If you have lost a tooth due to disease, injury, or other reason, a dental implant may be the perfect solution.
Dental implants are the most natural option available in today’s dentistry. They have been used successfully for more than three decades, and are the only restoration treatment that preserves natural bone.
Dental implants are also a viable alternative to dentures or bridges that don’t fit well or when natural teeth roots don’t allow for dentures or bridgework.
With a success rate of almost 98%, dental implants are the most reliable and permanent replacement for missing or damaged teeth. They feel, look, and function like natural teeth.
Dental implants are screw-shaped artificial tooth roots made of titanium. When placed in your jawbone, they bond with your natural bone, stimulating bone growth and creating a sturdy foundation for artificial teeth, called crowns.
A connector, known as an abutment, is placed on top of the implant to hold and support your crowns. The crowns are then custom-made to match your natural teeth.
Patients enjoy better oral health with an implant because it leaves the surrounding teeth intact. Once fully healed (generally in 6-12 weeks), implants do not affect eating, drinking or speaking.
Dr. Thiel will consult with you to determine if implants are a good fit for your unique situation. He will refer you to a specialist provider – generally an oral surgeon – for the procedure. Be assured he and his team will work closely with this provider to ensure your complete and seamless care.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Unfortunately, this is not a yes-or-no question. It depends on whether medical insurance, dental insurance, or both could apply to the procedure, and on your specific coverage details and limits. Dr. Thiel and his team will always discuss costs and insurance options with you before any treatment begins.
Did You Know?
Three million people in the United States have dental implants… .a number that is growing by 500,000 annually
If you’re missing one or more teeth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Thiel today!
Dental Implant FAQ
Losing a tooth doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of gaps, slipping dentures, or avoiding your favorite foods. Dental implants have been used successfully for more than three decades and remain the most natural-looking, long-term solution for missing teeth. Here are answers to some of the questions our Worthington patients ask most about dental implants.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Most adults who have lost one or more teeth to disease, injury, or decay are good candidates, as long as they have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant and good overall oral health. Dr. Thiel will evaluate your specific situation during a consultation to confirm implants are the right fit for you.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
Implants feel, look, and function like natural teeth, and they’re the only restoration that preserves your natural bone. Unlike bridges, they don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support, which means your remaining healthy teeth stay untouched.
Do dental implants last?
With a success rate of nearly 98%, implants are the most reliable, permanent option for replacing missing teeth. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, a properly placed implant can last a lifetime.
How do dental implants help if I have full dentures or partial dentures?
Implants offer a sturdy, permanent alternative for patients whose dentures or bridges no longer fit well or feel secure. Because they bond directly with your jawbone, implants stay firmly in place, so there’s no more shifting, slipping, or discomfort while you eat or speak.
How long does it take to get a dental implant?
The full process happens in stages. After the titanium implant is placed in your jawbone, it needs time to bond with the bone, generally six to 12 weeks, before your custom crown is attached. Dr. Thiel works closely with the referring specialist throughout to keep your care seamless from start to finish.
Is it possible for my body to reject the implant?
True rejection is rare, since implants are made of titanium, a material the body tolerates extremely well. Failure can occasionally happen due to insufficient bone, infection, or poor healing, which is why Dr. Thiel carefully evaluates your bone health and overall candidacy before moving forward.
Ready to Replace Missing Teeth?
If you’re missing one or more teeth, don’t wait to explore your options. Dental implants could be the natural, long-term solution you’ve been looking for. Call Signature Dental at (614) 846-7828 or request an appointment online today.