. They can be symptoms of an infection called peri-implantitis, which is a leading cause of dental implant failure. If you act fast, your dentist can resolve the infection to save your smile.

What Should I Do If My Implant is Loose?

After your jaw has integrated with the post, it should never feel loose. If your implant wiggles, contact your implant dentist in Toledo immediately. It could be as simple as a damaged restoration, or it can also be a sign of serious infection, bone loss, or rejection. Your dentist will pinpoint the source of the problem to provide the appropriate treatment.