How do dental implants compare to other dental restoration options?

Unlike other restorations, dental implants are anchored within the jawbone to replace tooth structures above and below the gum line. As such, dental bridges and dentures can’t prevent jawbone degradation like implant posts. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of a natural tooth with implants, never having to worry about special maintenance.

Can implants be used for dentures?

Implants can help patients missing all of their natural teeth in the lower or upper jaws who have difficulty wearing a traditional denture. Our implant dentist can provide implant-supported dentures that won’t need removal for maintenance, mealtimes, or overnight. This denture appliance won’t slip or slide as you speak and chew for a comfortable fit.

Does dental insurance cover the cost of dental implants?

Some insurance companies may cover a portion of your dental implant treatment cost. We recommend contacting your provider to better understand your plan’s benefits. We’re proud to offer an in-house dental savings plan to help patients receive the dental care they need without breaking the bank. Call our Willoughby Hills office at (440) 210-0999 to learn more.

Who’s not a good candidate for dental implants?

While most patients are good candidates for dental implants, Dr. Wallace may recommend a supplemental procedure for patients who: Grind or clench their teeth (bruxism). Have pre-existing conditions such as gum disease, diabetes, cancer, or alcoholism. Lack sufficient jawbone density. Use tobacco products. Take medications such as steroids or immune system suppressants.

Endosteal Dental Implants in Willoughby Hills, OH

Transform Your Smile with Endosteal Dental Implants at Smile Brighter

At Smile Brighter, our dentist in Willoughby Hills, OH, Dr. Phillip Wallace understands how important a healthy, confident smile is to your overall well-being. That’s why we offer advanced endosteal dental implants, a reliable and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. These dental implants provide a strong foundation for natural-looking crowns, ensuring both comfort and functionality.

Whether you’re missing a single tooth or need multiple replacements, our skilled team is here to restore your smile and boost your confidence. Contact our Willoughby Hills dental office today by calling (440) 210-0999. Please note we may not offer this service at our office.

What Are Endosteal Dental Implants?

Endosteal dental implants are tooth restorations placed directly in the jawbone. Typically made of titanium, they’re the most common type of implant used for replacing teeth. Endosteal implants mimic the shape of a natural tooth root as they’re placed into the jaw, creating a secure foundation for a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, to be placed on top of the titanium implant.

There are multiple dental implant treatment options available with endosteal implants, including implant-supported dentures, single-tooth replacements, and more.

Advantages of an Endosteal Dental Implant

An endosteal implant provides various advantages, including:

Long-lasting solution: With proper care, an endosteal implant can last a lifetime.
Natural look and function: You won’t have to worry about slipping or sliding around, as endosteal implants are secure in the jaw and provide a natural appearance.
High success rates: While there’s always a small risk with any surgical procedure, endosteal implants have a success rate of around 95%.
Preservation of the jawbone: By replacing a missing tooth, patients won’t have to worry about jawbone deterioration and will have a healthy bone structure.
Improved oral health: When a lost tooth goes unreplaced, surrounding teeth can shift and create poor oral health. With a full smile, patients can achieve good oral health for years to come.
Easy maintenance: There are no special instructions for endosteal implants. Simply care for them just as you would your natural teeth.

How do Endosteal Implants Work?

Endosteal implants work by replacing the missing tooth root. During the endosteal implant procedure, a small titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone by an oral surgeon. The implant is left to heal and fuse with the bone, a natural process known as osseointegration. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, the dental surgeon attaches an artificial tooth to the metal post. While the entire procedure is completed in one visit, the recovery period varies between three and six months. Patients will achieve a beautiful, complete smile that functions just like their natural teeth.

Do You Qualify for an Endosteal Dental Implant?

Your candidacy for endosteal dental implants can be determined by your oral surgeon or dentist. To be a good candidate for endosteal implants, you need adequate jawbone density and must be in good overall health. Patients with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, or those who smoke or use tobacco products may not be candidates as it increases their chances of implant failure.

Endosteal dental implants aren’t recommended for patients with severe bone loss. For those specific cases, your dentist may consider other tooth replacement options or a supplemental procedure, such as bone grafting or a sinus lift.

Ideal candidates for endosteal implants meet the following criteria:

Excellent oral and general health
Healthy gum tissue
Fully grown jawbone and enough bone in the jaw
Can maintain a pristine at-home oral hygiene routine
Visits the dentist twice a year for checkups and dental cleanings

Endosteal Implant Alternatives

While an endosteal implant is the most popular type, there are other alternative implants and tooth replacement options. A dental professional may recommend any of the following alternatives:

Zygomatic Implants: These are longer than an endosteal implant and are anchored into the cheekbone rather than the jawbone. They’re suitable for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
Subperiosteal Implants: These implants are placed on top of the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue. Subperiosteal implants are suitable for patients who have lost a significant amount of bone density in their jaw, and they’re unable to support an endosteal implant.
Removable Dentures: These are a non-surgical option for patients who have lost several teeth or all of their teeth. Dentures can be removed for cleaning and maintenance.
Dental Bridges: A prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching to the surrounding natural teeth on either side of the gap.

To determine the best tooth replacement option, your Willoughby Hills dentist will evaluate your dental health and discuss your smile goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the surgical procedure for endosteal dental implants only takes one visit to the dentist, the entire endosteal implant process typically takes several months to complete. The implant will naturally fuse with the jawbone before the permanent restoration can be placed on top of the metal posts.

Patients can expect the entire treatment to last between three and nine months. However, some patients may need to undergo additional surgery, such as bone augmentation, to create the solid base needed for the implant body.

Endosteal dental implant surgery typically causes minimal pain as only a small incision is needed. The procedure is also usually done with some type of dental sedation. After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort and swelling, but they can manage this discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses.

Endosteal dental implants can last a lifetime with proper aftercare and oral hygiene. To increase their longevity, make sure you’re maintaining good oral hygiene, visiting the dentist for regular dental check-ups, and avoiding habits such as smoking or grinding your teeth.

Yes, endosteal dental implants can replace multiple missing teeth by placing several implants into the jawbone. Typically, these treatments are known as implant-supported dentures or implant-supported bridges. Your treatment is custom-designed to meet your needs.

Restore Confidence and Functionality with Endosteal Implants

Choosing endosteal dental implants at Smile Brighter is an investment in your oral health and quality of life. Our experienced team in Willoughby Hills, OH, is committed to providing personalized care, ensuring your implant procedure is smooth and successful. With endosteal implants, you can enjoy the benefits of a complete, beautiful smile that looks and feels natural. Contact us today by calling (440) 210-0999 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward restoring your smile.