Some 120 million adults in this country are missing at least one tooth. If you’re among them, dental implants can transform your smile — and your life. Dr. Nathan Klabunde and the team at Northwoods Dental Group in Columbus, OH, have helped countless patients do just that.
Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanent; there’s no soaking these in a glass at night. But that’s only one of many advantages dental implants offer over other tooth replacement options.
It’s no surprise that more than 3 million implants have been placed in patients in the United States.
In this blog, Dr. Klabunde unpacks everything you need to know about dental implants. Let’s start with a quick overview.
Dental implants are comprised of a titanium post that’s surgically implanted into your jawbone to serve as an artificial root for your tooth. Once fused with your jawbone, the titanium post is topped with a prosthetic tooth made of porcelain, custom contoured and tinted to match your natural teeth.
There are many reasons to choose dental implants; here are four of the most significant:
Because implants are fused into your jawbone, there’s no worry about slippage or damage when eating hard foods. Your implant can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene, while the porcelain crown can last an average of ten years.
Porcelain isn’t just strong; its appearance mimics natural teeth so well that dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.
Because implants provide a root, these prosthetic teeth are extremely comfortable. Once the procedure is complete, you'll forget you even have them
The titanium post stimulates jaw bone growth, preventing bone loss and gum recession that can occur when teeth are missing. Also, unlike bridges, healthy neighboring teeth are not impacted.
Implants require the same oral hygiene as your natural teeth. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Visit our office for bi-annual checkups and cleanings, avoid smoking, and limit your consumption of alcohol and sugary foods.
However, even with proper care, the lifespan of implants can vary depending on your overall health, the location of the implant, and the quality of the bone in which the implant is placed.
To book a dental implant consultation with the experts at Northwoods Dental Group, call 614-333-8858, or request an appointment through our website.
