Your teeth go through a lot. Starting at around 12 years old we have all of our adult teeth, not counting wisdom teeth which we get around age 18. From then on, those same teeth are chewing food and taking the brunt of everything we put in our mouths. Even though we may follow all the rules and take care of our teeth, sometimes external factors such as disease or genetics can cause us to lose our teeth. Dental implants are a great option for people who may be suffering from this.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an option for people who have lost their teeth to injury, age, or disease. You can imagine them like a prosthetic for your teeth. Implants are metal screws that are placed within your jaw and then used to attach a prosthetic tooth. There are many options for dental implants.
Who Are Dental Implants Good For?
While it may seem that anyone with missing teeth is a good candidate, dental implants require a relatively healthy mouth and jaw to work properly. First, it’s important to make sure you have a strong, healthy jaw with adequate height. Due to the fact that the dental implant will be placed directly within your jaw, it must be able to support the prosthetic. Next, you’ll have to make sure that you are free of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. This can cause harmful complications, as well as result in the dental implant being rejected.
What Is the Implant Process?
Depending on how many teeth you are looking to replace, the dental implant process is different for everyone. If you’re only looking to replace a single tooth, then the process is relatively simple. Dr. Imm will go in and place the implant and possibly a crown. However, if you’re looking to replace multiple teeth, you can expect the process to be slightly more complicated. Dr. Imm will still place implants and crowns if necessary, but more planning may be necessary to ensure the longevity of your new implant restorations. Sometimes, it’s necessary to include our outstanding team of specialists. Either way, Dr. Imm will be there to coordinate your care every step of the way. If you would like to learn more about dental implants, you can contact our practice today!
How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?
The aftercare for dental implants is just as important as both the preparation and procedure itself. The main thing to remember is to not smoke. Smoking after dental implant surgery is one of the biggest mistakes that dental patients make. In order to make sure that your dental implants work efficiently and that your jawbone doesn’t reject them, it’s important to not smoke a least a week before your procedure and then two to three months afterward.
It’s also necessary that you follow all of your dentist’s instructions and stay hydrated, take any prescribed medicine, and practice good oral hygiene.
What Are the Cons?
There are a lot of great things about dental implants, but, like with any medical procedure, they do come with risks. Rest assured, Dr. Imm will review all of the risks of implant surgery prior to any treatment.
What Are the Benefits?
Despite these risks, though, dental implants offer an abundance of benefits that have drastically changed patients’ lives for the better. The most obvious benefit is the fact that any gap that was left after a tooth was lost will be filled. A gap within your mouth can lead to infections, but the thing to worry about most is your jawbone collapsing. While a bridge may prevent the teeth from shifting, it doesn’t do anything to preserve the bone left behind by losing the tooth. Dental implants do preserve the bone, while also providing an aesthetic solution that mimics a natural tooth.
Dental implants are an especially good choice for patients who have lost a front tooth. This can cause a lot of insecurity, and, by using a dental implant to fill the gap, you will be able to live your life with a confident smile and a healthy life.
Contact us at 5Points Advanced Dentistry today at 614-451-5435 to schedule your routine check-up, or if you have any questions or concerns about proper dental care.
5 Points Advanced Dentistry has a variety of solutions for people who suffer from missing teeth, gaps, alignment problems, discoloration or overall dissatisfaction with their smile. If you are impacted by any of these issues, you may want to consider dental implants. Dental implants are a sturdy, permanent solution to restore your smile to its healthy and natural state.
More About Implants
Implants are replacement teeth that have two parts to them. They have a titanium post that the specialist places underneath the gum line and into the jawbone. The post acts as the root of the entire tooth. It’s the foundation that the tooth is set upon after the post integrates into the jawbone. A replacement tooth or a bridge goes over the top of the root and forms the entire implant. The process of placing implants in the mouth requires surgery no matter which type of implant you get when you visit. It also takes a while before it’s officially complete.
Reasons to Choose Implants
There are many reasons to choose implants over other methods of correction. One main benefit is its durability. Because it is integrated into the bone, the implant stands firm in its placement, even while eating. It fuses with your jawbone and creates a solid foundation that cannot easily be interrupted. The permanence makes them a lifelong option that requires minimal maintenance.
Implants are a much better solution to missing teeth than dentures, which require adhesives and are often inconvenient and unsightly.
The Benefits of Implants
The benefits of choosing dental implants are many. One of these is simply the natural look of dental implants. They can restore your perfect smile and bring your self-confidence back.
Another benefit of the implants is that they are long-lasting. They can last for 25 years or longer if cared for properly. Other solutions may only last five to 10 years before they start to deteriorate. Dental implants can also improve your speech. Unlike dentures, that can move around in the mouth if not fitted properly, dental implants are permanent and can help you speak clearly. Dental implants make eating easier than other smile repair options. Because they fuse to your bone, chewing with a dental implant is easy and comfortable.
When a tooth is missing, the jaw bone beneath it can start to deteriorate. Implants prevent this; helping you protect your jaw and prevent future dental issues.
How Implants Can Improve Your Smile
Dental implants can be a saving grace when it comes to improving your smile. They fill gaps and give you a full, healthy set of teeth again. The implants are so life-like that other people will not detect them. Facial structures can often appear sunken when an individual is missing teeth. Dental implants can fill out your smile and give you a full and youthful appearance.
The Process of Getting Implants
To begin the dental implant process, you must first make sure that you are a good fit for the procedures. For implants to be effective, there must be a workable amount of bone and gum tissue. Having deteriorated bone or damaged gums from the disease will not allow for successful implant placement. Thus, Dr. Imm will determine if you qualify for the implant procedure. If you do, then you can start working with Dr. Imm to create your recovery plan.
The implant will most likely take multiple visits to conduct. The specialist will implant the post into the jawbone or gum during the first visit. You may be able to request a flipper or partial denture for the area while your jawbone is recovering from the initial procedure.
The second visit will involve putting the tooth onto the posts. This is a surgical procedure, so there will be a waiting period between procedures. The entire process may take up to seven months, but it will be worth it when you see the results.
Visit for an Assessment
Contact 5 Points Advanced Dentistry if you’re interested in learning more about dental implants. We can help determine if implants are the right course of action for you and create a treatment plan. Call us today and let us help you get back your perfect smile.
Most of us would agree that your most magnetic facial feature is your smile. Since the field of dentistry has seen tremendous advances in technology and procedures to help restore and maintain great smiles, you don’t have to worry about having chipped, uneven, stained or crooked teeth on your wedding day, graduation, or any other upcoming event! 5 Points Advanced Dentistry offers procedures that can help you smile with confidence as you prepare for a graduation or a wedding. Dr. Imm will help you in the selection of the most suitable options, depending on your desired results.
Teeth Whitening At Our Office
Teeth whitening is probably the easiest way to make your smile stand out and help you feel more confident attending any upcoming events. There are many different options for teeth whitening. In our office, we use the ZOOM! Whitening system to help our patients have white smiles. It is very convenient for busy patients, as we can brighten and whiten your smile by several shades in just a single visit! The ZOOM! system is suitable for almost anyone and we customize the treatment to help you achieve the results you want. Schedule your in-office teeth whitening session today at 5 Points Advanced Dentistry to enjoy the benefits of Zoom!® advanced teeth whitening technology!
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
There are also other options if you don’t want to get your teeth whitened in the office. If you would prefer to whiten your teeth gradually in the comfort of your own home, talk to us about the DayWhite® or Opalescence® Boost teeth whitening kits. You can wear a tray filled with a whitening solution when it is most convenient for you and see results within 10 to 14 days. We have many busy patients looking for a simple and effective teeth whitening solution that love their results with our take-home whitening systems.
Dental Crowns
The purpose of dental crowns is to restore the normal size, shape, and strength of your tooth, and also to cover any imperfections in your teeth. Unlike teeth whitening that cleans the teeth, a crown covers the tooth. A crown can make teeth look great and feel stronger. If you have a tooth filling you don’t want to be seen, for example, a crown can cover it up, whereas teeth whitening cannot. A crown is a great way to cover teeth that are out of position, uneven, or discolored.
Do you have weak teeth that you and your dentist are concerned they might break? Dr. Imm can prepare a crown to prevent brittle teeth from chipping or breaking, as well as to restore already broken teeth. This is a great treatment option that allows you to keep your natural tooth, but ensure that it will be stronger and aesthetically pleasing. There are several materials that are used to make crowns and they range from very strong to very aesthetically appealing. With your help, your dentist will choose the right one for you. The crown is custom-made to fit your tooth and goes over top of the natural tooth. Essentially, it looks like a thimble and it is cemented to your tooth. If a crown is recommended by your dentist, then it is the chosen procedure to solve the dental issues listed above. Always remember that the primary objective of the dentist is to ensure that you have a healthy smile for life!
Bridges and Implants
Do you have missing teeth that are affecting your confidence in your smile? Or do you have a hard time chewing or speaking due to a gap in your teeth? To replace missing teeth, there are two types of replacement procedures: an implant and a fixed bridge. Bridges or dental implants are used to fill in this space and help you to be more confident smiling as well as reduce discomfort when you are eating and drinking.
In a fixed bridge replacement procedure, an artificial tooth is used to replace the missing tooth. For bridges, the restoration can use alloys, gold, porcelain or combinations of those materials, and it is hooked to the teeth to close the gap for support. It is a great alternative because it looks great and it can even fill the space of several missing teeth.
Implants are installed by placing a titanium fixture directly in the jawbone and screwing in a fully-functional fake tooth into your gums. They can take some time to heal, however, implants are a great permanent solution for tooth loss that can give you confidence smiling, as well as eating any type of food. You can have no fear of biting into an apple or an ear of corn after dental implants!
The success of an implant or a bridge depends on the foundation of the teeth, the gums, and the jaw bone. It is important to keep your gums, teeth and a jaw bone healthy to help these procedures be successful!
What’s the best procedure for me?
The decision of which procedure to go for will be different for every patient, and cannot be made before visiting your dentist! The final decision is made after your dentist has examined your mouth and spoken to you about your desired outcomes, and any questions or concerns you have. Each of these procedures has different results, costs, recovery, and time associated with them. But before you go into your appointment, it’s great to know what options you have and help yourself become educated on the different procedures we have available! We are always more than happy to discuss each option in detail and advise you on what we would suggest for your individual treatment plan.
No one wants to feel uncomfortable smiling, especially with all of your upcoming spring and summer events! We love transforming our patients’ smiles and getting to see them become excited to show them off! Schedule your visit with us today to discuss your ideal results and how we can get you there! We look forward to speaking with you about your vision for your smile!
If you have cracked or dull teeth, you may suffer from low self-esteem. If this is the case, and you no longer want to be embarrassed by your teeth, a smile makeover may be a worthwhile consideration. A smile makeover begins with a dentist looking at your entire mouth, discussing your concerns, and choosing procedures that will improve your smile. Afterward, you will want to show off your pearly whites instead of hiding them.
What are the Benefits of a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover will restore both function and aesthetics to your mouth. For example, if you have a misaligned bite, we can correct the problem so you can chew properly and smile without being self-conscious. Damaged or crooked teeth can also be repaired, and missing teeth can be permanently replaced. After a complete smile makeover, you will enjoy a beautiful smile, enhanced tooth structure, better jaw health, and improved self-confidence.
What Procedures are Involved in a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover usually consists of numerous cosmetic procedures. For example, a patient may receive dental implants, veneers, Invisalign, or whitening treatments. Before forming a plan of action, a dentist will examine your gums, teeth color, and the overall condition of your mouth.
Color. If your teeth are stained, or you have amalgam fillings that bring a damaged look to your teeth, the color can be improved with white fillings or a whitening procedure. Thanks to today’s technology, it is possible to perfectly match the color of your existing teeth. A professional whitening treatment provides faster and better results than an OTC product or kit. In-office procedures include the application of high-dose hydrogen peroxide. When performed correctly, it is possible to whiten teeth a few shades after one visit. Also, veneers may be placed over teeth to improve their shape and color.
Alignment and Spaces. If your teeth are crooked, or your mouth has visible gaps, we can correct this as well. Invisalign is a set of clear molded braces that straighten teeth without the use of traditional metal brackets. Clear trays are custom fit and work to correct misalignments. It is possible to wear them without people noticing, and remove them for cleaning. Also, veneers may be applied to teeth that are chipped, leaning, or imperfect in other ways.
Missing Teeth. One of the most common ways that a smile makeover improves a person’s appearance is by replacing missing teeth. If you have spaces in your mouth, it may be impossible to eat or speak correctly. Dental implants are permanent solutions that look and function like real teeth. They are implanted into the jaw, which means that they are not removable like dentures. Dental crowns are placed over the implants to make them look just like your natural teeth. These may also be used as part of a bridge. Both bridges and crowns are cemented on top of existing teeth to repair them. Bridges are used to fill spaces where more than one tooth is missing. By filling in these gaps, your jaw and facial shape can be preserved. Crowns offer strength to damaged teeth as well.
Bone Reshaping. If you have lost one or more of your teeth, there will be a hole left behind in your jawbone. Your gums will eventually heal, but the bone will encounter various highs and lows. These can cause dentures or similar restorations to rub and cause soreness. In time, the bone will become lost. To smooth the bone, a reshaping surgery, or alveoplasty, may be necessary.
Targeting Teeth in a Smile Makeover
A smile makeover targets your teeth so that they look aesthetically pleasing. It is important to pay attention to the smile line. This goes along the upper teeth and should follow the curve of your lips during a smile. It is essential to adjust tooth length and proportion as well. When a person is young, his or her teeth are longer. With time, teeth begin to wear down and become shorter. Veneers can restore length. Also, it is possible to modify the gums. Gum tissue reshaping helps people who have uneven, obtrusive or receding gums.
Besides leaving a smile looking better, it also helps to prevent periodontal disease. When gums are receding, teeth are left exposed and pockets commonly develop. These pockets accumulate bacteria that can cause severe problems.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Smile Makeover?
Anyone looking to improve their oral and overall health may take advantage of a smile makeover. If you are unhappy with the look of your teeth, Dr. Imm, who specializes in cosmetic dentistry, can help. He can meet with you to do a thorough examination of your teeth and mouth and discuss exactly what results you are looking for in the smile makeover.
How to Maintain Results of a Smile Makeover
After undergoing a smile makeover, a patient must change his or her oral hygiene routine in order to maintain positive results. It is essential to brush with a non-abrasive toothpaste and to floss each day. Removing debris from between teeth will elongate the lifespan of any cosmetic procedure and keep tooth decay from starting.
If you receive composite fillings or crowns, it is best to avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol. This is known to have negative effects. Also, we will advise you to avoid foods that are packed with sugar and items that are known to cause staining (coffee, cigarettes, etc.).
Finally, please avoid biting or chewing hard objects (such as ice). Even though cosmetic restorations are sturdy, the best way to ensure a long life for your new smile is to act with care. Your dentist will be able to provide more advice when you meet so that you can easily maintain the results of your smile makeover.
Before you decide to pursue a smile makeover, it is vital to understand what can realistically be accomplished. At 5 Points Advanced Dentistry, we offer all patients previews of expected results. We use state-of-the-art imaging technology and various mock-ups so that it is possible to see all of the improvements that a smile makeover will bring. We provide customized plans for all of our patients so that individual needs are targeted. For more information, call our office today.
Did you know that 48% of people will say that a smile is the most memorable feature after they meet someone for the first time? At 5 Points Advanced Dentistry, we understand that the aesthetics of your smile are just as important as your oral and overall health. One of the most important parts of ensuring healthy teeth and gums is choosing the right dentist for you and your family. At 5 Points Advanced Dentistry, we are ready to meet and exceed your needs.
Dr. John Imm is the dentist at our office. He has had extensive education and experience, including The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and a fellowship at The International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He did his residency in Advanced General Dentistry at the University of Florida. This residency education is part of the reason he chose to name his practice 5 Points Advanced Dentistry. Dr. Imm is passionate about continuing his education and keeping up with all of the advancements in dental care and technology.
Why Should You Choose 5 Points Advanced Dentistry as Your Family Dentist?
Preventive dentistry is important for individuals of all ages. Semi-annual dental exams are not just for cleaning, but for screening for underlying issues like cavities. If there are more serious issues, like precursors to gum disease, we will be able to catch it before it progresses further. From routine checkups and cleanings to information about home oral care, every visit to 5 Points Advanced Dentistry will help improve your dental and overall health.
Dr. Imm is passionate about creating a positive, caring dental experience for every patient—old and young. Our highly trained team will do all we can to make you feel comfortable as soon as you arrive at our office. We hope that we show you that we truly care about each patient, so you know you have a found a dentist you can trust.
Our compassionate approach is especially great for young children and adults who have had bad experiences in the past. Fear is one of the main reasons people avoid dental visits, so everyone in your family will appreciate our down-to-earth approach. From toddlers to grandparents, we will do all we can to ensure your entire family looks forward to appointments. Our personalized care will make every visit a pleasant experience.
You should visit the dentist at least twice each year. A comprehensive exam will help us detect dental issues in their earliest stages. Early treatment costs less, involves less discomfort, and produces the best results. The exam will provide a whole picture of your oral health.
A thorough cleaning can also prevent future dental problems. During a professional cleaning, our hygienists are able to remove tartar and plaque that cannot be removed with your toothbrush and floss. When combined with a solid home oral care routine, a semi-annual cleaning will help you avoid cavities and gum disease. General dentistry should be one of the top priorities for you and your family.
Why Should You Choose 5 Points Advanced Dentistry as your Cosmetic Dentist?
We believe everyone deserves a beautiful smile. At 5 Points Advanced Dentistry, our cosmetic dentistry procedures include:
Smile Makeovers
Invisalign
Teeth Whitening
Crowns and Bridges
Composite Fillings
Dental Implants
Smile Makeovers
At 5 Points Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Imm will consult with you about your goals for your dental health and appearance. Then, he will develop a smile makeover treatment plan that will focus on reaching those goals. Because every patient is different, each smile makeover process will be unique. When we consult with our patients about a smile makeover, procedures we may recommend include composite bonding, dental implants, Invisalign, teeth whitening, and others.
Invisalign
Adults and teenagers who need braces often hesitate when it comes to old-fashioned metal braces. These braces may be viewed as unattractive and can be uncomfortable. One alternative option to consider is Invisalign. This orthodontic treatment is effective, fast, and discreet because the customized, clear braces are nearly invisible. Invisalign braces are easy to clean as well because they can be removed.
Teeth Whitening
We provide a few different teeth whitening options for our patients. Our Zoom! In-Office Whitening procedure is fast, effective, and customized for you specifically. With this treatment, will be able to whiten your teeth several shades in just one visit.
Our DayWhite® or Opalescence® Boost take-home teeth whitening kits are affordable options for patients who want to whiten their teeth. For this treatment, we will prepare trays filled with the whitening solution for you to take home. You will be able to wear these trays when it is most convenient for you and you will see results within 10 to 14 days.
Crowns and Bridges
A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” that fits over your tooth to repair and strengthen it. These are necessary after you undergo a root canal treatment or if your tooth has sustained damage or trauma. Because each crown is custom, it will be made to match your surrounding natural teeth.
We can use a bridge to fill a gap between two teeth. A bridge is a set of two or more crowns custom-made to resemble your missing teeth. These are attached to the surrounded teeth to fill the gap and recreate your smile.
Composite Fillings
After Dr. Imm cleans out a cavity, he will fill it with a composite filling. This is a tooth-colored filling that will protect your tooth from further decay.
Dental Implants
Dr. Imm can use dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth in your mouth. Implants can preserve your jaw bone, so you do not experience bone loss, and will fill the gap between your teeth, so your natural teeth will not shift.
Dental Procedures For Special Problems
At 5 Points Advanced Dentistry, we are ready to assist with all of your dental care needs. Dr. Imm also takes special care to focus on your whole mouth and overall health. Studies have found that the condition of your gums and teeth is actually linked to your overall health, so Dr. Imm has become more focused on this and making sure we uncover all underlying problems.
If you are experiencing oral pain or discomfort, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. It’s not necessary to wait until your semi-annual exam if you have an immediate problem. Dr. Imm will be happy to take a look and determine which route would be best for treatment.
For example, if you are experiencing jaw pain or popping, you may have a disorder called TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) Disorder. Many people develop this disorder if they grind their teeth at night. This is something Dr. Imm has a lot of experience diagnosing and treating. At 5 Points, we can create a custom mouthguard to prevent further grinding, and provide more advanced treatment if necessary. Taking these measures against nighttime teeth grinding can preserve your gums and teeth, and keep your jaw healthy.
If you do have TMJ, the condition affects the placement of your ligaments and jawbones. This altered position can cause your airway to be narrowed. A narrowed airway can lead to mouth breathing during sleeping and snoring and can even cause your airway to collapse. This is one of the things that Dr. Imm is particularly focused on uncovering if the problem exists. Your health is important to him and all of us here at 5 Points.
If you have tooth pain, there are several causes that could be behind it. You may need to have a tooth extracted, periodontal care, bone reshaping, or crowns. Whatever your particular situation may be, we are here to help. So, don’t wait until your regularly scheduled appointment if you have an oral health concern—contact 5 Points Advanced Dentistry.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
We are the dental team for your toddlers, teens, adults, and seniors. Whether your family members all come in at the same time, or appointments are scheduled on different days, you will quickly see why so many people in the Columbus, Ohio area choose us.
If it has been more than six months since you have had a checkup, you are experiencing an oral problem, or you have questions, this is the ideal time to contact us for an appointment. Simply call us at 614-451-5435 or email us at info@ua5pointsdentistry.com. Our friendly, compassionate staff wants to meet you, and help you have the best oral health possible! We look forward to meeting you and your family.
Your teeth go through a lot. Starting at around 12 years old we have all of our adult teeth, not counting wisdom teeth which we get around age 18. From then on, those same teeth are chewing food and taking the brunt of everything we put in our mouths. Even though we may follow all the rules and take care of our teeth, sometimes external factors such as disease or genetics can cause us to lose our teeth. Dental implants are a great option for people who may be suffering from this.
What Are the Cons?
What Are the Cons?
