Dental Implants in Medina, OH
Your smile is one of the first things a person notices when they meet you. Even if the missing tooth is not immediately noticeable to others, it is to you! Happiness in yourself is important to everyone at any age. Our patients in Medina, Brunswick, Copley, Bath, and surrounding areas have chosen to improve their lives with dental implants at Frontier Dental.
Modern dental procedures have advanced dramatically in the last few decades. Dental implant restoration is an innovative dental procedure with increasing demand in the US since the 1950s. Getting your tooth replaced restores hope, improves your appearance, and also stops your teeth from shifting closer—which can lead to more significant complications.
Here at Frontier Dental, we help patients get their confidence and smile back. Dr. Karunagaran is a highly qualified and experienced prosthodontist who will guide you through the entire process.
- What Are Dental Implants?
- How Do Dental Implants Help?
- How Does the Procedure Work?
- Are Dental Implants Right For You?
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants serve as an artificial tooth root that is anchored to your jawbone and supports the dental implant crown, restoring your appearance, ability to chew effectively, and your oral health.
Here are the three basic components of the dental implant process:
- The dental implant is physically placed in your jawbone to anchor your tooth replacement.
- The abutment screws into the implant and holds the dental crown in place. This makes the process of replacing the crown easier.
- The dental crown is what you see; it's the dental prosthesis that looks, feels, and functions like your natural tooth. The crown is shaped and shaded to blend with your surrounding teeth.
How Do Dental Implants Help?
Dental implants take the place of your missing tooth and can help restore the following:
- Your smile and the contours of your face
- Your ability to eat anything you want
- Your speech
- Your confidence
Because the implants themselves have fused to your bone, there is no worry about them slipping or falling out; they also prevent your jawline from degrading.
Most of our patients seek restoration for various tooth issues, including but not limited to:
- Replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth
- Anchoring a fixed dental bridge
- Stabilizing a full set of dentures
There are different types of dental implants:
- Single Tooth Implants
- Multiple Teeth Implants
- Full Mouth Implants
- Mini Dental Implants
- All-on-4® Dental Implants
How Does the Procedure Work?
The dental procedure works in two processes: 1) surgical placement of the artificial root (the titanium post) and 2) attaching the dental crown or other replacement teeth. A dental implant is a small, thin titanium post that's surgically placed in the jawbone, replacing the tooth's missing root. Over time, the jawbone and implant bond together, becoming a sturdy and permanent foundation for the artificial tooth or teeth. This process, called osseointegration, can take a few months, but many people can still enjoy their daily routines without much disruption.
All-on-4®
For patients who have used dentures for a long time or need multiple teeth restored, All-on-4 may be a good option. With this technique, only four dental implants are implanted to support complete dentures that do not shift or fall out.
Snap-On Dentures
Snap-on dentures get support from the dental implants they snap onto. While traditional dentures rest on the gums, snap-on dentures are secured to multiple implants. Unlike All-on-4, these dentures are removable and can be snapped back into place.
Your oral surgeon, Dr. Michael Horan, will go through each dental implant option with you during your consultation and decide your best course of action.
Implant prosthetics may require pretreatments, including dental extractions.
Can I Get Cavities with Dental Implants?
Dental implants are not susceptible to decay because they are made of titanium and porcelain. Dental implants are, however, susceptible to periodontal disease. Uncontrolled periodontal disease can lead to losing a dental implant, a condition called peri-implantitis. However, you can maintain good gum health by receiving regular dental cleanings and exams.
How Effective Are Dental Implants in Medina?
Dental Implants can be very successful as a long-term solution for patients. Success depends on:
- The location of the implant
- Jawbone density and health
- If you smoke
- Your oral hygiene
- Your general health
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Most patients say that the procedure is painless and have said that taking a tooth out is far more uncomfortable. This is because teeth have a large number of nerve fibers attached to them, and therefore, the job of removing a tooth can cause pressure sensations. Dental implants, on the other hand, are placed into the bone, which has a significantly lower number of nerves and is, therefore, relatively painless.
How Do Dental Implants Form a Tooth?
A dental implant comprises of the following:
- Dental implant: This is the part that is inserted into the bone and makes up for the lost root of your tooth.
- Abutment: This part forms the tooth structure that will attach the tooth's crown to the implant by a screw.
- Dental crown or replacement teeth: This is the visible tooth, and it attaches to the abutment.
How Much Are Dental Implants, and Will My Insurance Cover It?
In most instances, the cost of a dental implant is about the same as restoring the missing teeth with a dental bridge. Some insurance plans may cover dental implants, depending on the plan type. As always, we encourage patients to verify with their insurance, or our knowledgeable team can assist.
Are There Metal-Free Implants?
Implants are metallic because they are titanium, which is a safe, biocompatible material. Some people who wish to have a non-metal option may benefit from zirconia dental implants.
Book Your Affordable Dental Implant Consultation in Medina, OH
Are dental implants right for you? Call us to find out! We invite you to come in for a consultation at our dental office in Medina, OH. This is a low-cost visit that is sometimes covered by Delta Dental insurance.
At this consultation, we will discuss your health history and dental options. Your consultation also includes x-rays and a treatment plan for you to consider. Your concerns are important at Frontier Dental, and our dental team will work closely with you every step of the process, from your initial consultation to your follow-up appointments.
We do not accept Medicare, Medicaid, or worker's compensation claims.
Call our dental office today to start your journey to a better smile.