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Dental Implants – Sagamore Hills, OH

Enjoy a Realistic, Long-Lasting Tooth Loss Solution

young man pointing to his smile with dental implants in Sagamore HillsOver the past few decades, dental implants in Sagamore Hills have become the premier tooth replacement solution, enabling patients with missing teeth to regain a smile that not only looks natural, but feels natural as well. Dental implants are the only treatment to restore an entire tooth both above and below the gumline, providing quality results simply unmatched by any other solution. Whether you are missing a single tooth or need a full set of implant dentures, Dr. Dan Greenwood can use dental implants to rebuild your smile. To learn more about dental implants and what they could do for you, contact us today for a consultation.

Why Choose Greenwood Dental for Dental Implants?

What Are Dental Implants?

dental implant being placed in the lower jaw

A dental implant consists of a titanium post that is surgically placed into the missing tooth’s socket. Over the course of the next several months, the gums heal, and the jawbone grows to surround the post, just as it would with a natural tooth. This process is called osseointegration. Then, a metal piece called an abutment is attached to connect the post to the dental crown, bridge, or denture that is placed on top.

Altogether, dental implants are the most efficient way to restore your smile after tooth loss. Their unique ability to recreate the full structure of lost teeth gives them unmatched strength, function, and longevity – with the right care, your implants could last for 30 years or longer!

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

X-ray of a patient with a dental implant

Due to the complex structure of dental implants, getting them takes multiple appointments. Overall, it may be several months to a year or more until your new smile is complete. However, their long-term benefits make them worth waiting for! Plus, Dr. Greenwood has undergone the advanced training necessary to complete every step of the dental implant process right here in our office. Here is a basic outline of the four steps of the treatment.

Initial Dental Implant Consultation

dentist showing a patient how dental implants work

At the initial appointment, your dentist near Macedonia will address the main issues you have with your teeth and find out what your goals are to create a plan for the best way to achieve the results you want. This will also include a review of your medical history, a comprehensive exam, and any necessary radiographs to ensure a successful treatment.

  • Dental impressions will be taken if an implant is the best solution, and it will be used to create our surgical guides.
  • A CT scan may be necessary for many cases because it helps us in planning your case by giving us a 3D picture of your bone, compared to a 2D X-Ray.

Many factors determine the course of an implant case. For starters, is the tooth present, has it been lost recently, or have you been without it for several years? Each situation presents a different set of issues we will work to address, including if there is enough bone to accept a dental implant. If the bone is inadequate, a bone graft procedure may be necessary. Bone grafts and other advanced procedures make replacing teeth possible for many people who would not have the option otherwise.

Dental Implant Surgery

young man sitting in the dental chair

Dental implant surgery is relatively easy and minimally invasive. A small incision is made in your gum tissue to expose the implant site. We prepare the bone with small titanium or ceramic burs and the implant is placed, followed by a healing cap or a temporary crown. The soft tissues are then sutured closed around the implant to heal.  Two weeks after surgery, we will follow up for post operation check-up and ensure that the tissues around the dental implant are healing well.

Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment

dental implant in the jawbone

We allow a period of time for osseointegration prior to proceeding with the last phase of treatment. Osseointegration is the process where your bone cells grow and fuse to the dental implant.

Placement of Dental Implant Restorations

dentist placing a crown on top of a dental implant post

Once we have determined that your implant has successfully integrated, we will attach a ceramic crown to the dental implant via an abutment and screw. The end result is a vibrant, natural feeling restoration that blends in and functions well with your own teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

happy elderly couple in a park

Before making the decision to replace your missing teeth, it’s important to consider all of your possible options. That being said, it’s worth noting that since dental implants recreate the entire structure of the tooth, they provide various advantages that dental bridges and dentures simply cannot. Here are a few of the benefits of dental implants in Sagamore Hills that are not possible with traditional solutions.

Day-to-Day Benefits

woman biting into a red apple

  • Natural look and feel – After being surgically placed, the implant posts fuse with your jawbone. This enables them to feel just as natural as the teeth that you used to have. Additionally, the replacement teeth that go on top of your implants are custom-made from lifelike materials to resemble your original pearly whites. In short, dental implants in Sagamore Hills are the next best thing to your real teeth!
  • Stability – Because your new teeth are secured onto posts that are firmly embedded in your jaw, they won’t slip around like regular dentures tend to do. You’ll be able to smile confidently with the knowledge that your teeth will stay where they’re supposed to be at all times.
  • Easier eating – By bringing back the root structures of missing teeth, dental implants restore almost all of the chewing and biting force that you had before tooth loss. Essentially, you’ll be able to eat all of the chewy and crunchy foods that you want. You’ll also have a much easier time maintaining a balanced diet full of nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Health Benefits

man brushing his teeth in front of a mirror

  • Prevent dental drift – When a tooth is lost, the teeth on either side of it will start to drift out of place. Eventually, this can make cause orthodontic problems and make it more difficult to fill the gap down the road. Dental implants work to keep your remaining teeth in their proper positions.
  • Preserve your jawbone – Another consequence of missing teeth is bone loss in the jaw. Normally, the force from biting and chewing travels through the roots of your teeth and stimulates your jawbone. Without tooth roots, your jawbone loses this stimulation and begins to deteriorate over time. Not only does this lead to an aged facial appearance, but it increases the risk of further tooth loss. Dental implants function exactly like real teeth, giving your jawbone the stimulation that it needs to stay strong and keep you looking young.
  • Promote better oral health – Unlike dentures, dental implants don’t require any specialized cleaning products. Daily maintenance is often as simple as brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Because dental implants are so easy to clean, they naturally decrease your risk for oral health problems like gum infections.

Long-Term Benefits

couple stretching outside before exercising

  • Incredible success rate – Dental implants are by far the most successful tooth replacement to date. More than 95% of dental implant patients are still enjoying their new teeth to the fullest, even after more than a decade down the line.
  • Long-lasting solution – As long you maintain good oral hygiene and regularly visit an implant dentist in Sagamore Hills, your implants can easily last for more than 30 years. While they cost more up-front, they can actually save you money in the long run compared to bridges and dentures that have to be replaced every five to ten years.

Convenience – Dental implants save you not only money, but time as well. You won’t need to visit our dental office for adjustments, repairs, or replacements nearly as often as you would with traditional tooth loss treatments.  

Who Dental Implants Can Help

close-up of a woman smiling with a dental implant

Contrary to common belief, your implant dentist in Sagamore Hills can use dental implants to treat all severities of tooth loss, not just an individual tooth. Dr. Greenwood can most likely develop a treatment plan for you, no matter how many teeth you are missing. Better yet, the majority of adults who are generally healthy qualify for dental implants. If you’re looking for a way to rebuild your smile, there’s a good chance that dental implants are right for you!

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

woman talking to her dental hygienist

During your consultation, Dr. Greenwood will assess your mouth and jaw to ensure that you have enough healthy jawbone mass to securely hold the implants in place. However, this isn’t the only factor that determines your eligibility for dental implants. If you’re considering dental implants, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Am I committed to maintaining good oral hygiene?
  • Am I willing to quit smoking or using tobacco?
  • Do I feel like I have a strong jaw?
  • Am I free of any pre-existing conditions that could complicate oral surgery or recovery?

Even if you answered “no” to one or more of these questions, don’t worry! You may still be a good candidate for dental implants in Sagamore Hills. We might simply have to plan out certain procedures that are designed to increase your chances of successful treatment. At your consultation, we’ll talk about whether any of these procedures are necessary.

We’ll also discuss the number of implant posts that you require to complete your smile. As we mentioned earlier, dental implants can restore any number of missing teeth:

Missing One Tooth

single dental implant being placed in the upper jaw

If you’re missing a single tooth, a dental implant topped with an all-porcelain crown can provide a replacement virtually identical to your real tooth. Porcelain is an incredibly lifelike material that can be customized to mimic the exact color of the rest of your teeth. This, coupled with the stability of the implant within the jaw, means that your tooth replacement will look and feel perfectly natural.

Missing Multiple Teeth

two dental implants supporting a dental bridge

Traditionally, multiple missing teeth were replaced with a dental bridge or partial denture. To stay in place, these solutions relied on support from remaining healthy teeth. Over time, these teeth wear down and more susceptible to breakage, sensitivity, and decay. Dental implants easily solve this problem. With an implant-supported bridge, prosthetic teeth are created to fill the empty space and attached to an implant post at either end of the gap. A partial denture can also be designed to fit over a small number of expertly placed implants.

Learn More Implant-Supported Bridges

Missing All Teeth

four dental implants supporting an implant denture

Dental implants can even be used to support a full denture – one that is several times stronger and more reliable than a traditional prosthetic. A denture is anchored onto four to six implant posts that are strategically placed throughout your jawbone. Because of this added security, you won’t need to worry about your teeth slipping or irritating your gums. You’ll also be able to chew your favorite foods easily again.

Learn More About All-On-4

Learn More About Implant Dentures

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

dental instruments lying on top of a stack of hundred-dollar bills

It is no secret dental implants can be expensive; however, they are worth the money. They have the potential to last for a lifetime, so they are more cost-effective long-term because they do not need to be replaced.

There are several factors that influence the amount you pay because it is determined by your individual treatment plan, such as if you need any additional procedures and your dental insurance. We will help you maximize the value of your dental insurance benefits to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. We also accept a variety of payment options to keep your new smile affordable.

Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery

Patient learning about the cost of dental implants in Sagamore Hills

There are various stages that make up your dental implant procedure, and each part incurs a separate cost. First, any preexisting oral health issues you have will need to be treated before surgery. For example, you may need to complete gum disease treatment or a bone graft before moving forward with dental implants, which will naturally add to the final price.

Next, your dental implants will be surgically placed in your jaw by your implant dentist in Sagamore Hills. This step will also add to the total cost of your treatment. The price of dental implant surgery will depend on factors like location in the mouth and the use of sedation. We’re proud to save our patient’s valuable time and money by offering dental implant surgery right here in-office.

The Parts of Your Dental Implant

Different types of dental implants in Sagamore Hills

We’ll also consider the dental implant or implants that you need as well. This price will depend on factors like:

  • Number of dental implants : Naturally, the more dental implants you need, the more expensive your treatment will be. Thankfully, you won’t always need as many dental implants as you have missing teeth.
  • Type of restoration : Different restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures each come at their own price point. While a denture is more costly than a crown or bridge, it is a more cost-effective solution than replacing many teeth with multiple crowns and bridges in most cases.
  • Size or material : To meet unique needs and circumstances of our patients, some dental implants are different sizes or made of different materials, which will influence the final price.
  • Brand of dental implant : Different companies make dental implants, and we only use brands that have a reputation for being trustworthy and reliable.

How Dental Implants Can Save You Money

Woman learning how to pay for dental implants in Sagamore Hills

Dental implants often come at a higher price than other replacement options, but their unique benefits make their cost well worth it. Dental implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth, and they stimulate your jawbone to prevent it from deteriorating after tooth loss. This helps you keep your remaining teeth while maintaining a youthful and full facial appearance. Additionally, the implants themselves can last for a lifetime with proper care, which can actually save you money in the future.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Dental insurance paperwork for the cost of dental implants in Sagamore Hills

Typically, dental insurance will not cover dental implants, but you may be able to receive coverage for various procedures associated with treatment. For example, preexisting issues like gum disease will need to be treated before dental implants, which can be covered by insurance. Your plan may also cover your initial consultation and partially cover restorations, but this will all depend on the details of your unique plan. Our friendly front desk staff will help you maximize your insurance benefits while protecting your wallet from unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.

Dental Implant FAQs

dentist holding a dental implant model

By now, just about everyone has heard how great dental implants are for replacing missing teeth, but at Greenwood Dental, we’ve found that many of our patients (understandably) still have questions about the procedure. For answers to some of the most common implant FAQs we hear, keep reading below. If you have any additional questions for Dr. Greenwood or simply want to schedule a consultation, get in touch anytime!

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

Dental implants in Sagamore Hills are a great solution for most people, but there are some exceptions. For example, some patients have general health conditions such as immune disorders or unmanaged diabetes that interfere with their ability to heal properly. Others have advanced gum disease that lowers their chance of long-term implant success. In these cases, we can recommend alternative options.

Since everyone has a unique health history and oral health needs, the best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for implants is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Greenwood. After a thorough evaluation, he’ll be able to create the perfect treatment plan for you.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Yes! Dental implants have been used for several decades now and have been successfully used to restore the smiles of millions of patients. In fact, it’s estimated that around 5,000,000 new implants are placed every year, according to the ADA. Also, you’ll be glad to know that implants are made from bio-compatible, surgical-grade titanium, the same material that’s used in knee and hip replacements.

Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?

There are so many different dental insurance companies, and with the increasing demand for dental implants, many policies are paying attention. The short answer is that coverage for dental implants varies by insurance plan. They might cover some of the associated services such as exams, X-rays, etc.

With that said, every insurance plan is different, so it’s worth it to look at your individual benefits or give us a call and we’ll be happy to explain your coverage.

Can I Have the Entire Dental Implant Procedure Done in Your Office?

Absolutely. Dr. Greenwood is a dentist in Sagamore Hills with the advanced training and equipment to handle the entire implant procedure, from start to finish. After performing the surgery to place your implants, he’ll later restore them with the appropriate option (e.g., a dental crown, bridge, or denture). We’re thrilled that our implant patients don’t have to go to an outside office or work with a team that they don’t know and trust.

Will I Need to Take Time Off Work for Dental Implant Surgery?

Our patients typically will only miss the time for the surgery, and most of our patients are back to work the next day. You may have some mild swelling and tenderness in the area, but it’s typically well-managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients report minimal to no post-op discomfort.

Dental Implants Post-Op InstructionsDental Implants Post-Op Instructions

Male patient leaning back in chair and smiling

The dental implant process isn’t over once the posts have been placed. The next step is to wait for your mouth to heal. Many patients are nervous about this part, but as long as you follow our instructions and are mindful about the care you give your implant posts and the rest of your smile, there shouldn’t be any problems with your recovery. Below, you can find out more about what will happen after your implant surgery and what kind of aftercare will be necessary.

What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery

Young woman resting at home on couch

In most cases, you should plan on resting at home for a few days after receiving your dental implants. During your initial recovery, your biggest concern should be to prevent a dry socket. A blood clot will form at the implant site and will need to remain in place while you’re still healing. Keep your blood clot safe by:

  • Not using straws.
  • Not spitting.
  • Not smoking.
  • Not touching the site with your fingers or tongue.

Common Side Effects When Recovering from Dental Implant Placement

Woman in a striped sweater rubbing her jaw

When you first get dental implants, you might experience swelling and general discomfort. Also, there may be some off-and-on bleeding. These side effects are nothing to worry about; they’ll go away on their own given enough time. To make sure your post-surgical symptoms stay under control, you can:

  • Use gauze to put light pressure on the site whenever there's bleeding.
  • Apply a cold compress to keep any swelling down.
  • Taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.

Do your side effects seem to be getting worse? Are they lasting longer than expected? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes,” please call our office immediately.

Your Diet After Dental Implant Surgery

A serving of scrambled eggs in a bowl

One thing you’re likely to be wondering after getting dental implant surgery is, “What will I be able to eat during my recovery?” In general, anything hard or crunchy needs to be avoided entirely at first. Your diet should only include softer options that require very little if any chewing. Mashed potatoes, pasta, and scrambled eggs are all good options to stock up on. You can also have soup as long as it isn’t overly hot.

Post-Op Health & Oral Hygiene

Rinsing off a toothbrush in the sink

Preventing infection is a major concern after any type of oral surgery, so you can’t afford to neglect your oral hygiene following implant placement. Brush your teeth like you normally would while being very gentle and careful around the surgical sites. It’s also a good idea to rinse with salt water or alcohol-free prescription mouth rinse two or three times a day.

What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached

Man checking his smile in the mirror

You’ll receive your restoration once your implants have bonded with your jawbone and the rest of your mouth has healed. At this point, there shouldn’t be any swelling or bleeding, and you won’t need to take additional time off work to recover. Some patients experience minor gum sensitivity, but it’s typically easy to manage.

Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implant

Model jaw with dental implant in Sagamore Hills

It is no secret dental implants can be expensive; however, they are worth the money. They have the potential to last for a lifetime, so they are more cost-effective long-term because they do not need to be replaced.

There are several factors that influence the amount you pay because it is determined by your individual treatment plan, such as if you need any additional procedures and your dental insurance. We help you maximize the value of your policy to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. We also accept a variety of payment options to keep your new smile affordable.

Make Oral Hygiene a Priority

Man brushing his dental implants in Sagamore Hills

Unlike natural teeth, dental implants can’t decay or develop cavities. However, it’s still essential to practice great oral hygiene to keep your gums and other supportive tissues that hold your dental implant in place strong and healthy. Be sure to brush your teeth two to three times daily, floss every day, and use dental hygiene aids like a water pick or proxy brush.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Woman with dental implants in Sagamore Hills eating an apple

Dental implants allow you to enjoy all your favorite foods once again, but it’s important to continue to maintain a healthy diet. Good overall health will promote a longer lifespan for your dental implants, so decrease your intake of sugary snacks, limit your intake of processed carbs and sodium, and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

Break Bad Habits

Patient with dental implants in Sagamore Hills breaking cigarette

Just as a few simple healthy habits can help you make the most of your dental implants, a few bad habits can cause your dental implants to fail. Once you rebuild your smile, take the opportunity to break habits like:

  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Chewing on hard objects like ice, fingernails, and pens
  • Using your teeth as tools to open packages and bottles

Protect Your Dental Implants

Woman wearing mouthguard to protect dental implants in Sagamore Hills

Dental implants are strong, and thanks to their unique placement and fusion within the jawbone, the implants themselves are unlikely to break. However, the porcelain restoration that the implant or implants supports has a higher probability of becoming damaged. It’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your new smile.

Do you play sports? Even though dental implants are set firmly into your jawbone, they can potentially be knocked loose just like natural teeth if you fall or take a blow to the face. No matter what sport you play, make sure to wear a custom athletic mouthguard.

Do you grind your teeth at night? This condition is called bruxism, and the extra pressure it exerts on your natural teeth and dental implants can cause serious damage. We can help you discover if you have bruxism and can provide a custom nightguard to keep your smile safe while you sleep.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Man visiting his Sagamore Hills implant dentist for a checkup

No matter how many teeth you’ve replaced with dental implants, whether it was just one tooth, a few, or an entire arch, you should still visit us every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. This way, we can monitor your teeth and dental implants and help keep oral health issues at bay. If any issues should begin to develop, these regular visits will allow us to spot and stop them as early as possible.