If you’re missing one or more teeth and wish to increase your chewing ability and improve your appearance, speech, and self-esteem, then dental implants may be right for you. At Tomase Dental Care in Toledo, Ohio, board-certified family and general dentist Timothy Tomase, DDS performs implant dentistry for patients with missing teeth. Call Tomase Dental Care or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.
Dental Implants in Toledo
![what is a dental implant?](https://toledoohiodental.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/bigstock-Dentist-With-Tools-Pointing-At-444947222.jpg)
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a replacement tooth root made of titanium. The thin screw requires a surgical placement to restore tooth function. Once placed in your jaw, a dental implant connects to a prosthetic, such as a crown, a bridge, or a denture. Implants stabilize replacement teeth, so they look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
The biggest benefits of dental implants include:
Restore full tooth function
A denture or bridge rests on top of your gums, which may restore some of your bite force but can still make chewing uncomfortable. Dental implants bond with your jawbone, fully restoring your ability to bite and chew.
Improve speech
When dentures shift on your gums, they increase saliva production. Many people with dentures experience slurred speech or a lisp as a result. Dental implants stay firmly in place, allowing you to speak perfectly.
Prevent bone loss
Tooth roots maintain your bone health. Without a root, the bone in your jaw breaks down. Bone loss leaves your remaining teeth vulnerable to shifting and loosening. Since your jawbone helps maintain your natural face shape, bone resorption can also lead to sagging skin and premature aging.
Maintain oral health
Unlike removable dentures and other prosthetics, dental implants require no special care. You can brush and floss as you normally do and visit us for a checkup every six months.
Dental implants are long-lasting restorations that can last for up to 25 years or more. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
What is the dental implant process like?
Placing dental implants takes weeks of planning. Beyond a comprehensive dental exam, teeth cleaning, and X-rays, Dr. Tomase may recommend cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to detect bone loss.
Healthy bone in your jaw is essential to stabilize dental implants. If you don’t have enough jawbone to support the implant, you may need a bone graft before surgery. Recovery can take up to three months.
When you arrive for implant surgery, Dr. Tomase will administer anesthesia and create an access hole in your gums. Next, he will carefully insert the implant and suture the incision. Over the next 6-12 weeks, your bone will heal around the implant to secure it in place. This process, called osseointegration, is what allows dental implants to function exactly like natural tooth roots.
After your mouth has fully healed, Dr. Tomase will take impressions to create your custom replacement teeth. At your final visit, he will connect your prosthetic teeth to restore the appearance and function of your smile.