Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile—they can impact your ability to chew and speak comfortably, lead to jawbone deterioration, and cause a decline in self-confidence. At Pawlus Dental, we offer a lasting solution: dental implants. Designed to function, look, and feel just like your natural teeth, dental implants provide an unparalleled restorative option that supports both oral health and long-term wellness.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots—typically made of medical-grade titanium—that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Once the implant post integrates with the bone, it serves as a stable anchor for a custom-made prosthetic tooth. This process, known as osseointegration, allows the implant to function like a natural tooth root.
At Pawlus Dental, we often recommend dental implants for patients who have lost one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, trauma, or other dental conditions. Unlike removable options like dentures, implants offer a permanent, fixed solution that restores both aesthetics and function.
Why Choose Dental Implants Over Bridges or Dentures?
While dental bridges and traditional dentures are valid options for replacing missing teeth, they have limitations. Bridges require adjacent healthy teeth to be filed down to support the prosthesis, while dentures may slip or require adhesives for stability. Over time, these alternatives can also accelerate bone loss in the jaw due to lack of stimulation.
Dental implants, on the other hand, offer several significant advantages:
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants are designed to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, offering a natural appearance and comfortable fit.
- Preservation of Jawbone: Since implants stimulate the jawbone, they help prevent the bone loss that commonly occurs after tooth loss.
- No Impact on Adjacent Teeth: Implants stand independently, meaning healthy adjacent teeth are not altered or compromised.
- Improved Speech and Eating: Unlike loose-fitting dentures, implants remain securely in place, allowing you to eat and speak with confidence.
- Durability and Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective solution in the long term.
The Dental Implant Procedure at Pawlus Dental
Initial Consultation and Assessment
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at Pawlus Dental. Our experienced team will evaluate your oral health, medical history, and the condition of your jawbone. Digital imaging and 3D scans may be used to assess bone density and ensure you're a good candidate for dental implants.
If bone loss is present, a bone graft may be recommended to rebuild the jawbone before the implant can be placed.
Implant Placement
Once you're cleared for the procedure, the dental implant post is surgically inserted into the jawbone. This minor oral surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, and sedation options are available for anxious patients.
The titanium post acts as the root of your new tooth. Over the next 3 to 6 months, the implant will integrate with your bone through osseointegration, creating a strong foundation for the final restoration.
Healing and Temporary Restoration
While healing takes place, a temporary tooth may be provided to maintain function and aesthetics. During this time, it's important to follow dietary guidelines and practice good oral hygiene to support healing.
Abutment Placement
After osseointegration is complete, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the implant. This piece links the implant post to the dental crown.
Final Restoration
The final step involves attaching a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to the abutment. This prosthetic tooth is color-matched and shaped to fit naturally with your smile. The result? A durable, natural-looking replacement that functions just like a real tooth. Contact us to learn more.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults who have lost one or more teeth are candidates for dental implants. Ideal candidates will have:
- Healthy gums free from periodontal disease
- Adequate jawbone to support the implant (or be willing to undergo bone grafting)
- Good overall health and the ability to heal properly
- Commitment to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits
Even if you've been told you're not a candidate in the past, advancements in bone grafting and implant design may offer new options. Our team at Pawlus Dental will help determine the best approach for your specific needs.
The Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants
Improved Quality of Life
Dental implants allow you to enjoy your favorite foods, speak with ease, and smile confidently. Unlike dentures, there’s no need to worry about slippage or discomfort.
Long-Term Cost Savings
While dental implants may have a higher upfront cost, their durability and longevity often make them more economical over time compared to repeated denture replacements or bridge repairs.
Enhanced Oral Health
Implants help maintain your facial structure and prevent the shifting of neighboring teeth. Because they mimic natural tooth roots, they also support jawbone health and reduce the risk of further tooth loss.
Minimal Maintenance
Dental implants do not require special cleaning solutions or adhesives. Simply brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly—just as you would with natural teeth.
Customization
Each implant restoration is custom-designed to match your natural teeth, ensuring a beautiful, balanced, and harmonious smile.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your dental implants. Here are a few aftercare tips:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss daily using implant-safe floss or interdental brushes.
- Avoid hard foods like ice or unpopped popcorn kernels that could damage the crown.
- Refrain from smoking, as it can hinder healing and implant success.
- Visit Pawlus Dental every 6 months for professional cleanings and implant evaluations.
With the right care, dental implants can last 20 years or more, and in many cases, they last a lifetime.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you're missing one or more teeth and want a lasting, natural-looking solution, dental implants may be the perfect option for you. At Pawlus Dental, we are proud to offer advanced implant dentistry in Columbus, IN, using the latest techniques and technology to deliver outstanding results.
Let us help you restore your smile and confidence with a treatment that’s proven, permanent, and life-changing.
With good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, your dental implant can last for decades or even a lifetime. To learn more about dental implants, visit Pawlus Dental at 4001 W Goeller Blvd Suite C, Columbus, IN 47201, or call (812) 372-8590.