Dental Implants – Grove City, OH

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small, titanium posts that are inserted below the gum line to replace the missing root structure of a tooth. Due to their biocompatible nature, implants are able to naturally fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once this has occurred, Dr. Merrell can attach the crown (replacement tooth) to the implant.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Although dental implants are among dentistry’s most advanced and complex treatments, our team makes it simple for you. Here are the 4 major components of the dental implant process: the consultation, implant surgery, osseointegration, and restoration. While other dental practices send you to a specialist for part of this process, we handle every stage right here. Prior to starting treatment, we can answer any of your questions, explain what you can expect next, and help you every step of the way.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

Your initial dental implant consultation will involve meeting with Dr. Merrell and discussing your dental goals. This appointment is extremely valuable because he’ll perform a thorough examination of your mouth and go over your medical history to determine whether you would be a good candidate for the procedure. It’s also the opportune time to discuss financial details and other important information you need to know before moving forward. By the end of this visit, you should have a clear treatment plan in place to restore your smile!

Dental Implant Surgery

If necessary, we will take care of any preliminary work that needs to be done, such as tooth extractions or gum disease therapy. Once you’ve been approved, Dr. Merrell can then complete the dental implant placement surgery in the comfort of our dental office. That way, you don’t have to visit a different office or work with a team you’re unfamiliar with. Our team will be with you every step of the way, providing guidance and advice for smooth, speedy healing.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

After placement, you’ll undergo the natural months-long process of osseointegration, where your implants will fuse with your jawbone. The implant posts stimulate new bone growth, which surrounds the implants and gives them their sturdiness and strength. When osseointegration is complete, typically between three and six months, we will perform a quick, minor procedure, opening up the gum tissue only to insert the abutment, which is a connector piece. The abutment will stick up above the gums, but will be covered with a temporary restoration.

Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)

Finally, as soon as your mouth is fully healed and ready, we’ll collect impressions of your upper and lower arches and send this information to the dental lab. They will fabricate your final restoration(s), which usually requires a couple of weeks. After the final product arrives, we can then bond the restoration(s) into place. At that point, you can use and enjoy your fully restored smile! Just keep in mind that you may need a little time to adjust to having strong, stable teeth again.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer a wide array of unique benefits that distinguish them from traditional restorations. Some of these advantages include:

• Natural-looking and feeling replacement teeth
• Easy maintenance
• Long lifespan with regular care
• Preservation of facial structure
• Avoid jawbone deterioration
• Enhanced chewing ability
• No alteration of surrounding teeth necessary

Who Dental Implants Can Help

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you could likely benefit from getting dental implants at Park Street Dental of Grove City. The procedure can be customized based on your tooth loss situation, and we’ll go over the following options with you during your consultation to see which one would be best to complete your unique smile. Then, we can put together a concrete plan and get started with treatment!

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Although implants can be used to replace any number of teeth, there are a few requirements you must meet to qualify for this treatment. First, your mouth must be healthy or free from infection; otherwise, your gum tissue may not properly stabilize and attach to the implant post. Second, your jawbone needs to have sufficient density and strength to hold the implant posts in place. What if you do not meet these criteria but still want dental implants? There are treatments that can help you get into a better position for implants, increasing your odds of success.

Missing One Tooth

For a single missing tooth, we can position one dental implant post below the gums. This will fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, allowing us to then place a small, metal connector piece called an abutment that will hold a customized dental crown in place, filling the gap in your smile. As a result, your surrounding natural teeth do not need to be reduced in order to hold a dental bridge. They can remain whole and strong for as long as possible.

Missing Multiple Teeth

For several consecutive missing teeth, we can place a customized dental bridge in your mouth, anchoring it to two dental implants on each end instead of your natural teeth. Not only will this provide the bridge with more support and strength, but it will also keep your healthy teeth intact by not requiring them to be altered in any way, meaning you can preserve them for many years.

Missing All Teeth

To restore an entire arch of teeth, we don’t need to put one implant in for every missing tooth. We can attach a full denture to anywhere from four to eight dental implants that are strategically located along the jaw. This will eliminate any common inconveniences caused by traditional dentures, like slipping and shifting while chewing, irritated gums, and deterioration of jaw bone. It also still provides you with all the benefits of dental implants—even though there are only a handful of them.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Every dental implant procedure that Dr. Merrell performs is custom-tailored. This means that there’s no singular, set cost of this treatment that he can provide you with before he examines your mouth. Based on details like how many dental implants you’ll need and what type of restoration you require, he’ll be able to outline the cost and discuss your financing options.