Dental Implants Pickerington OH
Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants
Embarrassed by missing teeth? You’re not alone — nearly 70% of adults ages 35 to 44 are missing at least one permanent tooth. By age 50, most Americans have lost several. Even a single missing tooth can impact your bite, speech, and food choices.
When remaining teeth are forced to take on the work of those that are missing, they can wear down faster. This added strain may also lead to headaches or jaw pain, even from just one missing tooth.
Your appearance can also be affected. Bone loss — where the jawbone gradually deteriorates—is a natural consequence of tooth loss. In fact, most people lose about 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year. That’s why dental implants are often easier to place soon after a tooth is extracted.
Over time, bone replacement becomes more complex, making it even more important to explore your options early.
Restore Function and Reclaim Confidence with Dental Implants
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back. Schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Bath and start smiling with confidence again.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
While other tooth replacement options exist, dental implants are the closest solution to your natural teeth. They help:
- Preserve your jawbone and facial structure
- Restore your ability to chew and speak with confidence
- Protect surrounding teeth and long-term oral health
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Good candidates for dental implants in Pickerington include anyone missing one or more teeth or those unhappy with dentures. Age is not a factor. However, smoking, diabetes, certain medications, and past radiation therapy to the face or jaw may affect implant success.
During your consultation, X-rays will be taken to evaluate bone structure and determine if implants are right for you. Your dentist and implant surgeon will review your options and help you make the most informed decision about your tooth replacement.
Tooth Replacement Options
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth that are permanently attached to the surrounding teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space.
The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down before attaching the bridge.
Flipper
A fragile, temporary, and inexpensive solution is a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer, often referred to as a “flipper.”
Metal Partial
A less fragile option is a removable partial denture cast in metal and plastic. It is held in place by wire clips.
A removable partial denture can be removed and reinserted when required by the patient.
Denture
The most common solution for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws is complete dentures.
Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong.
Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged.
Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
A dental bridge requires neighboring teeth (which are often healthy) to be ground down to accommodate the bridge.
Many patients find it difficult to maintain proper hygiene around the bridge, which can lead to bad breath and additional dental problems.
Both dentures and partials must be removed at night for cleaning.
Discomfort and embarrassing slippage are common complaints. Neither bridges nor dentures do anything to prevent further bone loss and the accompanying “sunken” look of the face.
“Don’t be afraid to smile.”
For years, I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.