Dental Implants: What You Should Know

Let’s face it: Missing a tooth is a pesky thing, emotionally and physically. It can make you feel embarrassed when smiling and eating, and over time it may even alter your jaw line and the overall shape of your face. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable if you’re missing a tooth, but don’t let that stop you from exploring your options to fix the problem! At Woodlawn Dental Center we offer dental implants that can easily restore the balance to your smile.
Dental implants are a great solution for missing teeth. An implant is an artificial tooth that is made specifically for you, so no implant is ever the same. It’s made of bone-like ceramic materials so it blends in seamlessly, while restoring stability to your tooth structure. Implants don’t require special cleaning outside of regular dental hygiene. They can be used for both upper and lower jaws, they don’t move or shift (in fact, they actually keep other teeth from shifting!), and they are long-lasting. It’s no wonder the number of people getting dental implants grows every year. According to the American Dental Association at least, 5.5 million people a year get dental implants.
So how does it work? Getting dental implants is generally a three-part process. First, the dentist surgically places the implant in the jaw. A screw is inserted into the implant to prevent disease from entering the area. The implant is then covered for three to six months to give it time to fuse with the bone. Next, an extension called a post is attached to the implant. The gum tissue is then given time to heal around the post. Depending on what kind of implant you’re getting, this may require a second surgical procedure. Finally, the crown is attached to the implant post , which is custom made to fit the size, shape, and color of your teeth. After that, you’re good to go!
Woodlawn Dental Center has been offering dental implant services since 2014. Dr. Maximo has over 100 hours of continuing education on the subject, and holds a Mastership in dental implants through the International Dental Implant Association. Our office has also formed a partnership with Dr. Lee, an oral surgeon at Muskingum Valley Oral Surgery in Cambridge, to make sure you’re given a dental implant that will function exactly the way you need it to.
We’re committed to giving you the best treatment possible and leaving you with a smile you can feel proud of. If you’re wondering whether you could be a candidate for dental implants, feel free to give our office a call. We’re more than happy to answer your questions!