When it comes to replacing missing teeth, nothing quite matches dental implants in terms of comfort, stability, strength, and longevity. They’re the only tooth replacement to bring back every single part of the tooth, making them to closest thing to recreating what Mother Nature gave you. Here at our dental office, Dr. Carolyn Molzahn works closely with only the most skilled and experienced specialists to complete your dental implant treatment, ensuring your results are as lifelike and successful as can be. To learn more about the best way to replace missing teeth, contact our team and schedule your consultation for dental implants in Worthington, OH!
Traditional tooth replacements only bring back the parts of the teeth that you can see above the gumline, but dental implants go a step further by recreating the root as well. The implant itself is a small titanium post that a specialist surgically places into your jawbone, where the root of your natural tooth used to be. Because titanium is biocompatible, it grows attached to your jawbone and becomes as sturdy as your home-grown teeth. Then, Dr. Molzahn can attach a dental crown on top of your implant, or even a bridge or denture if you’re missing several or all of your pearly whites.
Getting dental implants can take multiple months, but the lengthier process is worth it in the end! Your specific treatment may vary, but you can generally expect to go through four phases:
Compared to traditional methods of replacing missing teeth, dental implants are unique in that they:
As many as 98% of dental implant surgeries are successful. Most patients tolerate the surgery well, heal beautifully, and end up with a wonderful smile. However, patients who smoke or those with certain medical conditions like diabetes may have a more difficult time during the healing process. That’s why Dr. Molzahn conducts a thorough examination of each patient’s oral health condition at the start.
If she determines that you’re eligible for dental implants, she can plan to restore your smile in one of the following ways.
After the specialist places a single implant post in the empty space, Dr. Molzahn can secure a ceramic dental crown on top of it. With this solution, we can seamlessly bring back your tooth without weakening your other teeth or making your prosthetic tooth obvious in your grin.
Rather than replacing each tooth with its own implant, just two posts can replace three or more lost teeth in a row. One implant can be placed at each end of the gap, with a dental bridge attached on top to literally bridge the area between them.
Even if you’ve lost an entire arch of teeth, a small number of implants can give you back your smile. Using an average of four to eight implants that are positioned at strategic points along the jaw, we can place a full implant denture that feels incredibly natural and never shifts around or falls out.
In general, you can plan on spending a bit more for dental implants initially than you would for other tooth replacement options. Additionally, the type of prep work performed before your implants are placed will also affect the final cost.
Over time, however, dental implants may end up costing less than other tooth replacements because of their longevity. With good oral hygiene at home and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last a lifetime. If you have dental insurance, be sure to check the details of your plan. Some offer coverage for a portion of the cost of the restoration, whether it is a crown, bridge, or denture.
Unlike a bridge, a partial or a full denture that will need occasional repair and eventual replacement after 10 years or so, dental implants can last for decades. In fact, if you are stringent about brushing and flossing at home and you schedule dental checkups every six months, your implants just might last a lifetime. So, while dental implants can cost a bit most at the start, they may actually cost less in the long run than other types of prosthetics that require continual maintenance and replacement.
A single dental implant typically costs between $1500 and $2000. The majority of that is linked to the price of the implant itself and the fee to surgically position it in your jaw. Naturally, a complicated case may cost more, as would needing multiple implants. However, the individual cost of implants may decrease if you need more than one to restore the appearance and functionality of your smile.
Some patients require preparatory dental work before receiving implants. For instance, failing teeth might need to be extracted. In addition, bone and tissue graft surgeries may be required to strengthen your gums and jawbone. The success of dental implants largely depends on the strength and health of these tissues. The fee for these procedures will, of course, impact the final cost of your dental implants. If you have dental insurance, check the benefits of your plan. You may be entitled to partial coverage for these types of procedures.
A tooth restoration is the finishing touch that is attached to any dental implant. The type of prosthetic you need and how many will contribute to your total cost. Dental crowns for single implants generally cost between $500 and $1500 each. If you need to replace several teeth, a bridge averages between $3000 and $4000. Finally, partial and full dentures start at around $2500 and can cost $5000 or more. Once again, be sure to check your dental insurance, which may cover a portion of the cost for these tooth restorations. We will work with your insurance provider to make sure you receive the maximum allowable benefits for any covered procedure.
Also, your dentist in Worthington accepts CareCredit. This health credit card allows you to break down the cost of your dental implants into manageable payments. CareCredit offers qualified candidates limited-term, interest-free financing.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement, mainly because they have the potential to keep your smile strong and healthy for a lifetime. Of course, that’s only the case if you take proper care of them. You must protect your implants from damage and infection to ensure they stay firmly in place for years to come. Below, we’re sharing healthy habits that can help you enjoy your newly rebuilt smile for as long as possible!
Even though dental implants can’t get cavities, that doesn’t mean you can slack off on your oral hygiene. You must establish a solid at-home routine to keep your smile in optimal condition. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing regularly with an ADA-approved mouthwash will prevent harmful bacteria from wreaking havoc on your implants. With these essential practices, you can lower your risk of dental implant failure.
Once fully healed, you can eat almost any food you want with dental implants. However, you want to make sure you avoid overindulging in hard, sticky, sweet, or acidic foods. It’s strongly recommended that you maintain a nutrient-rich diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, dairy products, and whole grains. By eating foods particularly rich in calcium and vitamin C, you can keep your jawbone strong and gum tissue healthy.
Do you smoke, bite your fingernails, use your teeth as tools, or munch on leftover ice? These poor habits can destroy your natural enamel and dental implants. It’s a good idea to kick these habits to the curb for the sake of your smile. If you need help with anything, like quitting smoking, don’t hesitate to contact our team for assistance. We’ll provide you with the resources, guidance, and support you need to make the feat as easy as can be.
Dental implants are certainly strong, but they’re not indestructible. If you regularly play sports, ask our team about a custom-made oral device. It’ll protect your mouth from any impact should you sustain a blow to the face. For patients who regularly grind their teeth while they sleep, a nightguard may be helpful. The device will prevent serious damage to the enamel from excessive wear and tear.
Visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning is essential for a healthy smile. It allows us to monitor your dental implants and ensure there are no problems developing. With our help, we can spot and treat issues before they turn into serious complications down the line. It’ll help you save plenty of time, money, and unnecessary stress!
Currently, there is no better solution to replace your missing teeth than dental implants in Columbus. You will enjoy an option that closely looks and feels natural because they are the only dental prosthetic to mimic both the root and crown. Dr. Molzahnh knows you probably still have several questions about the treatment despite hearing about their high success rate and reliable results. She has the answers you need to make the best choice for your smile.
Dental implants are proven to last for several decades with the right aftercare, like maintaining your oral hygiene and visiting your implant dentist in Columbus regularly. The biggest threat to their longevity is an infection called peri-implantitis. You can prevent it by cleaning around the implant posts well every day to remove harmful bacteria and plaque.
When you lose a tooth, you also lose the root. As a result, your jaw is no longer stimulated, so your bone deteriorates. Dental implants stimulate your jawbone to encourage new growth since they replace the roots. This promotes your jaw’s density to protect any remaining natural teeth and your facial structures. Your jawbone will also fuse to the posts to create a secure foundation for your new smile. You will never need to worry about any slipping or irritation.
There is no easy answer to this question because the amount is determined on a case-by-case basis. Your individual treatment plan establishes the amount you pay. There are several factors that influence the price, such as the number of teeth being replaced and if you need any additional procedures. Dr. Molzahn provides you with a custom estimate during your initial consultation and discusses your payment options. Sometimes, your dental insurance can be used to help lower the cost, but you will need to review your specific policy. We accept a variety of payment options to keep your treatment affordable, like CareCredit.
If you are ready to replace your missing teeth with the next best thing to your own, start your journey by contacting our office to schedule your consultation. Dr. Molzahn will evaluate your oral and general health to ensure you are a candidate for the procedure. She creates the customized treatment plan you need to rebuild your smile.
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for dental implants. We look forward to seeing you smile!
