Missing teeth can be uncomfortable and inconvenient in your daily life. The gaps in your smile can affect your confidence, ability to eat, and overall oral health.
Our skilled team at Priest Dental is ready to provide you with a lasting solution: dental implants. We’ll help you regain a beautiful, functional smile you can be proud of. Located in Ashland, Ohio, and serving Akron and the surrounding areas, Priest Dental is your go-to destination for comprehensive cosmetic dentistry services.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an option to replace missing teeth and provide a fixed solution to removable dentures. Dental implants are natural-looking replacement teeth that are fixed in the jaw. Implant treatment provides an option to correct the most troublesome cases associated with missing teeth and ill-fitting dentures.
A titanium implant is surgically placed into the jawbone to support tooth-replacement structures such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.
While the implant mimics the root of the tooth, the replacement structure looks and feels just like a natural tooth, providing patients with a permanent solution that replicates the fit and feel of natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer numerous advantages over traditional tooth replacement methods. Here are some key benefits:
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants mimic natural teeth for a seamless and realistic look.
- Durability and Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective long-term solution.
- Improved Oral Health: Implants help preserve jawbone structure and do not require altering adjacent teeth.
- Enhanced Comfort and Functionality: Implants are secure and stable, so you can speak, eat, and smile confidently.
- Easier Maintenance: Caring for dental implants is simple and similar to caring for natural teeth, without the need for special cleaning solutions.
What is the Dental Implant Procedure?
The dental implant procedure begins with an examination and consultation to assess your oral health and determine the best treatment plan. Typically, the entire process can take three to six months, but it may take longer if you need more treatments like bone grafting to support the implant. The duration and specific steps depend on factors like your dental health, the condition and quality of your jawbone, and the number of teeth being replaced.
Here are the main steps involved in the dental implant procedure:
- Step 1: The dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum to expose the jawbone. They then precisely place one or more implants into the bone to replicate the root structure of the missing teeth.
- Step 2: After the implant has integrated with the jawbone during the healing period, impressions of your teeth and bite are taken to create a custom abutment and crown.
- Step 3: In the final stage, the gum is reopened to expose the implant. The abutment and crown are then securely attached, completing the restoration process.
This method ensures that the dental implants are stable, functional, and look natural, providing a durable solution for missing teeth.
Dental Implant After-Care and Recovery
Immediately following your procedure, you’ll want to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your dentist for optimal healing and reduced risk of complications. This includes practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding strenuous activities, and following a soft food diet for the initial recovery period. Gently rinsing your mouth with a prescribed antiseptic mouthwash and taking any prescribed medications will help manage pain and prevent infection. Get detailed post-operative instructions here.
During the recovery phase, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can impair healing. With diligent after-care and regular dental visits, your implants will provide a strong, lasting foundation for a beautiful smile.
Recovery times can vary, but most patients can expect a few days of rest and a gradual return to normal activities within a week. It's important to attend all follow-up appointments so your dentist can monitor the healing process and ensure the implant is integrating with the jawbone.
Why Choose Priest Dental?
At Priest Dental, our commitment to excellence and patient-focused care sets us apart. Dr. Kevin Priest is a distinguished dentist with a wealth of experience and accolades, including a fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and Midwest Implant Institute. Dr. Priest, Dr. Evan MacDonald, and Dr. Elsie Hinz bring a diverse range of expertise and dedication to continuing education. We always aim to give our patients the latest and most effective dental care.
The Priest Dental team will treat you like family, with a focus on your overall health and well-being. Experience the exceptional care and welcoming environment at Priest Dental, where your smile is our priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for tooth replacement. With proper care and maintenance, they can last many years, often a lifetime. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are essential to ensure their longevity.
Will I Be in Pain After the Dental Implant Procedure?
You may experience minor soreness after the dental implant procedure, which can be treated with over-the-counter ibuprofen medication.
How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. It's important to continue good oral hygiene with the implants to prevent bacteria buildup, which can cause gum disease or bone loss.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a great option for individuals who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or periodontal disease. Ideal candidates should be healthy and have enough jawbone density to support the implant. You’ll also need healthy gums, which are vital to the implant's long-term success. Non-smokers or individuals willing to quit smoking during the healing process are preferred candidates since smoking can impede proper healing and integration of the implant with the bone.
Additionally, you’ll need to commit to maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups. Age is not a significant factor; however, younger patients must have fully developed jawbones, while older patients must have enough bone structure to support the implant. If you meet these criteria, dental implants could be the solution to restore your smile and improve your quality of life.
Can Dental Implants Be Done for Multiple Teeth?
Yes, dental implants replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even provide support for a full set of dentures. We’ll customize your treatment plan to fit your needs and the condition of your jawbone and remaining teeth.
What Can I Eat After Getting Dental Implants?
Initially, you should stick to a soft food diet to avoid putting pressure on the implant site. Foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes are good options. As you heal, you can gradually reintroduce more solid foods. Your dentist will provide detailed dietary guidelines based on your recovery process.
Schedule A Consultation with Priest Dental
To learn more about the services we offer, please contact our office or call us at 419-289-1813. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is ready to answer any questions you may have about dental implants or any other dental concerns. Schedule your consultation today to discuss your dental implant options and take the first step toward restoring your confidence and oral health.