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Important Facts About Dental Implants

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. 

dental implantsWhat 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. 

Why Replacing Missing Teeth Is Important

At 5Points Advanced Dentistry, we treat our patients for a variety of dental concerns. When patients come to us faced with getting a tooth pulled, tooth loss or extraction, our Upper Arlington dentist, Dr. John G. Imm III will educate them on the advantages of replacing their teeth and the importance of doing so as soon as possible.

How does tooth loss occur?

The human mouth is designed to hold a full set of teeth, typically 32 which include incisors, canine teeth, premolars, and molars. Unfortunately, by middle age, most patients are missing one or more teeth. Additionally, approximately one in four seniors in the United States over the age of 65 have lost (or extracted) all of their teeth. How does this happen? In most cases, tooth loss occurs from:

· Periodontal disease
· Severe tooth decay
· Injury/trauma

When patients have conditions such as periodontal disease, they may experience bone loss and shrinkage that causes teeth to become loose. Tooth decay that has become so severe may require the dentist to extract the tooth. For others, trauma to the mouth has caused teeth to be knocked out, and in some cases, the dentist may be unable to reattach it.

What are the dangers and complications of missing teeth?

There are many things that can happen if patients fail to have their missing teeth replaced as soon as possible. One example is the shifting of the existing teeth. When a tooth is lost or extracted, it leaves behind a space that is not only unattractive but can cause the remaining teeth to shift. This can cause gaps elsewhere in the smile that may need to be addressed with orthodontics. Patients who have lost teeth may also notice that it becomes increasingly difficult to speak clearly or eat properly. They may also feel self-conscious about the appearance of their smile due to the lost teeth, especially if it occurs near the front of the mouth on the anterior teeth. When teeth are no longer in place, the natural bone may shrink, causing dental resorption and a sunken-in appearance to the mouth and jaw. Because of these concerns, the team at 5Points Advanced Dentistry urge patients to visit their practice and discuss tooth replacement options.

Why should I replace my missing teeth as soon as possible?

Replacing teeth as soon as they have been lost or extracted is the best way to maintain the appearance of the smile, the function of the mouth, and the health of the jaw bone.

Mirror in MouthWhat options are available for tooth loss replacement at 5Points Advanced Dentistry?

When Upper Arlington, OH area patients are missing teeth, they need to speak to our team of professionals about the options available to them for tooth replacement. Our office is pleased to offer the following treatment options for those seeking restoration of their smile:

· Partial dentures – Partial dentures are a common and economical way for patients to replace one or more teeth within the dental arch. These restorations are made with a metal framework and include false teeth that slide into place when the partial denture is inserted into the smile. These dentures can be removed for easy care and cleaning.

· Full dentures – Full dentures are used in replacing an entire arch of teeth. They are made of a high-quality acrylic frame that includes false teeth and false gums. These dentures may be used for the top arch, bottom arch, or both arches. Our dental staff recommends patients consider dental adhesives to keep their dentures in place or speak to their dentist about the possibility of using implant-retained dentures for optimum stability and strength.

· Dental bridges – Dental bridges are used when patients are missing one or more teeth in a row. These restorations include dental crowns on each side that are used with the surrounding teeth as an anchor. False teeth are fused in-between and allow patients the opportunity to repair the smile’s function and beauty in a more permanent way than partial dentures.

· Dental implants – Dental implants are a highly desirable option for many of our patients. These restorations are titanium metal posts that are placed into the bone of the jaw and restored over the top with a crown, bridge, or full denture. These versatile solutions can last a lifetime with proper care.

To determine the tooth replacement solution that fits a patient’s needs, patients should call the office to book an initial evaluation and consultation appointment with Dr. John G. Imm III. This is a great time to discuss with the dental team the options available and find out which is most appropriate for each unique situation and budget.

Request your appointment with 5Points Advanced Dentistry today!

Dr. John G. Imm III and his team of professionals in the Upper Arlington, OH area have committed themselves to help patients address tooth loss and restoration with a healthy smile in mind. If you live in the area and are interested in working with a team of professionals to enhance your smile and improve your oral health and wellness, we welcome you to book a consultation visit with our staff. We are conveniently located at 3380 Tremont Road and can be reached by phone at 614-451-5435. Our facility is always accepting new patients ready to provide the best in dental care!

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3380 Tremont Rd
Upper Arlington, OH 43221

Give us a call at 614.451.5435 today!

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