Dental Implants in Hilliard, OH

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that involves the surgical placement of small metal posts into the jawbone to support a natural-looking prosthetic. Their design mimics the look and function of natural teeth, providing individuals with a fully restored, beautiful smile. Dr. Nathan Desai in Hilliard can use them to restore one or several missing teeth. 

A dental implant is made of a biocompatible material, commonly titanium, allowing it to fuse with the jawbone over time naturally. This process, known as osseointegration, creates a strong foundation for custom-made prosthetic teeth. It also allows patients to achieve a natural-looking smile that can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene care.

The Dental Implant Structure

A dental implant consists of the following three components:

1. Implant Body: The main part of the implant that’s usually made of titanium or a titanium alloy. It’s surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for the rest of the implant.
2. Abutment: The part that protrudes above the gum line and provides a connection point for the prosthetic tooth. It’s typically made of titanium or a similar material.
3. Artificial Tooth: The visible restoration that replaces the tooth. It’s most often a dental crown that can be made of porcelain, ceramic, or acrylic resin.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Patients in Hilliard can experience the following benefits of dental implants:

• Improved aesthetic appearance 
• Enhance confidence
• A durable, long-lasting tooth replacement 
• Improved speaking ability
• Better eating experience
• Improved oral health
• Preservation of the jawbone
• Easy implant maintenance
• Cost-effective solution
• Prevents the shifting of surrounding teeth
• No food restrictions 
• Better quality of life

Types of Dental Implants

Endosteal Dental Implants

The most common type of dental implant is endosteal. With endosteal dental implants, the post gets inserted directly into the bone and is used for those who have enough bone structure to support it.

There are various dental implant treatments available today. However, each dental office offers different options. To learn more about the options offered at our Hilliard practice, contact our dentist today.

Single-Tooth Dental Implants

Single-tooth dental implants completely replace one lost tooth from root to crown. It involves the placement of a titanium implant into the jawbone that serves as the foundation for a custom-made prosthetic single-tooth replacement itself. Most patients receive a dental crown as the visible portion of their implant treatment. A single-tooth replacement with a dental implant provides patients with a permanent solution for missing or damaged teeth.

All-On-Four

All-on-four dental implants are full-arch replacement options. It involves placing four dental implants in the upper or lower jawbone and securing a full arch of prosthetic replacement teeth to them. The All-on-four technique is less invasive and can be completed in one day. All-on-four implants are a good option for those who have lower bone density, as they allow for the restoration of a full arch of teeth while using fewer implant posts. See our All-on-4 dental implant case study here! 

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are excellent options for replacing multiple teeth. A traditional dental bridge, or artificial tooth root, is anchored to the jaw using dental implants. The bridge is typically made up of two or more artificial teeth that are connected and attached to the implant abutments. The number of posts needed will vary depending on the size of the bridge.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are removable appliances anchored to the mouth and jaw using dental implants. They provide a more secure fit and eliminate the messy adhesives that removable dentures typically need. Implant-supported dentures are also a more stable option than traditional dentures and can improve overall oral health by providing stimulation to the jawbone.

Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are a smaller version of traditional implants. They’re a less invasive implant surgery option typically used to replace a single tooth or stabilize a loose denture. They shorten the healing process and have a lower cost. However, they may not be suitable for patients who don’t have adequate bone density.

Immediate-Load “Same Day” Dental Implants

Immediate-load dental implants, also known as same-day implants, are done in one appointment. With immediate-load implants, dentists place the implant and prosthetic tooth in the mouth at the same time, allowing the patient to leave the dental office with a fully functional replacement tooth after just one dental implant procedure.

Zygomatic Dental Implants 

Zygomatic dental implants can restore lost teeth for patients who don’t have enough jawbone density to support a traditional endosteal implant. While zygomatic implants are still in use, they’re less common today and aren’t used by our Hilliard dentist. 

Subperiosteal Dental Implants

Subperiosteal dental implants sit on top of the jawbone but under the gum tissue. Subperiosteal implants are rarely used because of modern technological advancements in the field of implant dentistry.

Dental Implant Procedure

For those receiving standard dental implants, the dental implant procedure in Hilliard involves a multi-step process to replace missing teeth with artificial tooth roots and prosthetic crowns. Our Hilliard dentist will assess your oral health and create a personalized treatment plan. During the surgical phase, a small titanium implant is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as the foundation for the replacement tooth. 

Over several months, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once the implant has been firmly integrated, an abutment is attached to it, and a custom-made crown is placed on top, restoring the appearance and function of a natural tooth.

What’s the Best Implant Treatment Option for You?

You’ll want to consider your individual dental needs and smile goals when determining the best dental implant treatment. Factors such as the number of missing teeth, the condition of your jawbone, your dental implant candidacy, and your budget all play a role in determining the best option. When weighing your options, you should also evaluate the dental implant benefits and costs. Your dentist or oral surgeon can help you evaluate your options and make a recommendation.

If you’re wondering where to start, find out how to find the best dental implant provider for you and your needs. For those in Hilliard, contact our implant dentist today to schedule your consultation at (614) 771-6060.