Dental Implants – Sagamore Hills, OH

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

At the initial appointment, your dentist near Macedonia will address the main issues you have with your teeth and find out what your goals are to create a plan for the best way to achieve the results you want. This will also include a review of your medical history, a comprehensive exam, and any necessary radiographs to ensure a successful treatment.

• Dental impressions will be taken if an implant is the best solution, and it will be used to create our surgical guides.
• A CT scan may be necessary for many cases because it helps us in planning your case by giving us a 3D picture of your bone, compared to a 2D X-Ray.

Many factors determine the course of an implant case. For starters, is the tooth present, has it been lost recently, or have you been without it for several years? Each situation presents a different set of issues we will work to address, including if there is enough bone to accept a dental implant. If the bone is inadequate, a bone graft procedure may be necessary. Bone grafts and other advanced procedures make replacing teeth possible for many people who would not have the option otherwise.

Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery is relatively easy and minimally invasive. A small incision is made in your gum tissue to expose the implant site. We prepare the bone with small titanium or ceramic burs and the implant is placed, followed by a healing cap or a temporary crown. The soft tissues are then sutured closed around the implant to heal.  Two weeks after surgery, we will follow up for post operation check-up and ensure that the tissues around the dental implant are healing well.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

We allow a period of time for osseointegration prior to proceeding with the last phase of treatment. Osseointegration is the process where your bone cells grow and fuse to the dental implant.

Placement of Dental Implant Restorations

Once we have determined that your implant has successfully integrated, we will attach a ceramic crown to the dental implant via an abutment and screw. The end result is a vibrant, natural feeling restoration that blends in and functions well with your own teeth.

Day-to-Day Benefits

• Natural look and feel – After being surgically placed, the implant posts fuse with your jawbone. This enables them to feel just as natural as the teeth that you used to have. Additionally, the replacement teeth that go on top of your implants are custom-made from lifelike materials to resemble your original pearly whites. In short, dental implants in Sagamore Hills are the next best thing to your real teeth!
• Stability – Because your new teeth are secured onto posts that are firmly embedded in your jaw, they won’t slip around like regular dentures tend to do. You’ll be able to smile confidently with the knowledge that your teeth will stay where they’re supposed to be at all times.
• Easier eating – By bringing back the root structures of missing teeth, dental implants restore almost all of the chewing and biting force that you had before tooth loss. Essentially, you’ll be able to eat all of the chewy and crunchy foods that you want. You’ll also have a much easier time maintaining a balanced diet full of nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Health Benefits

• Prevent dental drift – When a tooth is lost, the teeth on either side of it will start to drift out of place. Eventually, this can make cause orthodontic problems and make it more difficult to fill the gap down the road. Dental implants work to keep your remaining teeth in their proper positions.
• Preserve your jawbone – Another consequence of missing teeth is bone loss in the jaw. Normally, the force from biting and chewing travels through the roots of your teeth and stimulates your jawbone. Without tooth roots, your jawbone loses this stimulation and begins to deteriorate over time. Not only does this lead to an aged facial appearance, but it increases the risk of further tooth loss. Dental implants function exactly like real teeth, giving your jawbone the stimulation that it needs to stay strong and keep you looking young.
• Promote better oral health – Unlike dentures, dental implants don’t require any specialized cleaning products. Daily maintenance is often as simple as brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Because dental implants are so easy to clean, they naturally decrease your risk for oral health problems like gum infections.

Long-Term Benefits

• Incredible success rate – Dental implants are by far the most successful tooth replacement to date. More than 95% of dental implant patients are still enjoying their new teeth to the fullest, even after more than a decade down the line.
• Long-lasting solution – As long you maintain good oral hygiene and regularly visit an implant dentist in Sagamore Hills, your implants can easily last for more than 30 years. While they cost more up-front, they can actually save you money in the long run compared to bridges and dentures that have to be replaced every five to ten years.

Convenience – Dental implants save you not only money, but time as well. You won’t need to visit our dental office for adjustments, repairs, or replacements nearly as often as you would with traditional tooth loss treatments.  

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

During your consultation, Dr. Greenwood will assess your mouth and jaw to ensure that you have enough healthy jawbone mass to securely hold the implants in place. However, this isn’t the only factor that determines your eligibility for dental implants. If you’re considering dental implants, ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I committed to maintaining good oral hygiene?
• Am I willing to quit smoking or using tobacco?
• Do I feel like I have a strong jaw?
• Am I free of any pre-existing conditions that could complicate oral surgery or recovery?

Even if you answered “no” to one or more of these questions, don’t worry! You may still be a good candidate for dental implants in Sagamore Hills. We might simply have to plan out certain procedures that are designed to increase your chances of successful treatment. At your consultation, we’ll talk about whether any of these procedures are necessary.

We’ll also discuss the number of implant posts that you require to complete your smile. As we mentioned earlier, dental implants can restore any number of missing teeth:

Missing One Tooth

If you’re missing a single tooth, a dental implant topped with an all-porcelain crown can provide a replacement virtually identical to your real tooth. Porcelain is an incredibly lifelike material that can be customized to mimic the exact color of the rest of your teeth. This, coupled with the stability of the implant within the jaw, means that your tooth replacement will look and feel perfectly natural.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Traditionally, multiple missing teeth were replaced with a dental bridge or partial denture. To stay in place, these solutions relied on support from remaining healthy teeth. Over time, these teeth wear down and more susceptible to breakage, sensitivity, and decay. Dental implants easily solve this problem. With an implant-supported bridge, prosthetic teeth are created to fill the empty space and attached to an implant post at either end of the gap. A partial denture can also be designed to fit over a small number of expertly placed implants.

Learn More Implant-Supported Bridges

Missing All Teeth

Dental implants can even be used to support a full denture – one that is several times stronger and more reliable than a traditional prosthetic. A denture is anchored onto four to six implant posts that are strategically placed throughout your jawbone. Because of this added security, you won’t need to worry about your teeth slipping or irritating your gums. You’ll also be able to chew your favorite foods easily again.

Learn More About All-On-4

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

There are various stages that make up your dental implant procedure, and each part incurs a separate cost. First, any preexisting oral health issues you have will need to be treated before surgery. For example, you may need to complete gum disease treatment or a bone graft before moving forward with dental implants, which will naturally add to the final price.

Next, your dental implants will be surgically placed in your jaw by your implant dentist in Sagamore Hills. This step will also add to the total cost of your treatment. The price of dental implant surgery will depend on factors like location in the mouth and the use of sedation. We’re proud to save our patient’s valuable time and money by offering dental implant surgery right here in-office.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

We’ll also consider the dental implant or implants that you need as well. This price will depend on factors like:

• Number of dental implants : Naturally, the more dental implants you need, the more expensive your treatment will be. Thankfully, you won’t always need as many dental implants as you have missing teeth.
• Type of restoration : Different restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures each come at their own price point. While a denture is more costly than a crown or bridge, it is a more cost-effective solution than replacing many teeth with multiple crowns and bridges in most cases.
• Size or material : To meet unique needs and circumstances of our patients, some dental implants are different sizes or made of different materials, which will influence the final price.
• Brand of dental implant : Different companies make dental implants, and we only use brands that have a reputation for being trustworthy and reliable.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

Dental implants often come at a higher price than other replacement options, but their unique benefits make their cost well worth it. Dental implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth, and they stimulate your jawbone to prevent it from deteriorating after tooth loss. This helps you keep your remaining teeth while maintaining a youthful and full facial appearance. Additionally, the implants themselves can last for a lifetime with proper care, which can actually save you money in the future.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Typically, dental insurance will not cover dental implants, but you may be able to receive coverage for various procedures associated with treatment. For example, preexisting issues like gum disease will need to be treated before dental implants, which can be covered by insurance. Your plan may also cover your initial consultation and partially cover restorations, but this will all depend on the details of your unique plan. Our friendly front desk staff will help you maximize your insurance benefits while protecting your wallet from unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

Dental implants in Sagamore Hills are a great solution for most people, but there are some exceptions. For example, some patients have general health conditions such as immune disorders or unmanaged diabetes that interfere with their ability to heal properly. Others have advanced gum disease that lowers their chance of long-term implant success. In these cases, we can recommend alternative options.

Since everyone has a unique health history and oral health needs, the best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for implants is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Greenwood. After a thorough evaluation, he’ll be able to create the perfect treatment plan for you.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Yes! Dental implants have been used for several decades now and have been successfully used to restore the smiles of millions of patients. In fact, it’s estimated that around 5,000,000 new implants are placed every year, according to the ADA. Also, you’ll be glad to know that implants are made from bio-compatible, surgical-grade titanium, the same material that’s used in knee and hip replacements.

Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?

There are so many different dental insurance companies, and with the increasing demand for dental implants, many policies are paying attention. The short answer is that coverage for dental implants varies by insurance plan. They might cover some of the associated services such as exams, X-rays, etc.

With that said, every insurance plan is different, so it’s worth it to look at your individual benefits or give us a call and we’ll be happy to explain your coverage.

Can I Have the Entire Dental Implant Procedure Done in Your Office?

Absolutely. Dr. Greenwood is a dentist in Sagamore Hills with the advanced training and equipment to handle the entire implant procedure, from start to finish. After performing the surgery to place your implants, he’ll later restore them with the appropriate option (e.g., a dental crown, bridge, or denture). We’re thrilled that our implant patients don’t have to go to an outside office or work with a team that they don’t know and trust.

Will I Need to Take Time Off Work for Dental Implant Surgery?

Our patients typically will only miss the time for the surgery, and most of our patients are back to work the next day. You may have some mild swelling and tenderness in the area, but it’s typically well-managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients report minimal to no post-op discomfort.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

In most cases, you should plan on resting at home for a few days after receiving your dental implants. During your initial recovery, your biggest concern should be to prevent a dry socket. A blood clot will form at the implant site and will need to remain in place while you’re still healing. Keep your blood clot safe by:

• Not using straws.
• Not spitting.
• Not smoking.
• Not touching the site with your fingers or tongue.

Common Side Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement

When you first get dental implants, you might experience swelling and general discomfort. Also, there may be some off-and-on bleeding. These side effects are nothing to worry about; they’ll go away on their own given enough time. To make sure your post-surgical symptoms stay under control, you can:

• Use gauze to put light pressure on the site whenever there's bleeding.
• Apply a cold compress to keep any swelling down.
• Taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.

Do your side effects seem to be getting worse? Are they lasting longer than expected? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes,” please call our office immediately.

Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery

One thing you’re likely to be wondering after getting dental implant surgery is, “What will I be able to eat during my recovery?” In general, anything hard or crunchy needs to be avoided entirely at first. Your diet should only include softer options that require very little if any chewing. Mashed potatoes, pasta, and scrambled eggs are all good options to stock up on. You can also have soup as long as it isn’t overly hot.

Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene

Preventing infection is a major concern after any type of oral surgery, so you can’t afford to neglect your oral hygiene following implant placement. Brush your teeth like you normally would while being very gentle and careful around the surgical sites. It’s also a good idea to rinse with salt water or alcohol-free prescription mouth rinse two or three times a day.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

You’ll receive your restoration once your implants have bonded with your jawbone and the rest of your mouth has healed. At this point, there shouldn’t be any swelling or bleeding, and you won’t need to take additional time off work to recover. Some patients experience minor gum sensitivity, but it’s typically easy to manage.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implant

It is no secret dental implants can be expensive; however, they are worth the money. They have the potential to last for a lifetime, so they are more cost-effective long-term because they do not need to be replaced.

There are several factors that influence the amount you pay because it is determined by your individual treatment plan, such as if you need any additional procedures and your dental insurance. We help you maximize the value of your policy to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. We also accept a variety of payment options to keep your new smile affordable.

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