Dental Implants

Missing teeth can affect more than just how a smile looks. They can make it harder to eat, speak, and feel confident each day. Over time, even a single missing tooth can lead to bone loss and changes in the way the jaw supports surrounding natural teeth. At Oakwood Dental, we help patients in Bucyrus, Ohio, and nearby communities find reliable tooth replacement options that restore comfort and function.

Our team, including Dr. Attila Nagy and Dr. Michelle Nagy, provides complete dental implant treatment from start to finish. We focus on patient-centered dental care in Bucyrus, Ohio, creating personalized treatment plans that support long-term oral health and improve quality of life.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a permanent tooth-replacement option that is made up of three separate parts:

1. Anchor: The implant anchor is a biocompatible metal, screw-like dental device placed into the jawbone to act as the “roots” of the replacement tooth.
2. Dental Crown: The dental crown (also called a cap) is the visible portion of a dental implant that looks, feels, and works just like a natural tooth.
3. Abutment: The abutment is a metal piece to which the crown is permanently affixed, attaching it securely to the anchor.

The implant body and implant post are typically made from titanium. The use of titanium allows the artificial tooth root to bond with surrounding bone cells. This process is key to the long-term stability of the replacement tooth.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are, perhaps, the most popular tooth-replacement option available because they offer many benefits over other dental restorations. Since they are anchored in the jawbone, dental implants look, work, and feel like natural teeth.

Additionally, implants provide direct stimulation and pressure to the jawbone. Without this stimulation (which other types of tooth replacements cannot provide), the jawbone eventually begins to deteriorate. This can negatively impact neighboring teeth and change a person’s physical appearance.

How Are Dental Implants Used?

Dental implants are actually quite versatile in the smile restoration options they provide patients. Individual dental implants can be used to replace one or multiple teeth. They can also be used to support dental bridges, permanent dentures, and removable dentures.

Depending on the number of teeth being replaced, different types of dental implants may be recommended. A single tooth implant can replace one missing tooth, while multiple implants may support a full arch of artificial teeth.

Types of Dental Implants

There are several types of dental implants available. The most common types include:

• Endosteal Implant: Placed directly into the jawbone, this is the most common type of implant used in implant dentistry.
• Implant-Supported Bridge: Used when several missing teeth are located in the same area.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: Designed to stabilize a removable denture for better function.

Each type of implant is selected based on factors like bone density, the lower jaw structure, and the patient’s overall oral health.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Dental implants are a wonderful tooth-replacement option, but they are not necessarily the right option for everyone. To be a candidate for dental implants, a patient must:

1. Have adequate jawbone mass present to support a dental implant anchor
2. Healthy gums with no signs of periodontal disease present
3. Be willing to abstain from tobacco use of any kind throughout the implant process, which can often take months
4. Be healthy enough to undergo oral surgery

When you schedule a dental implant consultation at Oakwood Dental, our dentists can talk with you about your restoration goals, examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone, and help you determine whether or not dental implants are the right choice for you.

The Dental Implant Procedure: What To Expect

The dental implant procedure is a fairly involved process that requires multiple steps from start to completion.

We begin with a consultation and patient examination that helps us determine whether or not the patient requires a bone graft to prepare the jawbone for the dental implant anchor. If a bone graft is needed, then this is the first procedure the patient is scheduled to undergo. A bone graft surgery is followed by a period of recovery when the jawbone regenerates new growth.

Once adequate jawbone mass is present, the implant anchor can be placed during a second procedure. This procedure is followed by another recovery period during which the jawbone osseointegrates with the implant anchor, creating a secure and firm attachment.

Once the patient has fully recovered from the implant placement, the abutment can be placed. Depending on how the patient’s gums healed around the anchor, another healing period might be needed. Once the abutment is placed and gum tissues have healed, a permanent crown can be fixed to the abutment to complete the process.

During dental implant surgery, local anesthesia is used to keep patients comfortable. A small incision is made to access the implant site, and the implant post is carefully positioned. A cover screw may be placed to protect the area during the healing process.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

After dental implant placement, ongoing care plays an important role in long-term success. While implants do not decay like natural teeth, the surrounding gum tissue still needs attention.

• Brush Daily: Clean around the implant body and nearby teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss Regularly: This helps remove plaque near the implant site.
• Schedule Checkups: Routine visits allow a dental professional to monitor healing and function.
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Consistent habits reduce the risk of complications.
• Avoid Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor habits can increase the chance of gum irritation or implant failure.

According to the American Dental Association, good oral hygiene is one of the most important factors in maintaining both natural teeth and artificial teeth.