Dental Implants – Chardon, OH
The Modern Answer to Tooth Loss
Hilltop Family Dental offers multiple solutions to replace missing teeth, but dental implants are truly the gold standard at the end of the day. How do they stand out? They actually restore the tooth root and the crown, creating the most reliable, durable, and natural-feeling results possible. Not only can we use them to address any level of tooth loss, but they are designed to last for decades! Want to learn more about them? Give our dental office a call, and we’ll get you scheduled for an appointment today to discuss tooth replacement with dental implants in Chardon, OH.
Why Choose Hilltop Family Dental for Dental Implants?
- Partners with Highly Trained Oral Surgeons
- Designed and Fabricated from Tooth-Colored Ceramics
- Flexible Financing Solutions for Care
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are made up of three main parts. This includes the root, (which is typically made from titanium), the abutment, and the restoration. Keep in mind that dental implants specifically replace the root of teeth. This is a major difference between other options which only restore the visible crown portion. As a result, you can expect a tooth that feels natural, whether you’re brushing, flossing, eating your favorite food, or flashing a smile for a photo.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process takes time to complete, in some cases, up to a year. However, patients agree that the results are well worth the effort and time! Each treatment is custom-tailored to our patients’ individual needs, but all plans include four primary steps: the consultation, implant surgery, healing period, and attachment of the final restoration.
The Initial Consultation
The first step of every dental implant journey is an initial consultation with Dr. Slezak. During this visit, our goal is to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the treatment, set realistic expectations with you, and determine whether any preparatory procedures are needed. In order to do this, our team will capture X-rays of your mouth and Dr. Slezak will conduct a thorough examination.
Based on our findings, our team will draw up a treatment plan that we can then walk you through so you know exactly what to expect from the process. This will also be the perfect time for you to ask any questions you may have so we can help you feel comfortable and confident moving forward.
Dental Implant Placement
The next and most critical step of the process is your dental implant surgery. Our team partners with local experts for this part, ensuring that you receive reliable, exceptional results. Our team will coordinate your surgery with the provider we’re referring you to and stay in the loop about your progress.
Healing & Osseointegration
Following your dental implant surgery, you’ll undergo a lengthy healing process of between three and six months. During this time, osseointegration will occur. This is when your titanium dental implants that were surgically secured into your jawbone will fuse with the bone. As a result, your implants can function just like natural tooth roots, providing a strong and stable foundation for your replacement teeth.
After osseointegration has occurred and your gums have healed, you’ll have another minor surgical procedure where your oral surgeon will secure small, metal connector pieces to the tops of your implants. These abutments will allow our team at Hilltop Family Dental to attach your prosthetic.
Attaching the Final Restoration
After your gums have healed around your abutments, our team will call you back into the office to attach your final restoration. Depending on the number and location of teeth you’re missing, this can be a free-standing crown, bridge, or denture that will be custom-made by our laboratory to match your surrounding teeth. After confirming that the look and fit is perfect, we’ll attach your replacement teeth to your abutments and complete your smile!
Benefits of Dental Implants
When you want more than just a complete smile, dental implants deliver. Just a few of the many benefits they provide include the following:
- Enjoy your favorite foods, no matter how tough, chewy, or crunchy they might be
- Expect your tooth replacement to last 30+ years when coupled with at-home hygiene and regular checkups
- A truly natural-looking smile
- The only solution that prevents bone loss
- Reduced signs of aging, including facial sagging, hollowing of the cheeks, and a changing jaw shape
- No need to modify existing enamel to place
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Dental implants were designed to replace molars specifically, but they are so versatile they can replace any teeth (or any number of teeth) to make your smile complete. If you have recently had a tooth extracted or been living with a denture for many years, chances are dental implants can help you. With that said, you will need to complete a consultation at our dental office first to learn your eligibility. Before you arrive, you are welcome to learn more about the process below!
Missing One Tooth
A single implant is placed inside the jaw to replace individual teeth. From there, the titanium post integrates with the bone over the next several months. After fusion is complete, an abutment is attached and a restoration fills the gap. Using natural-looking ceramic, we will make sure your custom restoration blends in with your existing teeth.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Replacing multiple consecutive teeth starts with placing a pair of dental implants. In most cases, this is sufficient to hold an implant bridge consisting of two, three, or four crowns. Since the implants are holding the restoration, there is no need to modify existing enamel, which is necessary for traditional bridges.
Missing All of Your Teeth
Have you been living with a full or partial denture for a long time? Dental implants can be paired with a denture to give them better stability and longevity. The number of implants used can vary depending on the condition of the jawbone, but typically between four and eight implants are needed, whether it’s either the top or bottom arch.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
How much you pay for dental implant treatment largely depends on a few unique factors. For example, if more teeth need to be replaced, more materials will be needed. Additionally, this extends the length of your surgery. If you need preparatory treatments like bone grafting or tooth extractions, you can expect higher costs. In some cases, dental insurance can also help pay for specific phases of dental implant treatment, but this depends on the plan. No matter what your needs may be, Hilltop Family Dental will help you get the best value for your care. Our team will break down the costs to you ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect.