Dental Implants in Beachwood
Dental implants are the latest and most advanced way to replace missing teeth. They are the only permanent solution, often providing a lifetime of comfort and dental health. Although there are missing teeth options for replacement, Dr. Desatnik believes dental implants are the most appropriate for many of his patients based on his years of experience and passion for providing his patients with solutions that improve their self-confidence and ability to enjoy life.
Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants replace missing teeth with restorations that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The implant itself is a titanium or zirconia implant placed in the jawbone, where it fuses to the surrounding bone to replace the tooth’s missing root. Once the tooth implant has successfully fused with the jaw, it provides a strong, stable foundation for the dental crown or prosthetic that replaces the visible portion of the tooth. The implant is connected to the replacement tooth using a small metal clip or pin called an abutment. The result is restored function and a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Anyone looking for missing teeth options should consider dental implants. If a patient is healthy and has sufficient jawbone strength, implants are a lasting solution. Implants do away with the inconvenience and potential discomfort of alternatives such as dentures and bridges.
If you have extensive jawbone loss, bone grafting may be needed before implant placement. Bone grafting adds several months to the treatment process but ensures the successful integration of the tooth implants with the surrounding bone. Individuals with bleeding disorders, certain autoimmune diseases, and uncontrolled diabetes may not be candidates for dental implants.
Replace Missing Teeth in One Convenient Location
Dental implants require expertise in both implant placement and dental prosthetics. Dr. Desatnik is one of the few dentists in the Beachwood, Ohio, area who is fully trained and experienced in both surgical placement of implants and precision design of dental restorations. This expertise translates to greater convenience and a personalized experience for patients.
Whether his patients need a single tooth implant or a full row of replacement teeth, Dr. Desatnik’s years of experience and remarkable knowledge ensure positive results. Dental implant placement requires understanding a wide range of issues, including occlusal disease, and their impact on proper implant placement. If a patient’s bite is misaligned even slightly, it can impact the success of dental implants, leading to implant rejection, discomfort, and difficulty chewing. Dr. Desatnik is an expert in occlusion, ensuring ideal placement for comfort and proper function.
Dental Implant Placement: What to Expect
Each dental implant procedure is unique. At an initial consultation, Dr. Desatnik evaluates the patient’s medical history, aesthetic goals, and oral health needs to determine what type of dental implants are appropriate. An oral exam, X-rays, 3D imaging, and evaluation of occlusion issues ensure precision and successful replacement of missing teeth.
In many cases, dental implants require two surgical procedures. First, dental implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the gum surface, gradually bonding with the jawbone. Patients wear temporary crowns or dentures and eat a soft diet during this time.
While the implants integrate with the jawbone, Dr. Desatnik designs the final dental prosthetic based on his professional expertise, oral impressions, and 3D images taken at your earlier consultation. When the implants and surrounding tissues are sufficiently healed, Dr. Desatnik uncovers the implants and attaches a small healing collar. Abutments are connected to the implants. The replacement teeth are then placed over the abutments.
Recent advancements in dental implant technology may allow Dr. Desatnik to place single-stage dental implants for patients who meet the criteria. Single-stage implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them and attach the healing collar. Within six weeks, permanent restorations can be attached, although complete healing may take several months. In rare situations, Dr. Desatnik can even place the implant when damaged or diseased teeth are extracted, minimizing the need for additional procedures.
Advantages of Dental Implants from Dr. Desatnik
- At Chagrin Highlands Dental Group, we offer various dental implant options, including same-day implants, single-tooth implant placement, and alternatives for patients with mild to moderate jawbone loss.
- Dr. Desatnik performs every phase of the implant procedure, from implant placement surgery to the design and attachment of the final restorations. He is familiar with your health, aesthetic goals, and concerns and responds with compassion and reassurance.
- Receiving treatment from the initial consultation to the permanent restoration is convenient and effective.
- Desatnik’s understanding of occlusal issues ensures your dental implants are placed in optimal positions at appropriate angles for successful healing and a perfect bite.
- In rare cases when treatment requires consultation with an oral surgeon, Dr. Desatnik’s established professional relationships ensure clear communication and a collaborative approach for your safety and satisfaction.
Are You Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Don’t settle for missing teeth! Dental implants are natural-looking replacement teeth that can renew your smile. Contact us today to learn more!
Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions
Will the procedure hurt?
The implant placement surgery does not hurt. We numb the area and provide oral sedation to relax you and ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Following implant placement, you will experience some mild to moderate pain and swelling for the first few days. Most patients can control their discomfort with ice packs and over-the-counter medication and are back to work within three to five days.
How long does the surgery take?
Placing a single implant may take 30-60 minutes. For multiple implants, the surgery can take 2-3 hours, depending on how many implants are needed. Dr. Desatnik places between four and six implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth for many patients, minimizing surgery time and providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth using less invasive techniques and reducing the need for individual implants.
How long is recovery after replacing missing teeth with implants?
Following implant placement, most patients return to their normal activities within five days, eating a soft diet until the implants have healed. Complete recovery can take anywhere from six to eight months due to the time it takes for the implants to fuse (osseo integrate) with the jawbone. However, during this time, you first have a temporary prosthetic, which is replaced by the permanent prosthetic once osseointegration is complete.
What can I eat after?
You will eat a soft diet for the first several weeks after implant placement. This may include bananas, ice cream, yogurt, hummus, refried beans, mashed potatoes, soft-cooked vegetables, smoothies, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, applesauce, baby food, soups, and protein drinks. After Dr. Desatnik has cleared you to begin adding solid foods, you can gradually add firmer foods to your diet. Once healing is complete, you can eat any foods you like, including hard, crunchy, and spicy foods, with no problem.
How long do dental implants last?
The titanium or zirconia implant in the jawbone lasts 30 years or more. For most patients, they last a lifetime. The restoration, crown, or dental prosthetic can last well over 20 years before needing potential replacement.
How much do implants cost?
Many variables impact cost, including the number of implants needed, the type of restoration, the complexity of the surgery, and the individual healing process. For an accurate price estimate, contact our office at Chagrin Highlands Dental Group Phone Number (216) 464-9800 to arrange an initial consultation. Dr. Desatnik will prepare a detailed quote based on his assessment of your needs and oral health.
What happens if I do not get implants?
If you choose to replace missing teeth with dentures or bridges, you will not get some of the benefits found with dental implants. Without implants to replace the missing teeth roots, several things happen:
- The jawbone begins to resorb, leading to a sunken facial appearance and deterioration of the bone around any remaining teeth.
- The remaining teeth shift out of position, loosen, and may eventually fall out.
- You cannot eat foods such as corn on the cob, tough foods, and seeds or nuts that can get stuck under dentures.
- You have to put extra time, money, and care into dentures or other removable prosthetics.
- Dentures or bridges can lead to sores on the gums due to shifting, wear and tear, and difficulty maintaining a secure fit.
What happens if I wait to get implants?
The longer you wait for tooth replacement, the more difficult the procedure. Within one year after losing a tooth or having it extracted, the surrounding jawbone can deteriorate by as much as 25%. If there is insufficient jawbone, you may need bone grafts before getting implants, adding several months and additional surgery to your treatment.
Does my insurance cover dental implants?
It varies from one insurance provider to another. Although the total cost is not covered unless the implants are medically necessary, many plans cover the cost of the crowns or prosthetics but not the implant placement. Talk to your insurance carrier to determine how much is covered. If you have questions, our office staff can walk you through the process and help you maximize your insurance coverage.
If you are interested in dental implants, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Desatnik. He will answer your questions and determine whether implants are the right choice to replace your missing teeth. Contact our office today at Chagrin Highlands Dental Group Phone Number (216) 464-9800.
Are You Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Don’t settle for missing teeth! Dental implants are natural-looking replacement teeth that can renew your smile. Contact us today to learn more!