Dental Implants

Dental Implants Provider in London, OH

A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. A dental implant is a metal post that is surgically positioned into the jaw. Once in place and bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post. While the cost of dental implants is typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally last 10–20 years. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.

At London Dental Care in London, OH, our dental team provides implant dentistry with a focus on comfort, education, and long-term oral health. Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth in a way that looks natural, feels secure, and supports daily function.

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants work by replacing both the visible tooth and the tooth root. The implant body is placed into the jawbone and acts as an artificial tooth root. Over time, the surrounding bone heals and bonds with the implant through a process called implant integration.

Once healing is complete, a dental crown is placed on top of the implant post to create a new tooth. This structure allows dental implants to function much like natural teeth and provides strong support for chewing and speaking.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer many advantages compared to other tooth replacement options. They are designed to restore both function and appearance while supporting long-term oral health.

Preserve Jawbone Health
Dental implants are anchored into the jaw, which helps prevent bone loss that often occurs after tooth loss. When the tooth root is replaced, the bone continues to receive stimulation during chewing. This support helps maintain facial structure and reduces changes in appearance over time.

Protect Natural Teeth
Unlike a dental bridge, implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. This allows healthy natural teeth to remain untouched and lowers the risk of damage to surrounding teeth. Preserving natural teeth helps maintain better overall oral health.

Improve Chewing and Speaking
Because dental implants are securely placed in the jaw, they function much like natural teeth. This stability allows patients to chew comfortably and speak clearly without worry. Many patients find it easier to enjoy their favorite foods again.

Restore a Natural Appearance
Dental implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. The replacement tooth is custom-made to match your smile, helping restore confidence.

Support Long-Term Oral Health
By replacing the tooth root, dental implants help keep surrounding bone and gum tissue healthy. This support can reduce stress on nearby teeth and help prevent future dental problems. Maintaining bone and gum health is an important part of long-term oral care.

Provide Long-Lasting Results
With proper care and regular dental visits, dental implants can last many years. They are made from durable materials designed to handle daily use. Many patients view implants as a reliable, long-term solution for missing teeth.

Improve Comfort and Quality of Life
Dental implants stay firmly in place and do not slip or shift during daily activities. This comfort allows patients to speak, smile, and eat with confidence. Over time, many patients report an improved quality of life.

Who Is a Candidate for DentalIngs

Dental implants may be a good option for patients who have one missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Ideal candidates typically have healthy gum tissue, adequate bone density, and are committed to proper care and regular dental visits.

Your dentist will review your medical history and oral health to determine whether dental implant placement is appropriate. Patients with periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene, or existing bone loss may need additional treatment before implant surgery.

Planning Your Treatment

Every dental implant procedure begins with a personalized treatment plan. Your general dentist will evaluate the implant site, gum tissue, and surrounding bone to determine the best approach for your needs.

Some patients may require bone grafting or bone augmentation to improve bone density before implant placement. This step helps create a strong foundation and increases long-term success rates.

The Dental Implant Surgery Process

Dental implant treatment is completed in stages to support healing, comfort, and long-term success. Knowing what to expect at each step can help you feel more confident throughout the dental implant procedure.

Step 1: Consultation and Treatment Planning
Your dental implant process begins with a consultation at our office. Your general dentist will review your medical history, evaluate your oral health, and examine the implant site using imaging as needed. This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan based on bone density, gum tissue health, and the number of teeth being replaced.

Step 2: Preparing the Implant Site
Before implant placement, the jaw must be strong enough to support the implant body. Some patients may need a tooth extraction or bone grafting if bone loss has occurred. Bone graft or bone augmentation helps rebuild the surrounding bone and improves the success rates of dental implants.

Step 3: Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery is a carefully planned surgical procedure. During implant placement, a small incision is made in the gum tissue, and the implant post, which acts as an artificial tooth root, is placed into the jawbone at the extraction site or missing tooth location. A cover screw may be placed to protect the implant during healing.

Step 4: Healing and Implant Integration
The healing process allows the implant body to fuse with the surrounding bone, a process known as implant integration. This healing phase is essential for stability and may take several months. Patients are often advised to eat soft foods and may use pain relievers as directed to stay comfortable.

Step 5: Temporary Restoration (If Needed)
In some cases, a temporary tooth or temporary crown is placed during the healing phase. This helps maintain appearance and function while the implant heals. Not every patient needs a temporary restoration, and your dentist will guide you based on your treatment plan.

Step 6: Final Restoration
Once healing is complete, a second procedure may be performed to attach the implant post and dental crown. The final replacement tooth is custom-made to match your natural tooth shape and color. Dental implants can support a single tooth, multiple replacement teeth, or a larger number of teeth, depending on the number of implants placed.

Step 7: Ongoing Care and Maintenance
After your dental implant treatment is complete, proper care is important for long-term success. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits help protect the implant site and surrounding gum tissue. With good oral hygiene, dental implants can support your smile and quality of life for many years.

Dental Implants FAQs

How long does it take to get dental implants from start to finish?
The dental implant process can take several months from start to finish because healing time is needed after implant placement. This allows the implant body to fuse with the surrounding bone before the final replacement tooth is placed.

What types of dental implants are available, and how do they differ?
There are different types of dental implants designed to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a larger number of teeth. Your dentist will recommend the most common type of implant based on your oral health, bone density, and treatment plan.

What if I don’t have enough bone for implants?
Bone grafting or bone augmentation may be recommended to improve bone density. This helps create a stable foundation for implant placement.

What are common risks or complications associated with dental implants?
As with any surgical procedure, dental implant surgery carries some risks, such as infection, delayed healing, or issues at the implant site. Following post-surgical instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene helps reduce these risks.

Are dental implants safe and approved by health authorities like the FDA?
Yes, dental implants are widely used and approved by health authorities in the United States, including the FDA. When placed by trained dental professionals, they are considered a safe and effective tooth replacement option.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation

To receive a dental implant, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.

At London Dental Care in London, OH, Dr. Sogan and Dr. Lima provide care in a modern dental office designed to feel comfortable, calm, and patient-focused. From your first phone call to your final visit, our team takes time to explain treatment options, answer questions, and help you feel confident in your care.

If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to learn whether dental implants are right for you, we are here to help. To schedule a dental implant consultation, call London Dental Care today at 740-721-4243 and take the next step toward restoring your smile and improving your quality of life.