Dental Implants – Toledo, OH

Tooth Replacement with Unmatched Beauty & Strength

older man smiling with dental implants in Toledo

Are you missing one or more teeth? You may be familiar with the ways this problem affects your appearance, but did you know it can also impact your health? Missing teeth can lead to shifting of remaining teeth, additional tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and more. Thankfully, at Dental Group West, we offer dental implants in Toledo as a way to avoid these problems. To learn more about this life-changing tooth replacement, give us a call or simply keep reading below!

Why Choose Dental Group West for Dental Implants?

  • Partnered with Local Dental Implant Specialists for High-Quality Care
  • Multiple Amenities Offered for Patient Comfort
  • Convenient Dental Financing Options Available

What Are Dental Implants?

dental implant with a crown next to a natural tooth

A dental implant recreates the entire tooth, including the root. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone to act as a root. Through a process called osseointegration, your bone fuses to the post, allowing it to potentially remain in place forever. A metal abutment fixture is attached to the post to secure your custom-made restoration after your jawbone has healed. When compared to traditional options like dentures or a fixed bridge, a dental implant is a nearly perfect replica of your original tooth.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

dentist showing a model of a dental implant

Drs. Thomas, Weisenburger, and Poole work with select specialists in the area for placement of implants. They then restore each implant using the best of dental laboratories and materials. Select specialists can perform the surgical portion of your treatment, while Dental Group West can create beautiful dental implant restorations – crowns, bridges, and even dentures – to then replace your missing teeth and complete your smile. While every dental implant patient’s journey will look a bit different, the four basic steps remain the same: the consultation, the implant surgery, osseointegration, and the placement of your restorations.

Benefits of Dental Implants

close-up of a woman smiling with a dental implant

Because dental implants replace the roots of the teeth in addition to the crowns, they offer improved stability and durability. They also don’t require us to modify remaining teeth in any way, making dental implants a conservative option.

Additionally, dental implants are the only replacement solution that preserves the jawbone after tooth loss. When you lose teeth, your jaw loses some of the stimulation your tooth roots provided it, which can lead to deterioration and numerous health problems. However, dental implants can provide your bone with necessary stimulation to stay healthy and strong.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

dentist examining a patient’s mouth

Dental implants can support a range of tooth replacement types, making them capable of accommodating any pattern of tooth loss. Your dental implant restorations will be completely customized, flawlessly fitting into your smile and lifestyle. Here are some of the different ways in which we can reconstruct your grin:

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.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

dental instruments lying on top of a stack of hundred-dollar bills

There are many variables that can influence the cost of your dental implants, which is why it’s hard to provide a precise price without examining your mouth first. We will carefully examine your smile, checking the number of teeth you’re missing, the condition of your oral health, and the strength of your jawbone. In some cases, preexisting health issues may need to be treated first, or patients may need bone grafting, which will add to the cost of your treatment. However, the most significant factor is the number of teeth that you’re missing because that directly impacts how many implants you’ll need.

The first step in the process is to contact Dental Group West and make an appointment to learn more about dental implants and your other options for tooth replacement.

Dental Implant Post-Op

A middle-aged woman with red hair is smiling after receiving her dental implants post-op instructions in Toledo

Once your dental implants are surgically placed, you’ll need to have a clear idea as to the recovery process to ensure successful and complete healing. Fortunately, there is nothing to worry about, as our team at Dental Group West will provide you with all the material you need. If you’re unsure of what to expect, we’ve compiled some valuable information that will help you navigate these next few months at home. From which symptoms are totally normal to ways in which you can heal your smile heal quicker, all your dental implant post-op instructions in Toledo are here for you to review. Should you experience any issues or abnormal pain, don’t hesitate to contact our office for assistance.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

A person offering a straw while the other individual politely declines in Toledo

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

An older man holds his mouth while experiencing some discomfort after having dental implants placed in Toledo

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

A bowl of chocolate pudding and a nearby spoon in Toledo

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

A man gently brushes his teeth after having dental implants surgically placed in Toledo

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

A group of older adults laughing and enjoying their new and improved dental implants in Toledo

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.

Dental Implant FAQs

Q&A wooden blocks

Dental implants in Toledo are a great option to replace your teeth once and for all. However, they are a lifelong commitment, so it's normal to have a few concerns about the road ahead. Don't worry, your dentist at Dental Group West will explain everything. While you wait for your consultation, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about dental implants.

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.

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